Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington’s Constellation Stage & Screen is preparing to present the world premiere of The King’s Wife: A New Musical, a bold and innovative production that promises to bring a fresh perspective to the life of Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. The musical, which runs from June 5-29 at the Waldron Auditorium, offers an electrifying reimagining of the iconic Tudor Queen’s story, focusing on her resilience, strength, and the legacy she fought to secure despite the challenges she faced.
Directed by Tamilla Woodard, Associate Director of the Tony Award-winning Hadestown on Broadway, The King’s Wife is set to captivate audiences with its dynamic storytelling, engaging pop score, and a stellar creative team. The production features a groundbreaking combination of historical reimagining and contemporary music, a mix that promises to give this historical figure a voice that resonates today.
The King’s Wife centers on Katherine of Aragon as she navigates the complex pressures of queenship and the fight to secure her legacy in a kingdom defined by power struggles and personal sacrifice. The show delves into her strength and determination, shedding light on her ability to challenge the roles society and her marriage to Henry VIII imposed upon her.
A Revolutionary Musical Experience
Written by award-winning Welsh playwright Mêlisa Annis, The King’s Wife is a revolutionary pop musical that brings a modern touch to a long-forgotten era. Annis, known for her work with Playwrights Horizons, Primary Stages, and Rosalind Productions, has dedicated much of her career to elevating voices and stories that are often marginalized by history.
“The King’s Wife emerged from my deep desire to unearth and honor the voices of those whose stories have been relegated to the footnotes of history,” Annis shared. “In writing this musical, I embarked on a journey of research, imagination, and heartfelt collaboration—one that led me to dusty archives, forgotten letters, and whispered legends of resilience and quiet rebellion amongst the women of the sixteenth century Tudor Court. The King’s Wife reimagines a period in the life of Katherine of Aragon, not merely as a queen defined by her marriage, but as a resilient and dynamic force who tried to reshape the kingdom.”
This musical doesn’t just focus on Katherine’s royal title but on her spirit and the profound strength she demonstrated during a turbulent time in England’s history. As the first wife of Henry VIII, Katherine’s experience is one of personal sacrifice and intense court politics, which makes her an enduring symbol of perseverance.
Music and Lyrics by Grammy-Nominated Jamie Floyd
The show’s electric score is composed by three-time Grammy-nominated songwriter Jamie Floyd, whose impressive portfolio includes collaborations with iconic artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, and Dolly Parton. Floyd’s music adds a contemporary, pop-infused twist to the historical narrative, giving the story a fresh sound that resonates with modern audiences. In addition to the score, the music is supervised and orchestrated by Jared Stein, whose Broadway credits include Spring Awakening, Hair, and American Idiot.
Together, Floyd and Stein bring their expertise to a musical that defies convention, blending history with high-energy pop and rock influences. The music promises to add an extra layer of intensity and emotion to Katherine’s complex story.
A Stellar Cast
The King’s Wife is brought to life by a talented cast that includes some notable names in theater. Emma Hunton, known for her work in Broadway’s Spring Awakening and the first national tour of Wicked, takes on the role of Queen Katherine. Hunton’s portrayal is set to be both powerful and nuanced, capturing Katherine’s complexity and resilience.
The cast also features Lauren Drewello as Lady Anne Boleyn, Ricky Moyer as King Henry VIII, and Namisa Mdlalose Bizana, who recently played Persephone in the National Tour of Hadestown, as Lady Maria Salinas. The ensemble includes a mix of seasoned performers and fresh talent, ensuring a diverse and captivating stage presence.
The creative team is equally impressive. Beatrice Capote, a renowned choreographer, brings her expertise to the show, ensuring that the musical numbers are as visually dynamic as they are musically engaging. Scenic designer Regina Garcia, lighting designer Alan C. Edwards, and costume designer Dana Tzvetkov are all contributing their talents to create a visually stunning production that transports audiences to the heart of Tudor England.
A Unique Opportunity for Audience Engagement
In an effort to engage the Bloomington community and further refine the production, Constellation Stage & Screen is offering a week of preview performances from June 5-12. During these preview shows, audience members can pay whatever they want for their tickets, starting at just $5, and will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the creative team. This interactive approach allows the audience to become part of the creative process, shaping the final product ahead of the official opening night on June 13.
The preview performances are a unique opportunity for the community to engage with a new work in development and be part of the evolution of a groundbreaking musical. The feedback provided by the audience will be used to refine the show further, ensuring that the final production is one that resonates deeply with its viewers.
The Queen’s Bash: A Royal Celebration
In addition to the performances, Constellation Stage & Screen is hosting The Queen’s Bash, a fundraiser event designed to support the theater’s community engagement initiatives. Held on June 7 and June 14, the pre-show event includes a themed meal, pre-show entertainment, and exclusive craft cocktails, all followed by a performance of The King’s Wife. This royal-themed party offers a fun, immersive way for audiences to engage with the production while supporting a good cause.
The Queen’s Bash promises to be a memorable event, combining the best of Bloomington’s artistic scene with an exciting and interactive theater experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Constellation Stage & Screen or new to their productions, this event is sure to make for a night to remember.
A Powerful Legacy for Constellation
The world premiere of The King’s Wife marks a milestone for Constellation Stage & Screen, showcasing their commitment to presenting innovative new works and supporting creative voices in the arts. The production is a testament to Constellation’s role as a key player in the Bloomington arts scene, offering both local talent and national theatergoers the chance to witness groundbreaking new theater.
As The King’s Wife runs through June 29 at the Waldron Auditorium, audiences can look forward to a bold, fresh take on one of history’s most fascinating queens. The musical’s exploration of Katherine of Aragon’s life and legacy offers a powerful reminder of the extraordinary women who shaped history, often in ways that were never fully recognized.
Tickets for The King’s Wife are on sale now, with performances running from June 5 through June 29. In addition to the preview performances, all Thursday evening shows feature Pay What You Will pricing, making it accessible for audiences to experience this extraordinary new musical. Tickets can be purchased through Constellation’s website (seeconstellation.org), by phone at (812) 336-9300, or in person at 122 S Walnut St.
As the curtain rises on this world premiere, The King’s Wife offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of history, music, and the power of storytelling. This revolutionary musical promises to leave its mark on theater lovers and history buffs alike.
