Anna Uzele Returns to SIX, This Time as a Working Mom

As SIX: The Musical celebrates its sixth anniversary on Broadway, it seemed like the perfect time to catch up with one of its current stars: Anna Uzele, who returned to the company in February after originating the role of Catherine Parr at the Lena Horne Theatre in 2020.

Uzele has returned to playing the surviving queen in Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow's Tony-nominated musical, about the six Renaissance women who married King Henry VIII. But this time, she is doing so as a new mom: She and husband Glenn Vasaturo are the proud parents of 18-month-old son, Zion Vasaturo.

Uzele, who has also been seen on Broadway in New York, New York and Once On This Island, currently shares the stage with Adrianna Hicks as Catherine of Aragon, Jasmine Forsberg as Jane Seymour, Olivia Donalson as Anna of Cleves, Dylan Mulvaney as Anne Boleyn, and Abigail Barlow as Katherine Howard. The international hit production has played over 1,800 performances for New York audiences.

Uzele's screen credits include Dear Edward, City on a Hill, and FBI. She is also the recipient of a Drama Desk Ensemble Award for her work in the original company of Six.

In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Uzele shares the emotional effects of combining motherhood and a stage career and why she believes her big break is yet to come.

Where did you train/study?
Anna Uzele: High school: Cab Calloway School of the Arts. College: Texas State University

Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Marjorie Eldreth and Kaitlin Hopkins. These women had acting careers outside of education and exemplified not only how to get the job, but how to keep it, and be someone worth hiring again. From contract negotiations, to sight reading, to filing taxes, they offered real-world actionable insight on how to build a life in the arts.

Do you have a favorite moment in the show for Catherine? What makes that part stand out?
“Ya know what, I’m good.” Bringing the sparkly Six train to a screeching halt feels like breaking all the acting class rules. And I don’t know what this says about me, but it’s deeply satisfying to do exactly the opposite of what is expected.

As an original Broadway cast member, why do you believe Six has been such a hit all around the world?
Not a moment is wasted. We live in an era of fast dopamine and seven-second TikToks, and Six delivers an experience that won’t allow you to get shifty in your seat. It laughs at itself before you can, and toes the line between glitzy camp and feminine zeal.

What has been the most special part of performing in Six with its all-female cast and band?
An unspoken understanding on and offstage.

How are you managing combining motherhood with the Broadway schedule?
With help! My husband and I couldn’t do this without our families. And yet it is bittersweet. It’s hard to miss family dinners and bedtime, yet I am so filled by performing. I come home fully electrified, and then cry off blue makeup because I missed my baby. All of it is felt.

Do you have a dream stage role and/or artists you would like to share the stage with?
One day I’d like to play Angelica Schuyler, but I don’t feel old enough yet. And she may be my friend, but I’d really like to play opposite Abby Mueller again. Big fan. 

What do you consider your big break?
I don’t think it’s arrived yet. I have so much life ahead, and my dreams are borderline delusional.

What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Wrong turns don’t really exist. Random detours are often the way to get to your destination. Also text your friends back.

What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
Your body goes home with you after the contract ends. Treat it accordingly.

What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
Building a life outside of work. My younger self used to think I needed to give everything to the craft, but my acting has only been made richer by life outside the theatre. Heartbreak, travel, friendships, falling in love, pushing out a baby—I’m proud of that.