Dylan Mulvaney Makes Broadway Debut in ‘Six’ Amidst Backlash and Support
Dylan Mulvaney officially stepped into the role of Anne Boleyn in the Broadway production of Six: The Musical on February 16, 2026, at the Lena Horne Theatre. Her casting, however, has been met with both enthusiastic support and significant backlash, mirroring experiences Mulvaney has faced previously.
A Familiar Pattern of Controversy
The announcement of Mulvaney’s role in Six in December 2025 sparked criticism from conservative circles, with some labeling the casting as “woke” and falsely claiming it represented a change to historical fact. The intensity of the negative reaction led the show’s official X (formerly Twitter) account to be made private, and producers released a statement emphasizing the safety and well-being of the cast. “The protection, safety, and support of the Six cast has always been, and remains, our highest priority,” the statement read. “While we welcome passionate engagement with the show, aggressive, threatening, or abusive behaviour is never acceptable.”
Finding Support Within the Broadway Community
Mulvaney acknowledged the parallels between the current situation and previous controversies, such as the backlash she received regarding a brand partnership (referred to as “Beergate”). However, she expressed feeling more supported this time around. “When I think about Beergate, I felt pretty isolated as far as not having a lot of support,” Mulvaney stated. She noted the strong backing from the show’s producers and cast members, saying, “The producers are on my side. My cast is checking in on me.”
Connecting with Anne Boleyn’s Story
Mulvaney finds a personal connection to the character of Anne Boleyn, particularly through the song “Don’t Lose Ur Head.” She sees similarities between Boleyn’s experience of being publicly scrutinized and misunderstood and her own journey as a transgender woman in the public eye. “There’s all these extremists in the world who see me as this horrible, problematic woman,” Mulvaney explained. “I think me and Anne just wanted to have a voice. We were so passionate about feeling seen and heard—that we have the right to have an opinion and to celebrate ourselves.”
A Lifelong Performer
Before making her Broadway debut, Mulvaney had an established background in performing arts, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She has also appeared in the national tour of The Book of Mormon and in regional theater productions. More recently, she performed her one-woman show, The Least Problematic Woman in the World, off-Broadway and made a debut at Carnegie Hall in The Drowsy Chaperone.
Navigating Public Perception
Despite the support she receives within the theater community, Mulvaney remains aware of the negative perceptions held by some. She expressed a degree of anxiety about everyday interactions, questioning how she is perceived by people she encounters in public spaces. “It does freak me out when I go into Trader Joe’s, and I’m like, Oh, does my cashier hate me or think that I’m not a woman?” she admitted.
Mulvaney’s debut in Six is seen as a significant moment for transgender representation on Broadway, opening doors for other trans performers and challenging conventional norms within the industry.