Leandra Ellis-Gaston From “Six” Paves The Way For More Black Broadway Stars

leandra ellis-gaston in six the musicalleandra ellis-gaston in six the musical

Gen Z glam, Broadway, and pop music don’t typically mix, but Six: The Musical proves just how well they blend together. The hit Broadway musical follows fictionalized versions of Henry VIII’s six wives competing to see who had it worse…through a singing competition.

I’ve seen plenty of Broadway shows, but I’ve never had a collective experience with an audience like I had at Six. There were cheers, there was clapping, and an audience member even stood up to dance!

Leandra Ellis-Gaston (who already has Broadway credits like Tina — The Tina Turner Musical and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical under her belt) plays a fun, feisty, and flirty version of Anne Boleyn. And in addition to Six’s empowering message and playful color palette, each queen’s unique vocal style emphasizes the overarching theme of finding your voice.

SIX Broadway welcomes new cast of Queens | First MegaSix

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SIX Broadway welcomes new cast of Queens | First MegaSix

“My favorite number in the show would have to be ‘No Way,’ which is a song that [Hailee Kaleem Wright’s Catherine of] Aragon sings. But I get to dance in that number, which makes me really happy,” Ellis-Gaston says. “It also has a Latin feel to it so I get to kind of shake my hips and really move my body a lot, which is super exciting.”

With a unique structure that moves along with her, Ellis-Gaston’s costume is like its own piece of art. “My costume is the favorite, it's the best one. Period, end quote,” she jokes. “It's a two-piece and the way the skirt lays, it has its own life. Anytime I move on the stage, the skirt is also moving. Anytime I talk, the skirt is also talking.”

And while Ellis-Gaston’s costume is a focal point for her character, her makeup is just as important. When she joined the cast of Six on Broadway, the pre-approved shade range didn’t include what she needed for her darker complexion. Ellis-Gaston used her voice (much like the queens in the show) and helped expand the makeup products to include a larger shade range and artistic flexibility — meaning the queens’ roles will be more accessible in the future, no matter their skin tone.

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If you want to get a glimpse into Ellis-Gaston’s makeup routine, you can find a variety of step-by-step videos on her TikTok channel. The Get Ready With Me-style breakdowns feature the other queens and amazing eye looks that change on a daily basis.

Along with her makeup, Ellis-Gaston also performs with box braids and gelled baby hairs that are “so authentic to a Black lifestyle.” As much as it means to her on a personal level, she’s also coming to terms with the scale of its impact.

A conversation about what Ellis-Gaston’s version of the iconic queen would look like “had a lot to do with my identity as a Black woman, and knowing that I represented not only myself but millions of little Black girls [so] it was important that we found a way to incorporate that in the character.”

Even though she’s a Broadway vet, Ellis-Gaston’s had a few firsts with Six. “This is the first show I’ve ever done where I didn't get a job because I was Black,” she says. “I’m playing Anne Boleyn, but they're not sticking to history. Anybody can step into those shoes. So to think that I could step into them and also bring something that's really cultural to me to the role is just out of this world incredible.”

Although onstage diversity has grown over the last few years (The Visibility Report revealed that 29% of onstage actors in the 2018-2019 New York theatre season were Black, compared to just over 23% in previous years), there is still such a long way to go — for different body types, gender expressions, and racial diversity.

“It's important that when people come see the show, they see curvy women, they see darker-skinned women like myself, they see all ethnicities represented,” Ellis-Gaston says. “It's really important because this world is not made up of just one kind of person. And so any moment we can highlight that or showcase that in a new way is really, really important.”

Six as a whole represents all kinds of women, and welcomes every kind of person to take part in the story. “If art cannot represent what is happening right now in the world, it is not true art,” Ellis-Gaston says. “[Our show is a] musical that empowers people to have a new perspective, a musical that allows people to know that your voice matters.”

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Leandra Ellis-Gaston in her dressing room before an evening performance of Six: The Musical

The queens’ journeys and personalities on their own are just as important (if not more) than they are as a collective unit. “[Boleyn] is a spitfire [and] I love how honest she is,” Ellis-Gaston says. “People now get so nervous to say things out loud. And she was never scared to push the envelope.”

Boleyn’s honesty and security in who she is makes her more human — something that Ellis-Gaston also had to learn about herself when she walked on stage in the wrong costume. “I am a perfectionist and I have to remind myself in moments like that, like stupid things happen to you, it reminds you that you're human,” she says. “It was a very humbling moment to be like, ‘Bad things can happen to you, and yet you will live.’”

My favorite part of the show comes near the end, when the queens all realize that even though they’re remembered because of Henry VIII, he’s also only remembered because ofthem. In a unifying moment, Taylor Iman Jones’ Catherine Parr reminds the other queens that they’re all one-of-a-kind.

“She goes down the line and every day I get emotional,” Ellis-Gaston says. “I get chills because I'm like, ‘Whoa, my 12-year-old dreams are coming true.” And because of those childhood dreams, she understands how important it is for all of the young people coming to see the show now.

“It's important for not only Black women to be represented in this show, but as a dark-skinned woman, the range of women showcased in this show [is incredible],” she says. “I just can't get over how a show like this can reach beyond so much further than we could ever imagine.”

Check out our pop culture page for more exclusives like this, and read our interview with A Doll's House star Jesmille Darbouze!

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Featured image via Joan Marcus

Though plenty of beauty trends have come and gone, there are still a handful of makeup products that have stood the test of time. Though you might think these powders, foundations, lipsticks, and more lean pretty“old school,” tons of beauty fans still adore them for their ability to deliver the most stunning looks.

You might just want to give these classic makeup products a second chance after reading what makeup lovers say about their staying power!

Read on for 7 “old school” makeup products that are still total staples in today’s age.

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1. Airspun Loose Powder

I remember this loose powder being one of the very first makeup products I ever tried after seeing it in my mom's makeup kit. It's super nostalgic for many other beauty fans – and no wonder, because it first launched in 1935!

Formulated to have a "cloudlike softness" to it, this powder is ideal for setting foundation and concealer so your base stays in place.

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“I used Coty Airspun loose powder for years," one Redditor wrote about it. "I don't use powder anymore, but I still take a fond look at it in the makeup aisle. The packaging is so retro and pretty. It always made me feel very 1950's movie star.”

I will say that the main disconnect between this "old school" makeup product and today's beauty trends is that more and more brands tend to lean toward dewy, natural finishes rather than fully matte ones – this powder definitely delivers on the latter.

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2. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

This mascara launched in 1990 and it was quick to become a favorite amongst beauty fans looking for long, full lashes. Claiming to give lashes the appearance of 5 times their natural thickness, this formula goes on super easy, thanks to the streamlined wand design.

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This mascara has proved itself a mainstay in many makeup bags, and since its launch, L'Oreal's launched several different colors to play with. I myself am especially fond of the blue and purple mascaras if I just want to get a little playful with my makeup!

"I have tried other mascaras in the past but I find this one is the best for me. I have been using it for years," one reviewer wrote on Amazon. "I now find it difficult to to buy at the drug stores so I order it through Amazon. It goes on easily, dries quickly and does not flake. I wear the burgundy because I have green eyes."

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3. Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

You probably recognized this one super quick. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is renowned since it's said to be universally flattering and totally nails the natural look! Though it first hit the market in 1989, it's had an undeniable resurgence in the past couple years, further proving its iconic status.

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“My grandmother took me to a Clinique counter when I was 13 and bought me a lipstick and some eyeshadow. I used them until they were gone," one Redditor reminisced. "The only Clinique item I've used since then is Black Honey, which is in my bathroom today.”

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4. Benetint Liquid Lip & Cheek Stain

This beloved Benefit product hit shelves back in 1976, though it wasn't originally intended for use on the lips and cheeks. 👀 Benefit revealed that it was actually formulated for exotic dancers to use on their nipples to make them stand out!

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Since its introduction, it's been a great pick to reach for to add a natural flush to the cheeks and make the lips a bit bolder. Benefit's launched several different shades over the years to join the OG "rose" one.

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5. Max Factor Panstik Foundation

This "old school" makeup product was one of the first foundations that came in a convenient stick form. It launched in 1947, but you can still find it today! This creamy product is noticeably full-coverage and leaves a silky-matte finish once it's applied. A little truly goes a long way.

“I grew up in the 90s and remember using the Max Factor Panstik makeup. I can still remember the scent," one Redditor wrote. "It was a really great product for its time and I used it like a concealer.”

“I have this! What I like about it is it’s quick to apply when I don’t have the energy for liquid concealers," another Reddit user said. "The colour range isn’t impressive though.”

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6. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Hitting the market back in 1957, it didn't take long for the Lustrous Lipstick from Revlon to become a cult classic. Many shades that the company developed in the latter half of the 20th century are still around today – several makeup fans on Reddit mentioned shades like Cherries In The Snow, Toast Of New York, Wine With Everything, Fire And Ice, and Sandalwood Beige are still their absolute favorites!

"Fire And Ice is one of my favourite lipsticks. It’s a wonderful bright corally red/pink..." one Redditor said. "It dates from the 50s. It’s quite nice to think I’m wearing the same colour as girls who were listening to Elvis.”

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7. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

This might just be the most old school of all the "old school" makeup products mentioned here. This rosy skin salve was introduced way back in 1838 to heal dry, cracked skin in need of hydration – lips, face, hands, and body included. It's crafted the same way it was back in the 1800's, with rose extract to calm irritation, and lanolin, cotton seed, and jojoba oil to moisturize. The company also sells lavender, mint, and vanilla varieties in addition to the OG rose.

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"I've been using C.O. Bigelow lavender salve for years and still love it. I rub it into my cuticles in the winter, spread the excess around my hands and top it with a layer of hand cream to seal it in," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "It works great to keep my skin from drying out and cracking and the lavender scent smells natural and not fake."

"Love this product! Worth every penny," another Amazon user said. "Use it on my lips, face and hands. Softens and is non greasy. My all time favorite product in my beauty stash!"

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I've been on the edge of my seat for Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson's Verity (even before I saw It Ends With Us), and after hearing about the first look that aired at CinemaCon this week, the internet is even more locked in on the “gothic, psychosexual thriller” (as the film's described by director Mike Showalter) than they've ever been.

Here's what the Verity cast, including Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, had to say about the new movie from Colleen Hoover.

What is Verity about?

Any Colleen Hoover fan knows the Verity movie revolves around Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), who gets hired by Jeremy Crawford (Josh Hartnett) to finish his wife's novels. Renowned author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) is no longer able to write after a tragic accident, but what begins as an exciting project takes a turn for the horrifying when Lowen discovers Verity is hiding a terrible secret.

Anne Hathaway promises 'Verity' is worth "waiting for."

At Amazon MGM's CinemaCon presentation, the Verity cast, Colleen Hoover, and Mike Showalter offered attendees a new look at the movie via video message.

“My character Verity Crawford is an accomplished author with a tragic past,” Anne said, while Dakota joked, “Or is she?”

Josh added, “My character, Jeremy Crawford, is a devoted husband who’s committed to protecting his wife’s legacy.”

“Or is he?” Dakota said again.

“One thing we can say for sure is that seeing Verity in theaters will give fans the shared experience they’ve been waiting for," Anne promised.

And everyone's losing it over the "wild" footage from CinemaCon!

The presentation also included the first trailer for the movie, which showed Verity and Jeremy meeting at a bar — which explains those iconic set leaks of Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnettrunning through the streets of New York! And when Jeremy's introduced to Lowen and brings her to their giant home, he tells her "she's the only writer who can do this"...and then they begin their own illicit affair. And as they have a hot make out sesh on the couch, Lowen realizes she's kissing Verity and not Jeremy. Wow.

"Just saw the first footage for VERITY starring Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway, and Dakota Johnson," @JoeySpielberg says on X. It looks like it’s gonna be good but I honestly couldn’t tell you the plot is but it’s definitely gonna be wild. Seems like a movie you just don’t know what happens next."

"The footage showcases a sexy, mind-bending thriller," @howatdk agrees.

We're sure to see many more shocks and surprises when Verity hits theaters May 15, 2026.

Check out the 10 Most-Anticipated Book-To-Film Adaptations We Can't Wait To See In 2025.

Sydney Sweeney's alleged extended hotel stay has taken a more permanent turn. After postponing her wedding to fiancé Jonathan Davino at the end of February, Sydney turned heads when she stepped out in Barbie pink at the Vanity Fair Oscars party — and then joined Glen Powell at his sister's wedding. Now, according to a few sources, the Euphoria actress and her fiancé have called it quits.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Jonathan Davino & Sydney Sweeney's breakup.

Are Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino still together?

Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino have called off their wedding. However, the actress is "exactly where she wants to be. Most people would feel overwhelmed by her working schedule this year, but not Syd. She's all about working right now and very excited about all her projects," a source toldPeople.

The Anyone But You actress is "in the middle of this magical career that she could only dream of a few years ago...This is what she wants to focus on right now."

"What did make her overwhelmed though was her relationship and her wedding," the source adds. "She didn't feel right about it."

Sydney Sweeney was reportedly staying on her own.

According to TMZ sourceson March 11, Sydney Sweeney was having a solo stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel since "around the middle of February." Apparently she hasn't been joined by Jonathan Davino throughout her time, instead sticking with some friends and one of her bodyguards.

We don't have official news on a breakup just yet, but while The Housemaid actress' decision to postpone her wedding definitely made headlines, Sydney's always maintained that she's been too busy with work to rush to the altar. "I am so busy working!" she told Entertainment Tonight when asked about the wedding. "I'm a workaholic and I love it, I love it."

How long have Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino been together?

Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino were together from 2018 until 2025. They kept their relationship pretty low-key since they were first linked in 2018. And in 2023 she revealed why she keeps those details close to her chest.

“Everyone is always so curious about who I’m with and what’s that like, but I think it’s important to have something for me,” Sydney toldGlamour UK. “I’m very open [otherwise]. I talk about so much, and sometimes, it gets me in trouble, but I do try to keep something for me.”

“I’ve been in a steady relationship for a really long time, which is not normal in this industry and not normal for my age,” she continued. “What I’ve noticed about the idea of celebrity is people really love to build someone up and then tear them down.”

Are Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney together?

Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell aren't in a public relationship, but they started major buzz when they both attended Glen's sister's wedding in Texas. And whether there's romance between or not, there's clearly a lot of love.

Here's Your First Look At Sydney Sweeney As "Incredible" Christy Martin. Read all about it — and her "Creepy" New Movie Inspired By This Insane Reddit Post.

This post has been updated.

A new Trader Joe’s skincare find just hit shelves, and beauty fans are already reeling about its similarities to more luxury products! The night cream features a handful of ingredients that are commonly found in pricier skincare options, but this TJ’s pick costs a fraction of its suspected competitors.

As a Versed Sweet Relief overnight cream loyalist (I use it every single day without fail), I must say I'm thoroughly convinced to try this new Trader Joe’s item after reading shoppers’ reactions!

Scroll on to discover the all-new Trader Joe’s skincare product worth adding to your routine!

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Trader Joe’s Night Cream is a brand-new addition to their collection of skincare goodies. In fact, it’s so new that it’s not listed on their website quite yet. Despite its newcomer status, tons of shoppers are already buzzing about the Trader Joe’s Night Cream.

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One TJ’s fan on Reddit surfaced the new find on the r/TraderJoe’s subreddit, and skincare lovers were super quick to chime in.

Per the post, the Trader Joe’s Night Cream is formulated with Irish sea moss extract, a fermented mushroom complex, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate. It’s also unscented, which can be super beneficial for sensitive skin in need of moisture.

The TJ’s fan that found the night cream on shelves reported that it is “very thick but dry at the same time. I really had to work it into the skin,” they said. “Very odd consistency.”

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Another shopper that tried the Trader Joe’s Night Cream weighed in on their experience:

“Using it sparingly since I’m quite pregnant and don’t want to mess with sensitive skin but so far it’s quite nice!” they said. “Thick but not greasy in the slightest. I still feel it on my skin when I rinse my face in the AM which means it held up overnight in my dry altitude climate.”

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Several more users compared this new TJ’s formula to other products on the market, mentioning Asian beauty and even retinol for its anti-aging benefits.

“It’s interesting to see all the fermented ingredients in this!” one person commented. “I know that they have been very popular in Asian skincare for years, but I don’t see it that often in the States. I’m excited to try this! Thanks for sharing, I’m going to be on the lookout now.”

“Based on the ingredients list, I suspect this might be a Korean product,” another TJ’s shopper agreed.

“Irish Sea Moss is considered an excellent retinol alternative so if it agrees with one’s skin, not a bad option for those who can’t tolerate or don’t want harsh actives,” one more skincare fan noted.

MARA Beauty

One Redditor confirmed that a single 2-ounce jar of the Trader Joe’s Night Cream cost just $9. Similar moisturizers that leverage sea moss in their formulas (like Wildling’s Moonbounce 2% Bioretinol Irish Sea Moss Plumping Moisturizer and MARA's SeaDream Algae Crème) average around $73, which is insane.

KoolShooters / PEXELS

This TJ’s find could be a great way to try out the sea moss skincare wave without shelling out a fortune! Per episode 87 of The Inside Trader Joe's Podcast, it’s certifiably “high-quality” and “incredibly functional.”

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Trader Joe's products!

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Jenna Bush Hager chose Holly Gramazio's The Husbands as her book club's April pick in 2024 and it became an instant bestseller. Evidently, Apple TV took notice and decided it would be an excellent idea to adapt it into a new drama series! We're fond of adaptations here, so we're elated to this fresh storyline come to life. But, guess what else we're intrigued about?

The Husbands series has already found it's lead star in Ted Lasso and Fargo actress Juno Temple! Her characters are fan favorites, so we're sure she's going to do her lead role in this series justice.

Scroll to learn more exhilarating news about The Husbands series!

What is 'The Husbands' about?

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The Husbands chronicles one woman's journey as she explores an ever-changing life with different men she's never met before. But this isn't a tale of reckless one-night stands. On the contrary, Lauren will be as confused as readers and viewers because she's not sure what's happening.

It all begins with her return to her home and the realization that a man who's strangely familiar with her is calling himself her husband. Unbeknownst to her, she's been married to Michael for a while despite not knowing who he is. What's even more ironic is that her friends think something's wrong with her because they know who her husband is.

In the midst of trying to decipher this phenomenon, Lauren's shocked when Michael disappears into the attic and a new man returns in his place. As she watches her surroundings change to accommodate life with him, Lauren slowly realizes her attic has created a portal that allows her to live out different fantasies with a revolving door of men. But, she'll have to ask herself what she really wants and if she's willing to hang on to one reality instead of wishing for more.

Has more cast information been released?

Diana Patient

Holly Gramazio, Author of The Husbands

We know Juno Temple will star in The Husbands, but there haven't been more cast announcements just yet (via Variety). There's so many options for the many spouses she could have which makes us want to dream about our own casting wishlist.

Who's the executive producers of the series?

Diana Patient

Holly Gramazio, Author Of The Husbands

According to Apple TV+, writer Miriam Battye (Succession) will be executive producing The Husbands with Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya), and Annie Marter of Fortunate Jack Productions (The Devil All The Time), author Holly Gramazio and A24.

We love when authors are allowed to give their input in TV or film adaptations!

When will 'The Husbands' premiere on Apple TV? 

Production hasn't started on The Husbands TV series yet, but we'll share more information once it's available!

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