It’s a Wiggly Circus

The Wiggles are back to the delight of their pre-school fans. It’s time for another wild adventure with The Wiggles, when the beloved Australian pre-school band visits Nassau Coliseum next Wednesday. The boys return with their “big, big show,” a brand new musical extravaganza that showcases old favorites as well as new songs such as “Hot Poppin’ Popcorn.” The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog, and all the Wiggly Dancers invite their fans to join them as they bring the excitement of the Big Top with their special Wiggly twist to the area, Aug. 18.
The Wiggles, who celebrated their 19th year in 2010, are an enduring part of the lives of many children, through the characters they have created: Anthony (Blue Wiggle), Murray (Red Wiggle), Jeff (Purple Wiggle), and Sam (Yellow Wiggle).
The Wiggles have always been a touring band, which in part explains the success they have enjoyed. They have kept in constant contact with their public and their fans have responded to the music and characters they have created. The Wiggles is an Australian success story that cuts across all demographics, and has now spread across the world stage.
The band is always excited to perform for their young fans, and this year are more enthusiastic than ever about their live production. “This is our best show to date” said Jeff Fatt, a founding Wiggle along with Anthony Field. “We are always trying to improve and this show has more action than ever before.”
It’s a musical circus with lots of gymnastics and antics on stage with the 40-member cast. “And there’s always something crazy going in the audience, too,” said Fatt. “It was a big challenge for us to make it all work.”

The result, according to Fatt, has been tremendous. “From the moment the big red car comes on stage,” everyone gets excited. Every part is terrific. It’s such a great show.”
Of course, the music is very important. “We do all the standards that everyone wants to hear,” Fatt said. That means “Big Red Car,” “Fruit Salad” and “Hot Potato” get a tremendous response, among others, along with the new tunes.
The one hour and 25 minute show remains thoroughly interactive. This year’s production inserts acrobatics and tumbling into the familiar formula of songs, dance and the beloved characters. “We’re always asking for help with Dorothy (the dinosaur) and go out into the audience singing and dancing,” Field said. It’s good family fun. No one will be disappointed.”
Those in the know will yell “Wake up, Jeff!” whenever the lovable Purple Wiggle falls asleep onstage. And be sure to bringing roses, for dancing pal Dorothy the Dinosaur, and bones for canine comedian Wags the Dog, which The Wiggles and Wiggly Dancers collect during the show.
The foursome’s ability to relate to their young audience and to create songs that are both entertaining and educational has made The Wiggles popular with both children and their parents. Their songwriting ability coupled with a genuine enjoyment of what they do, has resulted in a live show that has the kids (and adults) dancing, clapping and singing in the aisles.
The band’s training in early childhood education continues to influence the approach they take with their live shows, DVDs and The Wiggles Movie. Their ability to relate to their young audience and to create songs that are both entertaining and educational has made The Wiggles popular with both children and their parents.
Field explained that much of The Wiggles success comes from their knowledge of child development. “A lot of what we do comes from a child’s perspective,” he said. “It’s got a lot to do with what songs are about and the language we use, and I like to think we know how to write pretty catchy tunes. Right from the start we gave a lot of thought to what was appropriate for children’s music."
The Wiggles’ roots go back to Field’s 1980s pop band The Cockroaches. Eventually the band disbanded and in 1991, Field asked Fatt to help record a music album for children. Fatt, who was renovating his house at the time, asked “How long will it take?” Some 19 years later he has his answer.

Wiggly Circus Live!
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $18.50-$78.50. (Wiggles VIP Section). Seating for tickets at the $43.50 level are the “hot potato seats.” Tickets are available at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale.