Don’t miss out on the family holiday spectacular, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, coming to the Kimmel Cultural Campus Miller Theatre Dec. 26th to 31st. This magical production combines a Broadway-style show with circus arts, holiday musical favorites, characters, and colorful sets and scenery.
Below, brothers Marcel Wilson and Kevin Wilson, Directors & Choreographers (who are part of the team that created Cirque Dreams Holidaze), talk about the show and what to expect. As former performers themselves, the Wilson brothers have extensive dance credentials with major TV and Broadway shows. They refer to themselves as a ‘dream team’ and formed their entertainment company, Mister Wilson Entertainment, in 2010.
Q: How did you get your start in live entertainment and how has it helped you as the Directors/Choreographers for Cirque Dreams Holidaze?
Kevin Wilson: I started out as a dancer in huge live theatrical productions such as Broadway’s The Lion King and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. This led to my touring with artists such as Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and Cher. The amount of joy and artistic fulfillment I felt as a dancer really inspired me to become a choreographer and director. The rush, excitement, and escape I see in audiences has really been the driving force behind my storytelling, movement, and visuals. Having traveled the world for years, I found that art and entertainment are universal languages that resonate with everyone. The connection between performer and audience is unique and my goal is to make sure that at every performance, the audience and performers have a good time, and that the show always feels fresh and fun.
Marcel Wilson: I was lucky that my parents loved the arts and put me into a Creative and Performing Arts Program called CAPA. This sparked the love and joy for performing and being creative within the arts. After nine years of the CAPA program, I attended Oklahoma City University and received a bachelor’s degree in performing arts. When choreographing and directing, I like to pull from my experiences and knowledge from previous jobs. With choreography, I’m diverse and versatile in many styles of dance, which allows me to create freely and not be limited to any genre. I have always loved storytelling, so that helps when directing.
Q: What can audiences expect to see while attending Cirque Dreams Holidaze this year?
KW: Audiences can expect a family-friendly Christmas extravaganza complete with new acts, new music and new characters. While staying true to the Cirque Dreams magical experience, I wanted to make sure to bring new visuals and create characters the whole family can identify with.
MW: Cirque Dreams Holidaze is filled with magic, love and lots of cheer. From the performers to the costuming and story, audiences will leave feeling the Christmas spirit. This show is very family oriented with a whimsical flare that will have everyone laughing, smiling from ear to ear and in constant awe of our talented company members.
Q: How does this show differ from other holiday productions?
KW: This show is different from any other holiday show as we have taken the traditional spirit of Christmas and amplified it with over-the-top costumes, stellar music, and innovative staging and choreography. There is nothing quite like the magic of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. With its unparalleled and unique acts, it is a jaw-dropping tour de force!
MW: This show embraces the true meaning of family, love and a spectacle beyond measure. It takes you on a journey that everyone can relate to during the holiday season.
Q: Who inspires you as a choreographer and/or performer?
KW: As a choreographer I’m inspired by so many things. I find inspiration in art, music, and people, to name a few. My good friend, Mia Michaels, has been a great inspiration as a creator and artist. While working together, one of the things that I’ve maintained in my process is pushing the boundary of what is expected. Also, keeping in mind that the audience experience is what I focus on to make sure that from the moment the curtain goes up, they are taken to a place that is a surreal escape.
MW: Bob Fosse is one of the greatest visionaries and choreographers of all time. He changed the face of dance with his quirky movements and innovative style of dance.
Q: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment as a performer and/or director/choreographer?
KW: I think my greatest accomplishment has not been one particular job as a performer or director/choreographer, but more so to be able to do something I love. One of the most fulfilling things is knowing that young talent that has attended my shows, has been inspired and has chosen to follow their dreams as an artist. To be in the audience one day and then suddenly at an audition, getting cast, or performing onstage a few years later, is rewarding to me. The gift of sharing should not only be exclusive to, or saved for Christmas, but should be an everyday thing.
MW: Growing up, Michael and Janet Jackson were two artists that changed the face of both music and music videos. I lived and breathed learning choreography from their iconic music videos. The first dance I choreographed was a duet to Janet’s “Nasty Boys” which Kevin and I performed at a carnival. As I got older, I would tell classmates that I wanted to dance for Janet or Michael. I even had classmates write in my yearbook, “don’t forget me when you dance with Janet Jackson.” Well, my dream came true when I became a swing dancer on Janet’s “All for You” tour and then danced on her Damito Jo promotional tour. I never thought I would actually become friends with Janet Jackson, but destiny wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q: What might audiences find interesting as a fun, behind-the-scenes tidbit about you?
KW: Before Marcel and I started working together, I was going to be a veterinarian. After being accepted to pre-vet, I had to make the decision on whether to go to school or pursue my dreams as a performer. The idea of being a dancing vet seemed doable but not realistic so I pursued my performer dreams and it was the best decision of my life.
MW: Laughter keeps rehearsals light and fun. I try to incorporate it into rehearsals on a daily basis.
Q: How do you find the talent for Cirque Dreams Holidaze?
KW: The talent in Cirque Dreams Holidaze is one-of-a-kind and novel. We have the ability to hire talent from all around the world. There is so much talent nationally, which has brought a distinctive look and feel to the show.
MW: We go through agencies and have them submit their clients. We then go through their performance reels and choose from there. It’s always tough because there are so many talented artists.
Q: Many people have dreamed of becoming a Cirque performer. What would your advice be to them in pursuing this career goal?
KW: Continue to train and work hard. My main advice would be to continue to dream – just like in any Cirque world, ANYTHING is possible. I’m a perfect example, as it has been a career goal and dream of mine to work with Cirque and create. Now my dream has become a reality and it has been every bit of what I expected times ten!
MW: I always say versatility is the key to success. Don’t limit yourself to one style of dance or acrobatics. The more knowledge you have, the more you will be able to say YES to anything a director or choreographer asks of you. Also, don’t let the word NO stop you from your dreams. There is always a YES that’s waiting for you. And what is meant for you won’t pass you by.
Q: What is your favorite holiday memory growing up?
KW: Family!!!! Being able to share this season with family and friends is the best. The anticipation of going to bed the night before and waking up to all the magic of Christmas has always been my favorite. The smell of fresh baked cookies and our traditional Christmas feast is what feels like home to me. I’m originally from the Midwest, so the colors, weather, and a white snowy Christmas have always been special.
MW: As kids, it was a tradition for us to put together a 1950’s train set that was given to our dad when he was a child. We would also make Christmas cookies with our mom preparing for Santa’s arrival.
Q: What does it mean to you to be collaborating with your brother?
KW: It is such a great opportunity to collaborate with Marcel not only because we are family, but because the sometimes tedious creation process becomes fun and engaging with him. Also, the fact that Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, this process seems to go super-fast as we are having so much fun. Family is a central part of life for Marcel and me, so being able to get into the holiday spirit alongside my co-creator is a gift. Marcel and I have collaborated on a number of projects but Cirque Dreams is special because there are so many opportunities in this show to design and develop. In the past, Marcel and I have been tasked to generate a single idea or concept for a project. With Cirque Dreams Holidaze, the possibilities have been endless and the process of exploration has been magical.
MW: Kevin and I have been a dream team since we started this crazy and fun-filled adventure in the entertainment industry. Whether working together or separately, we have always been supportive of each other. We started our entertainment company, Mister Wilson Entertainment in 2010. Our dynamics together is what makes us so successful when on a project. Even though we’re brothers, at times we have different points of views on choreography, directing style and the creative process which is what makes us an incredible team. We feed off our strengths and learn from each other’s weaknesses. We both bring in the knowledge and experiences from other directors or choreographers we have worked with in the past. I wouldn’t have it any other way than working with my best friend and business partner, who also just happens to be my brother.
Q: Favorite Christmas carol?
KW: One of my favorite Christmas carols is Carol of the Bells. We were able to put this song in our shows this year and it’s extraordinary. The depth, spirit, and tone of this song really resonates with me. I have heard so many versions of it throughout the years and it’s really exciting that we are able to create an original arrangement for this year’s show.
MW: Silent Night because my dad used to sing that to me in a rocking chair when I was a baby.
Q: Favorite Christmas cookie?
KW: My favorite Christmas cookie is a good old-fashioned sugar cookie. Growing up, I remember Marcel and I would get up early in the morning to bake these cookies and after putting on the homemade icing, we would decorate for hours creating “original edible masterpieces.” The secret we found, is putting a dash of lemon zest in the dough.
MW: Is a Rice Crispy Christmas Wreath considered a cookie? If not, I love old-fashioned butter cookies with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles.
Q: Eggnog or hot chocolate?
KW: Yes, please.
MW: Hot chocolate with extra cocoa and marshmallows.
Philadelphia RowHome Magazine's Blog 