Millions of screaming toddlers can't all be wrong. If you haven't heard of the Australian quartet, the Wiggles, you haven't been around a pre-school.
In the 24 years since its formation, the Wiggles has sold over seven million albums, 23 million DVDs, and 8 million books based on their infectious enthusiastic songs aimed at little ones. Now, you don't have to just watch it on TV, cause the Wiggles are embarking on its Ready Stead Wiggle North American tour and hitting Coral Springs Center for the Arts on September 5.
Before leaving the Land Down Under, Lachlan Gillespie, the Purple Wiggle himself, spoke to New Times about his musical upbringing, the Wiggles current tour, and how he became a Wiggle.
New Times: As a child how did you first get involved with music?
Lachlan Gillespie: I started playing the piano from a young age and my family have always encouraged me to pursue my passion in music. When I started tutoring, others in singing and drama I knew I wanted to be in a job where I could share my love of music with the world!
Describe your musical career before joining the Wiggles.
After graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a bachelor in music theater, I performed in the Melbourne Theatre Company's run of Crazy for You. It was then in 2009 that I was lucky enough to join the Wiggles.
How did you join the Wiggles?
I attended an audition for the Wiggles back in 2009 and was cast as Captain Feathersword for the Dorothy the Dinosaur Tour. At the start of 2012, I was then selected by Anthony and Caterina (the Wiggles' choreographer) to perform with the Wiggles at their live shows.
When Greg, Murray, and Jeff decided to retire, I felt incredibly privileged and thrilled to be offered the role of the Purple Wiggle. To be carrying on a wonderful legacy is such an honor and love bringing a smile to children's faces all over the world through the music and heartfelt fun that is the Wiggles.
What kind of preparation is involved with the Wiggles tour you are about to embark on?
We have been touring since February this year, all around Australia and New Zealand so that in itself is fantastic preparation. We put together a set list and have rehearsals and then jump on a plane to fly to the U.S. No show is ever the same with songs changing daily, so it's a lot of fun.
What can kids and their parents expect at the Wiggles show?
The Ready Steady Wiggle show is packed with high energy dancing and singing and is a lot of fun for children and parents.
It's a very intimate show featuring lots of nursery rhymes as well as the hit wiggly songs like "Hot Potato," "Fruit Salad," "Yummy Yummy" and "Do the Propeller." All the characters will be there, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword. The Big Red Car will be there too. We love Palm Beach and can't wait to see everyone there.
The Wiggles, 6:30 p.m., September 5, Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs. Tickets cost $37.10 to $52.47. Visit coralspringscenterforthearts.com.
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