The circus comes to town with ‘The Great DuBois’

The Wilson Performing Arts Center is bringing the circus to Red Oak.
On July 29 at 7:30 p.m., the two-person circus show “The Great DuBois” will take to the WPAC stage. The duo  was featured in the film “The Greatest Showman.” Also, “The Great DuBois” have amassed an impressive list of credits, including the Tony Award winning “Pippin” on Broadway, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” Britney Spears World Circus Tour, and the movie “Burlesque,” to highlight just a few.
The two-person show features performers Michael DuBois and Viktoria Grimmy. While DeBois said he is a first-generation circus performer, Grimmy said she has a rich history in performing.
“I am a fifth-generation circus performer and grew up touring with my immediate family. My father was a juggler, mother a gymnast and aerialist, and I am the first generation to not perform with animals,” Grimmy said.
While the pair had known each other in the industry for quite some time, DuBois said the idea to team up for a show came about less than a decade ago.
“We met through the industry almost 20 years ago. We have always loved working together, but when we met we were working separately. Since 2014, when Viktoria resigned from “Pippin” on Broadway, we have been working together full-time. As a couple we want to spend as much time together as we can, so performing together was the best way to do that and of course the most fun,” stated DuBois.
DuBois added he’s enjoyed a rich career in performing, both as “The Great DuBois,” and in other shows world-wide.
“I’ve been performing full-time for 20 years. I have performed all over the world.  Mostly now in the United States, but other notables are India, Italy, and all over the Caribbean. Currently, we are performing at performing arts centers, universities, cruise ships, and NBA halftime shows,” commented DuBois.
As for Grimmy, she said her performance career began when she was only a child.
“I’ve been performing since I was 3 years old. I’ve toured with Ringling Brothers as a kid with my family. Since then I have worked on Broadway,  done a world tour with Britney Spears, and performed in countless other countries, events, and shows,” said Grimmy.
DuBois gave a preview of what audiences can expect when they come and see “The Great DuBois.”
“Our show is a hilarious old school, vaudeville-style show with high skill. You will see juggling, hula hoops, contortion, unicycles, slack wire, and aerial performance,” DuBois commented.
DuBois added their show is one of the first of its kind to be taking the WPAC stage.
“Our show really is a circus. It’s definitely a hilarious show, but our tricks may be new to many. We are a very unique combination of acts and styles, and the audience is sure to love it,” advised DuBois.
Also, DuBois and Grimmy said they are very excited to bring such a unique act to the WPAC stage, and was pleased to be invited.
“Red Oak has a lovely theater, and the WPAC reached out about bringing our incredibly unique show to town. We love performing all over the country,” commented DuBois. “We both love meeting people of all ages and backgrounds.”
DuBois said he’s thrilled to be able to do something he loves at so many places across the country and all over the world.
“I am very fortunate to have a job that I love. But, I have worked very hard to get here. Making people laugh has always been my favorite thing to do and adding my favorite circus tricks just makes it even more fun,” DuBois stated.
Grimmy said she’s also been very pleased to be able to have an extensive career in performing, especially in a show with a circus atmosphere.
“I have been performing since I was so young, I honestly don’t know the difference, but I definitely don’t take it for granted. Each show is very special to me, and I love that I get to continue my family heritage,” Grimmy said.
DuBois shared what he hopes audiences will take away most after seeing “The Great DuBois” perform.
“We want the audience to have a wonderful evening of laughs with the entire family, and nostalgia for the Grandparents. We want everyone to know that our show really is for all ages. We promise the adults will like the performance as much, or even more, then the kids.
Lastly, DuBois and Grimmy said they’d be happy to return to the Red Oak area and give more performances in the future. For more information, visit TheGreatDuBois.com, or on Instagram @TheGreatDuBois.
Tickets for kids are $20; tickets for adults are $30. The WPAC will also have a bounce house, which will be available only to ticketholders. Doors will open at 5 p.m. To reserve tickets, visit wilsonartscenter.org, or call 623-3183.