The Great DuBois, a husband-and-wife circus act, will take the stage at Braden Auditorium in the Bone Student Center for a Family Weekend performance on Friday, September 22, at 8 p.m.
The duo of Michael DuBois and Viktoria Grimmy, billed as “the world’s most unique two-person circus show,” put on a performance that appeals to all ages. Their show is part juggling, part magic, part aerial act, and part circus act. They also incorporate hula hoops, unicycles, comedy, and audience interaction.
The Great DuBois was featured in Hugh Jackman’s hit movie The Greatest Showman and the award-winning musical Pippin on Broadway. They have appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, the movie Burlesque, and Britney Spears’ World Circus Tour.
Prior to stopping at Illinois State, DuBois spoke about their show and life on the road as a married couple.
As a husband-and-wife act, what’s it like working so closely with your spouse in such physically demanding work that is certainly not the typical job?
It’s the best. We have been together for a long time and were both performing full time before we met. It’s all we know, and we are so lucky to be able to do it together. For us it’s very typical and normal!
What can the audience expect when they come to see The Great DuBois perform for Family Weekend?
Our show is a fast-paced, two-person circus show. Perfect for all ages, hilarious and amazing throughout. No clown, just old-school skill and vaudeville.
You’ve been on quite a few national TV shows, including Jay Leno and David Letterman. What were those experiences like, and what do you remember about Leno and/or Letterman?
Being on a national show is an amazing experience. Leno was incredible because it was with my best friend from college and literally only a couple weeks after we graduated, so it was quite the start. Letterman was very special as I had been such a fan from such a young age. Amazingly, Viktoria was on Letterman as well a month after me, totally unrelated. The Greatest Showman project was our favorite because we got to experience it together.
The two of you obviously have the circus in common, so was that how you met?
Viktoria comes from a circus family. She is the fifth generation. I was always interested in the variety arts since I was a little kid. The circus world is very small, and we were lucky enough to cross paths. I actually wanted her father to be my juggling coach.
What is the best part of sharing the stage with your wife?
Viktoria is the best. It’s pretty incredible to see someone with so much experience from such a young age perform. She is wildly talented in many disciplines and always looks like she is having the best time on stage. We are so lucky to be able to spend so much time together. It’s amazing to perform with someone who you can trust on- and off-stage. We just have fun together and are always trying to make each other laugh on stage.
The Great DuBois is sponsored by Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality. Tickets range from $26 to $36 each and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com.
