The Spirit of Stuart!

With A Wild Abandon Christmas scheduled for December 10 & 17 at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax, the warm and witty Stuart Hiseler – ½ of the dynamic performing duo - opens up about the spirit of the show, and the spirit of the season.

What inspired you and Karen to put the Christmas Show together?

As in our other performances, we draw from our own lives and experiences. We felt like we had something unique to say about the Holiday season that maybe a little different than the usual, traditional take on Christmas.

How has it evolved since that first performance?

We only had one go at it last year. When we took a look at the structure it was clear that it was far too long (by about an hour). The audience loved it but it’s a lot to ask for people to focus for that long. They need to go to the bathroom but don’t want to miss anything! We worked to distill it down to reflect more clearly what we wanted to express and also how our own feelings are different from the time of its previous incarnation.

What was last year's show like?

We had carolers as a warm up act and we also “special guest singers”. This year it’s going to be just “us” along with our fabulous band of Scott Taylor, Fayette Taylor and Stephanie McKeown. It was an exuberant and enthusiastically received show. Parts of the show were so unexpected that there was pandemonium in the house on several occasions.

How is it different from what you two normally do?

Only the theme is different. As usual, we’ve taken our own lives and put them up for display. Using stories, dialogue and mostly non-Christmas songs (from musical theatre, jazz and pop) and woven them into a context that makes them relevant to the Christmas season. There are also some traditional “Seasonal” songs but with a few little twists added.

Do you have a favourite number in the production?

There is so much wonderful material in this show it’s difficult to choose a favourite. Comedy songs, a few heartfelt ballads, great duets, hilarious banter and stories. Of course it’s great to be working with Karen on stage. We have an easy chemistry that allows for spontaneity. Maybe my favourite number will be discovered on Dec. 10 or Dec. 17.

You have billed the show as being "sometimes naughty, sometimes nice" - care to explain?

Well….I wouldn’t want to give anything away but……we wanted to acknowledge that the holidays are not always a perfect Victorian scene. Often Christmas can be dark, or off kilter, drunk or sexy (Hmmm, maybe it is Victorian after all). There are all sorts of ways Christmas can be represented. Christmas isn’t just for Jesus and Children.

What can audiences expect on December 10 & 17?

A very entertaining, funny and often insightful evening of great singing and stories. There really is something for everyone as far as musical styles and sensibilities. From the traditional to the absurd. We’re excited to be in the beautiful and festive Harbourfront Lounge at Casino Nova Scotia. Of course the bar will be open and there are restaurants on site and nearby so people can make a whole evening of it.

Is this something that you will continue to do in the years to come?

Yes, if we have something fresh to say. I’d hate to get stuck into Wild Abandon Christmas 3, 4 & 5 if there were really not new ideas to explore and play with. This is such a fun and well, structured show at this point that next year we’re going to take our act on the road and share A Wild Abandon Christmas with a wider audience