Backstage at the historic Wellmont Theater in downtown Montclair, New Jersey, the atmosphere is a whirlwind of primary colors and high energy. It is the middle of a grueling three-shows-in-one-day marathon on the North American leg of The Wiggles’ “Tree of Wisdom Big Show Arena Spectacular” tour. Between the second and third performances, Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins pauses to catch her breath. At 20 years old, Hawkins has spent nearly five years in the iconic yellow skivvy, having joined the iconic children’s entertainment ensemble in late 2021. Yet, despite completing two full-length concerts already today, her enthusiasm is completely undiminished.
Unmatched American Energy
“It’s been absolutely incredible,” Hawkins beamed, reflecting on the North American leg of the tour. “The energy from the audiences is like literally unmatched.”
While The Wiggles have been a global powerhouse for 35 years, selling more than 30 million albums and DVDs, the current tour has revealed a unique fervor in American families. When asked how these crowds compare to those in The Wiggles’ native Australia, Hawkins noted a distinct volume difference. “I think all the audiences like it the same, but the American audience is just more vocal,” she explained]. “They love the energy. They yell, they scream, they dance, and pretty much anytime we ask them to interact, they’re the loudest.”
Learning and Connecting on the Road
This interactive spirit is the heartbeat of the show, which blends classic Wiggles tracks such as “Rock-a-Bye Your Bear” and “Fruit Salad” with newer favorites such as “Bouncing Balls” and “Coco Loco.” For Hawkins, a former world champion salsa dancer who won numerous titles before joining The Wiggles at the age of 15, the transition opened unexpected doors.
“Oh, I think how many avenues it opens up,” Hawkins said of her time on the road. “I was a dancer before I joined The Wiggles. I wasn’t super into singing and acting … (but) there are so many things I get to learn on the road. But also, you get to meet some really cool people. You forget how many interesting people have children that love watching The Wiggles.”
The Generational Bridge
Watching Hawkins look out from the stage, the Wiggles’ generational reach is undeniable [5]. Since forming in 1991], the lineup has evolved, with founder Anthony Field performing alongside a new cast that includes his daughter, Lucia Field, as well as Lachy Gillespie, Simon Pryce, Evie Ferris, John Pearce, Caterina Mete and Hawkins. This setup creates a beautiful sight: three generations of fans side-by-side.
“It’s beautiful. It’s incredible. It makes me feel so special that I get to be a part of something like that,” Hawkins says [37]. “I grew up watching The Wiggles. So now that I get to be one and I get to see the impact, I understand it for other people.”
The Breakthrough Tree of Wisdom
While legacy tracks like “Hot Potato” remain central, the current tour is anchored by a breakout star: the comedic, towering Tree of Wisdom, played by Anthony Field’s nephew, Dominic Field.
“He’s incredible,” Hawkins laughed when asked about the character’s global popularity. “He’s just so funny. You can’t help but laugh. The Tree of Wisdom’s dancing reminds you of the fun uncle at a wedding. So, everyone always knows the Tree of Wisdom in their life. He’s the best.” She chuckled, pointing out the irony of the character’s status. “Usually when someone says, ‘Look, mom, I play the tree,’ it’s a background character, but the Tree of Wisdom, he is his own very special, humorous character. It’s a perfect comedic timing.”
Bridging Nursery Rhymes and Rock Standards
This blend of humor and high-energy dance is what keeps the Wiggles’ guiding principles alive. Whether performing classic nursery rhymes or delivering a rock-inspired rendition of Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits,” as she did on the recently released Tree of Wisdom LP, Hawkins continues to push boundaries.
“Oh, it was pretty incredible,” Hawkins said of putting her own spin on the iconic rock anthem. “I mean, I love that song. In Australia especially, it’s a rite of passage. We learn a dance to ‘Nutbush’ and you do it at discos, at weddings, everything.”
Merging children’s music with classic rock is no easy task, but Hawkins thrives on the challenge. “It was really cool. It’s a mix of getting to sing Wiggly, but then singing a pretty cool rock song. You know, it’s hard to live up to Tina Turner’s ‘Nutbush,’ but I love getting to sing new songs.”
With that, Hawkins returns to her preparations for the day’s third show – hot on the heels of two bows in Philadelphia and three performances in Manhattan in the preceding days, with Boston dates on deck. The marathon is nearly over, but for the Yellow Wiggle, inspiring another theater of children is a dream that never fades.
