In this episode, we sit down with Joel Jeske and Shereen Hickman to hear about their journeys through acting, Clown College, the circus, and Cirque du Soleil — and the magic they bring each year to Holiday Wish Express here in Stamford.
Joel Jeske is a three-time Drama Desk–nominated actor, writer, teacher, director, and multi-disciplinary clown, with creations for Ringling Bros., Cirque du Soleil, and The Big Apple Circus. Locally, he’s known as Phineous Flywheel, Santa’s Master Toy Maker — the guy who keeps the holiday magic running like clockwork (and occasionally off the rails).
Shereen Hickman is a world-traveling performer best known for creating and starring in iconic Cirque du Soleil roles, from Las Vegas to Broadway to the big top. She’s currently touring nationally as “Grandma” in The Addams Family. Every November, she returns to Holiday Wish Express in a role that keeps her very close to the Big Guy in Red… if you catch our drift.
Learn more about The Holiday Wish Express at https://theholidaywish.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/holidaywishexpress/
Follow Joel at https://www.joeljeske.com
Keep tabs on Shereen at https://www.shereenhickman.com
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The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by:
Serafresca at the IC: Plan your holiday celebration at Serafresca at the IC—where elegant ambiance and exceptional service make every party unforgettable. Book now at https://serafrescaic.com/
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00:00 Meet the Guests: Joel & Shireen
03:19 Path to Holiday Wish: Acting & Comedy Journeys
04:46 Joel's Clown College & Circus Background
07:00 Life on the Circus Train
08:08 Cirque du Soleil Careers: Shireen's Story
13:00 Inside Cirque Shows and Themes
15:27 Circus Skills & Performing Arts
17:24 Character Work: Bringing Magic to Holiday Wish
19:05 Transformative Holiday Memories
21:19 Journey Through Holiday Wish: The Experience
24:01 Special Rooms & Events at the North Pole
27:00 Unique Holiday Wish Activities & Traditions
30:07 Creative Character Building: Phineas Flywheel
34:09 Family Traditions & Heartwarming Stories
38:05 Holiday Wish: Returning Magic This Year
39:01 What's New at Holiday Wish
40:10 Wrapping Up & Inviting All to Experience the Magic
