David Shiner
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
Lanky, lean, dark-haired David Shiner began performing as a street mime in Colorado and then traveled to Europe where he first performed on the streets of France and Germany before landing stints with various circuses. In between his circus gigs (which included performing with the German National Circus in "Roncalli" and the Swiss National Circus in "Knei"), Shiner toured with partner Rene Bazinet performing a dual act.
In 1990, Shiner was featured in the famed Cirque du Soleil's production "Nouvelle Experience" and toured the USA and Canada (including a 1991 stop in NYC). The production was filmed for HBO and aired in 1992 as "Cirque du Soleil: A New Experience." Shiner's popularity led to film roles as a clown in "Lorenzo's Oil" (1992) and as straight man to Bill Irwin in Sam Shepard's "Silent Tongue" (1993). He and Irwin went on to collaborate on evening of "inspired lunacy" called "Fool Moon" which won raves on Broadway in 1993 and was brought back for repeat performances in 1995-96 and again in 1998. A two-man show, "Fool Moon" allowed both comic clowns to shine as each attempted to outdo the other. In 2000, Shiner returned to Broadway in the role of the Cat in the Hat, the evening's host and guide, in the stage musical "Seussical" which interwove many of Dr. Seuss' famed characters in a new story that appealed to children of all ages.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Life Events
1990
Appeared on European TV in "Mit den Clowns kamen die Traenen"
1990
Returned to the USA to appear in "Cirque du Soleil: Nouvelle Experience"; also appeared in Canada
1991
Was featured in the HBO special "Cirque du Soleil II: A New Experience"
1992
Feature film debut as a clown in "Lorenzo's Oil"
1993
Made appearance as a straight man to Bill Irwin's comic in Sam Shepard's feature "Silent Tongue"
1993
With Bill Irwin, co-wrote and co-starred in "Fool Moon" on Broadway; later appeared in Los Angeles
1995
Had supporting role in the screen comedy "Man of the House"
2000
Portrayed the Cat in the Hat in the stage musical "Seussical"; was more or less fired from show in 2001 and replaced by "name" performers like Rosie O'Donnell and Cathy Rigby
Family
Companions
