When Blue Man Group invaded Chicago's Briar Street Theatre some 15 or so years ago, I would say it safe to say that no one expected the show to still be running strong to this day. But here we are in 2011 and Blue Man Group is still attracting new fans just as easily as years past and is healthily bringing back previous attendees with regularity. That said, Blue Man Group is still on top of their game.
As with many longtime running shows, Blue Man Group is guilty of reinventing itself on occasion. Their latest metamorphosis keeps the ideal of the classic Blue Man Group intact, holding onto many show staples in which fluorescent paint is splattered with a most unique display of percussion and where objects are caught in each other’s mouths across the stage then transformed into distinctive art. Now enter the digital age. In the newest version of Blue Man Group, the creators have implemented the technology of smart phones, and without giving anything away outside the fact that three gigantic cellular devices are lowered above the stage, I’ll just say that the recently added props are brilliantly used with the originality and innovation one would expect from a show known for its inventiveness.
Of course comedy is also prevalent in Blue Man Group. It’s not easy to describe how three funny subtly-expressive, blue faces who appear to be in constant discovery mode can be, so I’ll just cop out with the cliché phrase, you have to be there. Volunteers are also selected from the audience for a variety of fun skits and there is a section in the first few rows that come with a plastic poncho to each seat to protect from the splattering paint and food – yes, food.
The show comes to a climactic end in which the audience is covered in tissue dispensed from giant rolls in the rear of the theatre before humungous balls are batted around to heavy beats and dazzling lights.
Blue Man Group has always been a fun show that one could see over and over again, but now that show just got even better.