BLUE MAN GROUP - ARTIST PROFILE
February 13th, 2006 by rui
What is Blue Man Group?
Blue Man Group is a creative organization dedicated to creating excitement-generating experiences for our audience and ourselves.
How did Blue Man Group evolve?
The show evolved out of salon style meetings in the late 80s with three long time friends Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. They began making public appearances as Blue Man Group on the streets of New York City as well as in performance art spaces of the East Village. Some of those pieces, as well as others developed with musical collaborators Larry Heinemann, Ian Pai and video designer Caryl Glaab, were used to create a show at La Mama, ETC. (the famous East Village performance space). This led to opening the show at the Astor Place Theatre. The Boston show opened next, followed by Chicago, then Las Vegas, Berlin and Toronto.
How many Blue Men are there?
There are close to 60 Blue Men working within the company and rotating through the shows right now.
Where are Blue Man Group’s theatrical productions? How long will they be running?
Blue Man Group’s long running theatrical productions are performed in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Berlin, Toronto and London. We will continue to perform in these cities for as long as people continue to enjoy the show. A big part of our longevity is due to the many people who return to see BMG again and again to bring along friends who have yet to see the show.
Are the shows different in each city?
The theatrical shows in New York, Boston,Chicago, Toronto and London all share a similar script but vary in the size of the theatres in which they are housed. In March 2004, new material was added to the New York, Boston and Chicago productions. Las Vegas is our largest theatrical venue to date in the United States and contains many of the pieces from the other domestic shows as well as new work that was created specifically for that production. The Berlin production is the largest Blue Man Group venue to date is also a mixture of signature Blue Man Group pieces and new material created specifically for Berlin.
The Complex Rock Tour was an entirely different Blue Man production, created as a rock concert experience.
How often do the theatre shows change?
New York, Boston and Chicago recently added new material to the second half of their shows. Please also keep in mind that all performances vary nightly because the audience changes nightly.
Will you add music from The Complex to the theatre shows?
Yes. Some of the album’s music was used when the latest new material was added to the shows in New York, Boston and Chicago. The Berlin and London shows also have music from The Complex including an amazing re-mix of Blue Man Group’s version of “I Feel Love” during paper finale.
How long is a Blue Man Group performance?
The approximate running time for all Blue Man Group theatre shows is one hour and forty-five minutes without an intermission.
I have tickets in what is referred to as the “Poncho Section.” Do I have to bring my own poncho?
Blue Man Group refers to the area closest to the stage as the “Poncho Section.” Blue Man Group provides each person in this section with a poncho just in case some of the materials used on stage go into the audience.
I have heard that the theatre show can get a little messy. What is the appropriate dress for Blue Man Group?
The blue men do use a variety of materials on stage and at times those materials get into the audience close to the stage. While it does not happen all the time, we do strongly suggest that you do not wear clothing that you consider nice or valuable. We encourage casual attire for the show. Jeans and sneakers are ideal.
What age group is appropriate for the theatrical shows?
One of the great things about seeing Blue Man Group is that it appeals to all ages. Kids will enjoy the lights, color and spectacle. Adults enjoy the humor, social commentary and depth of the character. Even the hardened theatre critic finds a deeper message behind the fun and mess.
While the show appeals to a wide audience, it’s not recommended for children under five.
How long does it take a Blue Man to prepare before the show? What is the make-up the Blue Men put on their faces?
It takes a Blue Man approximately one hour to get in costume for the show. The Blue Men wear grease paint on their heads. It never dries. This effect allows the Blue Men to maintain that wet gooey look throughout the show.
