Until you have actually experienced The Blue Man Group live, it may be hard to understand the appeal. What is so great about three guys painted blue banging on stuff and not talking? After seeing the show for the first time on March 20th at the Jubilee Auditorium I can now answer that question with one word –
everything.
The challenge in reviewing a show like this is in not spoiling it. There were so many surprises and incredible visuals that the written word can't do them justice and I don't want to ruin aspects of it for those that have tickets.
The audience learned pretty quickly that they were in for a unique night when signs flashed across the stage giving instructions for the evening as well as leading the audience in saying various things. It showed that there was going to be humor in the show, and it was plentiful. What is remarkable is that the three performers – Kalen Allmandinger, Kirk Masser and Peter Musante – are able to transmit so much with just a look. In character they do not speak so the communication is entirely in facial expression or body language. The men are incredibly skilled in this manner.
The show is a multi-media spectacular with some amazing lights, effects, digital media and audience interaction. The show feels new, fresh and exciting.
For more than 20 years The Blue Man Group has entertained audiences worldwide and have permanent homes in entertainment meccas like Orlando, Las Vegas and New York. I can now fully get the hype, for pure entertainment it doesn't get much better then this.
The Blue Man Group plays at the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary until Sunday and opens in Edmonton at the Jubilee Auditorium next week. Tickets at ticketmaster.