Since its world premiere 25 years ago, the Blue Man Group has delighted over 35 million people across the world with a dynamic show that combines music, comedy and technology.
With permanent productions across America and Berlin, they will be taking over Shanghai Culture Square from November 16-27 as part of their first tour of China.
“The Blue Man Group event is structured so the whole thing can happen to the audience and the Blue Men together at once, and to spontaneously unfold in real time,” explains creative director Bill Swartz.
Adults and children of all ages marvel over the distinguished entertainment that draws in and involves the audience on another level. Often handing out ponchos to those who dare to sit in the first few rows, audience members are directly influenced by stage props such as water and balloons.
Audience participation shapes the show, which makes it captivating for everyone watching, even the squirmiest of 5-year-olds.
What’s most attractive about the show is its spur of the moment feel, drawing spectators into the act, and there’s no telling what will take place next. This unpredictability is exciting, like the twists and turns of a roller coaster, while allowing the show to come alive in a way that would not be possible otherwise.
It’s always changing, too. For a quarter of a century, the Blue Man show has been evolving and adding new experiences that speak to contemporary culture.
‘What’s most attractive about the show is its spur of the moment feel, drawing spectators into the act, and there’s no telling what will take place next’
“Developments in technology and music – two special and active interests of ours – are very easily incorporated into our shows, and you will see many new and spectacular things in these and other areas,” Swartz says.
The key to success, according to Swartz, is to adapt to the current art climate, and the Blue Men have done this astutely.
“The themes haven't changed much because they are universal and enduring, but if an audience member today that could travel in time, he or she would not recognize much specific material from a Blue Man Group show 25 years ago,” explains Swartz.
As the troupe embarks on its first China tour ever, it will be interesting to see how the local audience reacts. A significant part of the show relies on audience interaction, which alters the texture of planned scenarios in authentic and spontaneous ways.
“I can promise that it's a special adventure people will not forget, and a chance for us all to free ourselves from the standard norms of modern life in order to make some transcendent personal connections,” says Swartz. “And maybe laugh a bit in the process.”
And as for the blue? “It was an accident of convenience and simply an artistic inspiration,” Schwartz admits.It was a happy accident and one your kids are sure to find amusing.
Nov 16-Dec 4, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (Sat-Sun), RMB158-688. See event listing. See listing for Shanghai Culture Square.
