Showing posts with label Blue Man Group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Man Group. Show all posts

Sunday, October 23, 2022

REVIEW: 25 Years of Blue Man Group!

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List


photo credit Bonnie Kenaz-Mara unless listed otherwise
Blue Man Group
25th Anniversary 
By Guest Critic Catherine Hellmann

The last time I saw Blue Man Group, I was pregnant with my son. He is now a second-year teacher. So, it’s been awhile. Incredible how this unusual and hard-to-define show has endured and thrived and became a global phenomenon with franchises in ther cities. It’s cool that it started here in Chicago. 

My theater friend advises that one approach the Blue Men concept as if they are aliens to our planet, or English-Language Learners who have been dropped into a foreign culture. There is an innocence about them which is a huge key to their charm. They look bewildered at simple things, like a toddler making discoveries. 

If you live in a cave and have somehow missed the Blue Man buzz over the decades, Blue Man Group consists of three actors/percussionsts/artists who create music, paint, catch marshmallows in their mouths (the guy next to me counted 17…), interact with the crowd, make fun of technology, and cause amusing mischief. 

The audience participation aspect is fun. The right people seem to get chosen to participate. They were very entertaining and good sports. It’s also charming to see such a huge variety of people in the crowd. It’s a show for grandparents and younger children, families and dates, and a sure bet for your friends who are visiting Chicago from out of town and want something different to experience. 

There are “unsafe seats” near the stage for when the drumming gets interactive with paint. My sister observed, “Uh-oh, the folks in the front rows are putting on their plastic again…” You can also sit farther back and enjoy the show at a distance, but don’t be surprised if a Blue Man walks up the aisle past you or even climbs over the seats nearby.     

They have the best late-comers cue I’ve ever seen. A chorus recording sings “You are LATE! You are LATE!” while a camera follows the mortified audience members to their seats. That was a hoot! 

There is a newer bit with the Blue Men eating from boxes of Cap’n Crunch cereal that made me pity the stage crew who has to clean up after every performance. I liked reading the giant cue cards which the Blue Men flip. One read that “Tobias isn’t here,” a hilarious reference to David Cross’ insanely funny character on Arrested Development. (Tobias had aspirations to be a member of Blue Man Group and “blue himself” in advance preparation of getting the call to sub from his agent…leaving blue handprints all over the house.)

We also had a fabulous time at the preshow press party. Check out our adventures below:



ChiIL Mama (Bonnie Kenaz-Mara) with sisters & guest critics, 
Catherine & Teresa Hellmann 

If you’ve never been to see Blue Man Group, you should go once to see what all the fuss is about and have the experience. After that, you have my blessing to support other theaters in Chicago, especially the smaller, storefront ones.  

Catherine Hellmann is a Teacher-Warrior, mom, reader, and theater fanatic. She loves books so much that she birthed a librarian and two teachers. A recent trip to Alaska marked her 49th state…Hawaii is next on her Bucket List. 

  • Blue Man Group, the critically hailed theatrical phenomenon with an open run at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre, celebrates 25 years in Chicago  
  • Since its debut at the Briar Street Theatre in 1997, Blue Man Group Chicago has:
    • Entertained more than 5 million people with more than 12,000 performances
    • Thrown more than 120,000 marshmallows and 36,000 gum balls 
    • Used 48,400 cakes of makeup (in their own proprietary color, Blue Man Blue) 

Blue Man Group Ticket Information: 
Blue Man Group Chicago ticket prices start at $49. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.blueman.com/chicago. In celebration of Blue Man Group Chicago’s 25th anniversary, Illinois residents can receive 25 percent off select seats now through December 1, 2022 by visiting www.blueman.com/chicago/offers. A full show schedule and pricing can also be found at www.blueman.com/chicago 

  
About Blue Man Group 
Blue Man Group is a global entertainment phenomenon, known for its award-winning theatrical productions, iconic characters and multiple creative explorations. Blue Man Group performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. Since debuting at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991, the live show has expanded to additional domestic residencies in Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas, an international residency in Berlin, and multiple
North American and World tours, reaching more than 50 million people worldwide. Blue Man Group is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds, and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. For more information, please visit 
www.blueman.com 



  

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Blue Man Group Chicago Mochi Donut & 20% Show Discount Available Throughout June at 2D Restaurant



Blue Man Group Chicago will kick off its 25th anniversary festivities by partnering with 2D Restaurant to launch a specialty “Blue Man Group” mochi donut. The donut will be available at 2D Restaurant (3155 N. Halsted) throughout the month of June.  

Celebrating the iconic theatrical phenomenon performing steps away from the restaurant, 2D’s Blue Man Group donut will feature fresh blueberry puree sprinkled with colored cocoa powder and topped with a marshmallow. Guests who purchase the “Blue Man Group” donut will receive a special ticket code for 20 percent off tickets to upcoming performances of Blue Man Group Chicago at the Briar Street Theatre.  

Blue Man Group originally debuted at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 1997. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective. Three bald and blue men explore today’s cultural norms with wonder, poking fun at the audience’s collective quirks and reminding them how much they all have in common. The show is continually refreshed with new music, stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.  

  

About Blue Man Group 

Blue Man Group is a global entertainment phenomenon, known for its award-winning

theatrical productions, iconic characters and multiple creative explorations. Blue Man Group performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. Since debuting at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991, the live show has expanded to additional domestic residencies in Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas, an international residency in Berlin, and multiple North American and World tours, reaching more than 50 million people worldwide. Blue Man Group is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds, and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. For more information, please visit www.blueman.com.  

  

About 2D Restaurant 

2D Restaurant is Chicago’s first two-dimensional mochi donut and Asian fusion chicken sandwich restaurant, transporting its guests into their own comic universe using monochrome illusions. 2D is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Vanessa Thanh Vu and Kevin Yu. In partnership with Chicago artist Mia Larson, the couple spent about two years attending to every detail of the 1,600 square-foot space, ultimately crafting an immaculate 22-seat Parisian fantasy world complete with a balcony view of the Eiffel Tower, a 1920s-style en-suite hotel bathroom complete with a bubble-filled clawfoot tub, and a cozy library stocked with tall bookshelves around a lit fireplace. 

Saturday, August 28, 2021

REVIEW: Chicago's Blue Man Group Resumes Live Shows

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Family Friendly Fun


Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara

Back In Blue: 

Chicago's Favorite Indigo Entertainers 

Return to Open Run at 

Briar Street Theatre


**Show is suitable for all ages and guests 3 years old and up are welcome. All guests require their own ticket, regardless of age or lap seating. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. ChiIL Tip: the drumming and music does get loud for little ears, so we recommend bringing hearing protection for kids.**



GUEST REVIEW:

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

The Blue Man Group is back and it’s as wonderful as ever! After 15 or so months off from performing, The Blue Man Group has brought all of their loveable antics back to Briar Street Theater and has reignited the joy of seeing live theater. And they do it all safely too! Everyone was required to wear a mask and any audience member drawn onto the stage was given a face shield before interacting with the Blue Men. 

Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara

Before the show even starts you get a fun experience! From the moment you enter the lobby, you might notice classical paintings lining the walls with a little extra blue thrown in. From there you’ll pass a giant blue face perfect for photo ops, before entering the actual theater bathed in blue light. Then the pre-show looping text helps set the chaotic funny mood for the upcoming show. How many twinkies does a Blue Man eat in his life? What bout the amount of toilet paper used in a day in the US? These questions and more are answered (sarcastically) before the show even starts. 

Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara

When the show begins, the audience is bombarded with spectacle after spectacle. From paint drums to musical pipes to Cap'n Crunch, there’s never a dull moment. I especially loved the design elements that went into making the show. The lighting design brought tons of colors to the black stage and out into the audience, the instruments and props were all super creative takes on normal items, and the set was able to change in an instant using their multitude of screens. In addition to that, all of the actors were fabulous too. The Blue Men were able to effortlessly connect to the audience without using words. From subtle gestures to knowingly blank stares, the Blue Men really tapped into human emotion which the viewers were able to recognize easily. They even brought that energy into their props, breathing life into instrumental pipes and controlling people using their signal light wands. 

One of their specialties is keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. When watching the show you never know when you specifically might be singled out. The pre-show announcements called out specific audience members, and the show stopped to call attention to people arriving late. There were also many points in the show where the Blue Men would venture out into the audience (sometimes via the aisles and sometimes climbing right over people’s heads) to pick an audience member to go on stage and help in the performance. But if you don’t get singled out you’ll still have the chance to participate. There are many moments scattered throughout the show where audience members will get to stand up, dance, scream out, and catch things thrown from the stage.

Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara


In the end, watching Blue Man Group was an exhilarating show and I would recommend it to anyone who loves to have fun and wants to have the experience of a lifetime. 

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is an actor, designer, and photographer studying theatre and psychology at Northwestern University. Contrary to popular belief, he is not a time traveler.



Blue Man Group Chicago. Photo credit Caroline Talbot Photography


Theatrical phenomenon Blue Man Group has made its long-awaited return to Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre! A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective.  

“For more than 20 years, Blue Man Group has established itself as one of the top entertainment destinations in Chicago,” said Mary Grisolano, Managing Director of Blue Man Group. “We are absolutely thrilled to return to the stage and welcome new and returning audiences to the Briar Street Theatre.”  

Blue Man Group originally debuted at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 1997. Three bald and blue men explore today’s cultural norms with wonder, poking fun at the audience’s collective quirks and reminding them how much they all have in common. The show is continually refreshed with new music, stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.   

Blue Man Group Ticket Information

Blue Man Group Chicago ticket prices range from $49 – $89. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.blueman.com. A full show schedule and pricing can also be found at www.blueman.com.  

Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $57 – $70 per person. For groups of 10 or more, email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.  


2021 Performance Schedule: 

August  

Saturday, August 28 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, August 29 at 2 and 5 p.m.  


September 

Wednesday, September 1 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 2 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 3 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 4 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 5 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 8 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 9 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 10 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 11 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 12 at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 15 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 16 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 17 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 18 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 19 at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 22 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 23 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 24 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 25 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 26 at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 29 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 30 at 8 p.m. 

  

October 

Friday, October 1 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, October 2 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, October 3 at 2 p.m. 

Additional fall and holiday performances will be announced at a later date. 

  

About Blue Man Group 

Blue Man Group is a global entertainment phenomenon, known for its award-winning theatrical productions, iconic characters and multiple creative explorations. Blue Man Group performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. Since debuting at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991, the live show has expanded to additional domestic residencies in Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas, an international residency in Berlin, and multiple North American and World tours, reaching more than 35 million people worldwide. Blue Man Group is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds, and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. For more information, please visit www.blueman.com.  

Friday, January 24, 2020

Teen Take On Blue Man Group Chicago and Winter Show Dates Through February 29, 2020

Blue Man Group Chicago
**Added performances on Valentine’s Day and President’s Day**


"That show had everything I like in it. I had a sore jaw from laughing so consecutively. 
Really appreciated it. They had excellent humor, outstanding drummers, 
and the creativity went through the roof."
Andrew Collazo 



Review:
by Sage Kenaz-Mara (16)



I've seen Blue Man Group many times over the years, in 2011, when they first updated the show, and again in 2012 with my circus team mates from CircEsteem. I also saw them with 3 generations of my family in 2014. 



The last time I went was 2016, when I was 13, so I couldn't wait to catch them again, now that I'm older. Thanks to Blue Man Group for comping us a couple tickets, so I could recap our experience for my "Teen Take" series at ChiILMama.com.




I'm dating a guy now who was a coworker of mine at Bristol Renaissance Faire for the past two summers. Andrew's a drummer and juggler, so I surprised him with tickets to the Blue Man Group show. He'd never seen them. 

We got to be part of the show from the start. They featured us as the "You're Late Couple". It was super funny. They put us up on the big screen, and gave us closer seats than we had originally. The drumming was amazing and they've changed up the instruments some since I saw it last. 



I also loved that they moved the human painting in front of the audience now instead of back stage. 



The only thing I truly missed was the big dance party they used to close with, which wasn't in the show anymore. 

Andrew said he was so happy at the show with me that by the time they got to the Jello part, he had to restrain himself from standing up and yelling out that he loved me. He said it later for the first time after the show. 



Blue Man Group's great for all ages, though bring earplugs for anyone little. In the past we've given tickets as gifts to relatives from two sets of grandparents down to kids and they've all enjoyed it. Sometimes it's easy to take long running shows for granted, but Blue Man Group is unforgettable. There's a reason they're still in a wildly popular open run in Chicago and have expanded to be a global phenomenon. If you've never been, check it out. If you've gone before, take someone new, and experience it again. This show's a great way to beat the winter blues.   

Sage Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based high school Junior, writer-actor-choreographer-artist and frequent audience member at theatre productions all over town. She is writing a regular "Teen Take" series now for ChiIL Mama, featuring a closer look at Chicago theatre, circus, museums, attractions and events with a teen perspective.


Blue Man Group, continues its open run at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted) including added performances on Valentine’s Day and President’s Day.

Blue Man Group’s complete winter performance schedule is outlined below.



Blue Man Group Ticket Information

Tickets are available from $49-$104. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-BLUE-MAN (1-800-258-3626) or visiting www.blueman.com. A full show schedule and ticket pricing, can also be found at www.blueman.com.

VIP Experience ticket packages are also available starting at $150 per person and include a three-course dinner at Drew’s on Halsted, premium seat and one pre-show beverage at the Briar Street Theatre, souvenir lanyard and a post-show meet-and-greet with a Blue Man. 

Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $46.50- $79.50 per person. For groups of 10 or more, call the group sales department to book at: 773-348-3300 or email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.



2020 Remaining Winter Performance Schedule:

January
Friday, January 24 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 25 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 26 – 1 and 4 p.m.
Thursday, January 30 – 8 p.m.
Friday, January 31 – 8 p.m.

February
Saturday, February 1 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 2 – 1 p.m.
Thursday, February 6 – 8 p.m.
Friday, February 7 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 8 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 9 – 1 and 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 13 – 8 p.m.
Friday, February 14 – 6 and 9 p.m. (Valentine’s Day)
Saturday, February 15 – 1, 4, 7 and 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 16 – 1, 4 and 7 p.m.
Monday, February 17 – 1 p.m. (President’s Day)
Thursday, February 20 – 8 p.m.
Friday, February 21 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 22 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 23 – 1 and 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 27 – 8 p.m.
Friday, February 28 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 29 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.



About Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group is an award-winning show and entertainment phenomenon seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, the show’s euphoric celebration of human connection has universal appeal for a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. The show is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology. Blue Man Group has permanent theatrical productions in New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Berlin and a World Tour. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

This creative collective has become part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Blue Man Group has served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arrested Development,” “Ellen,” “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Beyond the stage show, they are Grammy-nominated recording artists, known for their contributions to various film and TV scores and multiple Blue Man Group albums, including their most recent, THREE. Their “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody played arenas across the globe. The group’s recently published first-ever book, Blue Man World, is a visually stunning anthropological exploration of the curious bald and blue character.



Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Perfect Pairing: Blue Man Group and FastPass to Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again Available Through January 23, 2020

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

BLUE MAN GROUP 
DEBUTS NEW TICKET PACKAGE WITH 
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO 
FOR ANDY WARHOL —  FROM A TO B AND BACK AGAIN


New Limited-Time-Only Package 
Available Through January 23, 2020.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore theatre and art, and we're jazzed when our favorites team up together. If you're looking for a great holiday gift idea or a way to make some memories with visiting family and friends, check this out. You don't even need to do both shows on the same day. Make life a bit more colorful during this dark season and go already! 

Blue Man Group is thrilled to debut a new ticket package in partnership with Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again, on view now through January 26, 2020 at the Art Institute of Chicago. The special ticket package is $79 and includes a main floor seat to Blue Man Group at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre and a FastPass admission ticket to the Art Institute including a pass to the Warhol exhibition.

Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again is a penetrating and panoramic look at an artist whose "15 minutes" endure. This major retrospective--the first to be organized by a US institution (Whitney Museum of American Art) in 30 years--builds on the wealth of new research, scholarship, and perspectives that has emerged since Andy Warhol's early death at age 58 in 1987. More than 400 works on view offer a new view of the beloved and iconic American Pop artist, not only illuminating the breadth, depth, and interconnectedness of Warhol's production across the entirety of his career but also highlighting the ways that he anticipated the issues, effects, and pace of today’s digital age.

Blue Man Group ticket buyers are invited to use code WARHOL when purchasing full price Blue Man Group Chicago tickets to receive an equal number of FastPass admission and Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again exhibition passes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Art Institute tickets must be picked up at the Briar Street Theatre box office and do not need to be used on the same day as the Blue Man Group performance.

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is an award-winning show and entertainment phenomenon seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, the show’s euphoric celebration of human connection has universal appeal for a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. The show is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology. Blue Man Group has permanent theatrical productions in New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Berlin and a World Tour. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

This creative collective has become part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Blue Man Group has served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arrested Development,” “Ellen,” “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Beyond the stage show, they are Grammy-nominated recording artists, known for their contributions to various film and TV scores and multiple Blue Man Group albums, including their most recent, THREE. Their “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody played arenas across the globe. The group’s recently published first-ever book, Blue Man World, is a visually stunning anthropological exploration of the curious bald and blue character.

Monday, November 12, 2018

REVIEW: Blue Man Group Adds NEW Instruments, Interactions, Technology and More To Open Ended Chicago Run at Briar Street Theatre


ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Chicago Production Evolves with New Instruments, Technologies and Audience Connections



Guest Review by Flo Mano 
Chicago's gone code "BLUE"... Blue Man Group that is!!  
The Blue Man Group long running show, at Briar Street Theatre, had their revamped, "New Content Debut" this month, under a mood lit tent. It started with a festive, fun VIP reception full of activities. I had a blast creating bicycle spin art on Blue Man Group logo tote bags and decorating hand drums, as memento souvenirs. People could even try their drum skills on colorful pvc pipe drums, just like the actors! In the main lobby there were other percussion instruments, too, awaiting a hands on attempt to create musical sounds, for young and old. Mingling with other guests and enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres & spirits made for a wonderful way to kick off this celebration! 

After the opening festivities, we entered the theater to a shade of  aesthetically pleasing, blue mood light. I was in the splash zone, where plastic raincoats hang from the chairs, so nobody in the front rows goes home accidentally splatter painted. There I waited eagerly for the excitement to unfold. This was my first time to catch Blue Man Group. 

A hush fell over the crowd, then with the darkening of the stage...BANG!! The Trio of Blue Men appeared in a spotlight and synchronized percussion sounds encompassed the room, to the screaming of the audience!! With a straight face, big expressive eyes, and pantomime, they had the audience in awe from the opening moments onward.



Blue Man Group is magical, imagination filled, knockout entertainment! The neon, face painted accompanying musicians drew attention with their strong score on improvised cues. Meanwhile the blue leads interacted with the audience, like bigger than life balancing gymnast giants, infiltrating and choosing participants to join them on stage. The audience ate it up, with nonstop belly laughter throughout. Amazing statistics and surprises abound. 

At the end, in the lobby, the Blue Men graciously posed for pictures/selfies with their fans prompting grins galore! This show definitely makes for a fun, family friendly special event. Gift your friends and family with lasting memories, with tickets to Blue Man Group. Whether you've never been or seen them many times over, Blue Man Group is a superb show that appeals to all ages!

Flo Mano is a CPS elementary teacher/librarian, hairdresser, and theater/film fanatic who catches hundreds of Chicago shows annually. She's been known to pull over while driving, spring from her car, and excitedly hug favorite actors if she sees them on the street! Flo has an uncanny knack for remembering faces and roles for decades. She volunteers at numerous film venues and theaters, and she has otherworldly ticket karma, frequently showing up at sold out shows and getting standby tickets.




BLUE MAN GROUP CHICAGO DEBUTS 
NEW MOMENTS BEGINNING 
NOVEMBER 8, 2018


Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski


Blue Man Group, continuing its open run at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre (3133
N. Halsted), will provide a new experience for Chicago visitors beginning November 8 by unveiling brand new content featuring new instruments, technologies and audience interactions. Developed by Director Michael Dahlen and Creative Director Jeff Turlik, the new elements joining the Chicago production celebrate Blue Man Group’s commitment to experimentation and
evolution. 


Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski

“When developing pieces for Blue Man Group, we are constantly asking ourselves, ‘What would the Blue Men do?’”, said Michael Dahlen, Director. “In both the new and iconic content for the Chicago show, we follow the Blue Men as they explore various aspects of our rapidly changing world and celebrate our shared joy of being alive. Couple that with moments of playfully
uncomfortable audience participation and you’ve got a unique experience like no other to love.”




Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski

Newly constructed and remastered instruments such as the Spinulum, Light Horns and Trigger Vibes will bring expressive new sounds to Blue Man Group Chicago. Made from industrial materials, the Spinulum is played in a similar fashion to a slide guitar by moving a specially made hand grip along the stainless-steel neck of the instrument while rotating a clear plastic
disk. Light Horns will allow the Blue Men to call out to the audience in a never-before-done fashion. Part deconstructed xylophone, part drum hardware, the Trigger Vibes will present new but oddly familiar electronic sounds. Original music compositions will also be featured in the Chicago production including the theatrical debut of “Vortex,” a piece from Blue Man Group’s latest studio album “THREE.”

New commentary on culturally relevant themes such as social media, connectivity and technology will be introduced in pieces such as Fast Friendz! and the Blue Men’s engagement with virtual reality headsets backstage during the show. Fast Friendz! playfully and hilariously spoofs society’s over-reliance on technology to enhance their lives. The new content will also create a deeper connection between the audience and the Blue Men by acknowledging and featuring the audience more prominently throughout the show. One lucky
audience member will even be given the opportunity to share the stage with Blue Man Group like never before—becoming a true rock star by playing alongside the Blue Men on yet another new instrument, the Mag Bells.




 Photo Credit: Eric Klein



Blue Man Group is loved by audiences young and old for its ability to surprise, awe, confuse, humble and entertain. Specific iconic elements of Blue Man Group’s ensemble such as the creative uses of paint or the Blue Men’s uncanny ability to throw, catch and make art from an unlikely medium have become ingrained in Blue Man Group’s DNA and are expected and desired by fans. These moments will remain as celebrated components of the production. 


 Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski

Blue Man Group Ticket Information
Tickets are available from $49-$99. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-BLUE-MAN (1-800-258-3626) or visiting www.blueman.com. A full show schedule and ticket pricing, can also be found at www.blueman.com.
Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $46- $69 per person. For groups of 10 or more, call the group sales department to book at: 773-348-3300 or email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.


 Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski

About Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group is an award-winning show and entertainment phenomenon, performed and
seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of art,
music, comedy and technology, the show’s euphoric celebration of human connection has
universal appeal for a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. The show is
continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art
technology. Blue Man Group has permanent theatrical productions in New York, Las Vegas,
Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Berlin and a World Tour. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

This creative collective has become part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Blue Man Group has
served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times
on hit shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arrested Development,” “Ellen,” “Schlag den Raab”
(Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Beyond the stage show, they are Grammy-nominated recording artists, known for their
contributions to various film and TV scores and multiple Blue Man Group albums, including their
most recent, THREE. Their “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody played arenas across
the globe. The group’s recently published first-ever book, Blue Man World, is a visually stunning
anthropological exploration of the curious bald and blue character.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Celebrate The Season With More Blue Man Group Including 4 New Years Eve Shows

Chi IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar

BLUE MAN GROUP CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ADDED PERFORMANCES AT CHICAGO’S BRIAR STREET THEATRE


Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows we adore Blue Man Group so much we're even quoted on their entryway! 



We have seen them numerous times over the past 20 years, most recently for their 20th birthday party in October! My friend D'Arcy had never seen them so I brought her and she loved the show too.






Blue Man Group, celebrating 20 years in Chicago, will make the holiday season extra bright with an expanded holiday performance schedule at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted). The added performances will include some fun holiday-themed surprises and provide Chicago residents and visitors with more opportunities to experience some not so silent nights throughout the season.

Blue Man Group will celebrate the New Year with four performances Saturday, December 31. Families can kick off their New Year’s Eve celebrations early with Blue Man Group’s kid-friendly performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Children will be transformed into members of the Blue Man Group band with pre-show face painting. Other festivities include a “midnight” countdown after the show, complete with party hats and noisemakers, and a special performance of “Auld Lang Syne” by the Blue Men.

Blue Man Group will continue ringing in 2018 with additional New Year’s Eve shows at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., which include festive party hats and a celebratory champagne toast for attendees. Guests of the 10 p.m. show will also experience a spectacular New Year’s Eve countdown party. Complete with noisemakers, a midnight champagne toast, confetti drop and performance of “Auld Lang Syne” by the Blue Men, it is guaranteed to be a celebration unlike any other. 

You'll be entertained before you even enter the show, in the interactive lobby. Chat with a stranger or friend across the room via tube and check out the art contest winners' works.



Even their bathrooms have creative signage and songs!



Blue Man Group Ticket Information
Tickets are available from $39-$99. Tickets may be purchased at the Briar Street Theatre by calling the box office at (773) 348-4000; by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787; at all Ticketmaster ticket centers or via the Internet at http://www.ticketmaster.com/bluemangroup. For a full show schedule and ticket pricing, please visit www.blueman.com/chicago.

Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $46- $69 per person. For groups of 10 or more, call the group sales department to book at: 773.348.3300 or email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.

Upcoming 2017 Holiday Performance Schedule:

December
Friday, December 8 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 9 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 10 – 1 and 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 14 – 8 p.m.
Friday, December 15 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 16 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 17 – 1 and 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 19 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20 – 8 p.m.
Thursday, December 21 – 8 p.m.
Friday, December 22 – 5 and 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 23 – 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 24 – 2 and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, December 26 – 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 27 – 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Thursday, December 28 – 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Friday, December 29 – 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 30 – 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 31 – 1, 4, 7 and 10 p.m.

January
Monday, January 1 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Tuesday, January 2 – 5 and 8 p.m.
Wednesday, January 3 – 5 and 8 p.m.
Thursday, January 4 – 5 and 8 p.m.
Friday, January 5 – 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 6 – 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 7 – 1 and 4 p.m.

Additional January performance dates will be announced at a later date.

About Blue Man Group
Blue Man Productions is a global entertainment company best known for the award-winning Blue Man Group show, performed in over 20 countries and seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, the show’s euphoric celebration of human connection has universal appeal for a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. The show is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology. Blue Man Group has permanent theatrical productions in New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Berlin and a World Tour.

This creative collective has become part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Blue Man Group has served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arrested Development,” “Ellen,” “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Beyond the stage show, they are Grammy-nominated recording artists, known for their contributions to various film and TV scores and multiple Blue Man Group albums, including their most recent, THREE.  Their “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody played arenas across the globe. The group’s recently published first-ever book, Blue Man World, is a visually stunning anthropological exploration of the curious bald and blue character.

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