Describe Blue Man Group. Ready Go. Impossible. Improbable.
The theatrically indescribable Blue Man Group hit Salt Lake City with a splash on opening night Tuesday. The group will perform at Kingsbury Hall on the University of Utah campus through April 6. Tickets are still available in limited quantities to all remaining shows.
Defying categorization, Blue Man Group are known for their multi-media performances featuring three bald and blue characters who take the audience on an interactive journey through skits, musical acts, dance routines and visual displays. Much of the performance involves the blue men playing some variety of experimental percussion instruments—the drumbone for example—and the group is accompanied by a live band.
Ticket holders should be prepared for the unforgettable as those in the front center section are issued plastic ponchos to protect them from splattering paint—used liberally throughout the performance in various mediums. And if you’re seated on the main floor, be ready to offer yourself up to join the performers on-stage and become part of the show. Before the act begins, take the time to read the scrolling messages in red LED text to the sides of the stage for entertainment and instruction.
My favorite performance of the evening immediately followed the audience participation Twinkie skit. Drumming on a modified pipe organ of sorts, the blue men soothed and swayed the crowd before eventually unleashing huge glowing balls into Kingsbury Hall.
One final note: don’t be late or you’ll certainly be made an example of as one couple learned the hard way on opening night.
Free parking for all Blue Man Group performances will be available at Rice Eccles Stadium with free shuttle service from the south side of the lot to the theatre before and after each performance.
Blue Man Group will be at Kingsbury Hall through April 6. Performances are 100 minutes with no intermission. Tickets on sale at KingTix.com.
Remaining performances include Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, April 4 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 6 at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Special thanks to Amy for the glowing ball photos and Broadway Across America-Utah for the tickets.