Review: BLUE MAN GROUP is Extraordinarily Thrilling!

By Jared Echevarria

Manila, Philippines--If you're into something different, catchy, and exciting, the performance of the BLUE MAN GROUP, which closes its limited engagement at The Theatre at Solaire (Solaire Resort and Casino, Paranaque City) on Sunday, September 25, will ideally fit your definition of "total entertainment." Founded in 1991, BLUE MAN GROUP is known for its unique stage antics that blur the boundary between everyday reality and surreality. Their productions and performances vary from one stage to the other, which make every BLUE MAN GROUP experience different and incomparable.

Their performances in Manila, which have been delighting Manila audiences night after night, is part of the group's 25th-anniversary world tour. Each performance is a spectacle in itself and must be seen. Their opening act delivers a sense of excitement with the familiar drum beats that made the BLUE MAN GROUP famous. The three Blue Men's minimalist signature blue-painted skins and black clothes are already enough for one to marvel at how this 90-minute show will go as your eyes wonder in the extraordinary scenes, bizarre skits, and funny antics on stage.

Their music and drum beats are more than the usual and add to the hype of the whole production. Their original tribal techno music plays a vital role in making this show lively and exhilarating together with the lighting design that's perfectly synchronized to the every movement of the Blue Men.

There are no lull moments in the show and if there were, they're purposely done to ensure that the audience would clamor for more. Though some of the acts were based on previous performances, such as the acts that involve paint and the PVC pipe instruments, they're still cleverly executed with style; watching them twice or more do not bore. All the acts seem to be random and there are plenty of surprises. Contrary to popular belief , the Blue Men do not solicit fear from the younger audience members; in fact, the actors' inexpressive faces and pranks are fun to look at through a child's eyes.

Not at all irritating, there's a lot of audience participation and interaction--something that's uncommon in theatrical shows. One would volunteer because being a part of the show itself is more fun and exciting than merely watching it from a distance.

For BLUE MAN GROUP, the whole theatre is their stage; there are no limits and impossibilities. Absurdity and unpredictability are two words that make their show extraordinarily thrilling. There's even a surprise number waiting at the near end of the show. So better come prepared with your happy neon T-shirts.

Together with telecom giant Globe Telecom, Blue Man Productions Ltd., Lunchbox Productions Ltd., and Concertus Manila bring BLUE MAN GROUP to Manila.

BLUE MAN GROUP plays The Theatre at Solaire now through Sunday, September 25, every 8 p.m, Tuesday to Friday; 2 and 8 p.m., Saturday to Sunday. For tickets (P 1,018.90 to P 5,852), visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

Students get 15% off on tickets. Globe customers also get 20% off on tickets; access the Exclusive Perks section in the Globe Rewards app and present the BLUE MAN GROUP digital badge at any TicketWorld outlet.

Photos: Concertus Manila

To post a comment, you must register and login.