Blue Man Group


	story Kathy Buckworth “This show is rooted in what makes us all tick as human beings." "The lack of verbal dialogue and the use of a communal style of music-making creates an environment for expression that is not tied to a more traditional way of storytelling.” said Jerry Kops, Blue Man Group team member since 2006. A show which has long enthralled audiences of all ages with its striking, slick blue, bald-headed men beating out comedy, social messages, music and technology, the Blue Man Group hit the road in the fall for its first theatrical tour and they will be stopping at the Living Arts Centre February 8-10, 2011 for three shows only. “Until now, we have never mounted a touring version of our theatrical production,” says Blue Man Group co-founder Philip Stanton. “The main reason for this is we needed to find a way to transform theatres of all shapes and sizes into spaces in which the Blue Man can intimately connect with the audience - where the audience can become engaged with the spirit of the show and of the Blue Man himself.” Their hard work seems to be paying off. “We think we have finally figured it out and an audience member in a theatre that seats 4,500 people or so will now be able to enjoy the same intimate experience that might be attained in one of our smaller theatres. Our goal with this production, as with all of our productions, is to help audience members reconnect with their own sense of discovery - with their own sense of what is possible in their lives.” Marci O’Connor saw them perform in New York City, at the Astor Place Theatre, based on a recommendation from a colleague. “I could not stop thinking of the show. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before, “ she enthuses. “I was blown away by the performance and electricity of it all. I didn’t even mind that I was obviously missing a lot of the cultural references (of the place and time). Also, speaking to friends in NYC afterwards, many of them had been going to the show repeatedly.” Theatre-goer Louise Taillon took her teenage kids to the show in Toronto in 2006. “It was good, clean fun, relying on a cross between vaudeville and stupid human tricks. The fact that the characters spoke no words, the audience had to follow each action to see what was next. It wasn’t too taxing on the brain and the audience stayed engaged during the entire performance thanks to the use of video, the music, and the head nods.” Jerry Kops says the theatrical show they’re putting on today carries on with the tradition of the Blue Man Group’s previous productions, but brings something new because of its approach to map in popular culture. “The show has changed quite a bit, but the changes reflect what is current or relevant to society today.” he explains. O’Connor and Taillon are only two of the estimated 17 million people around the world who have seen a Blue Man Group performance. At present, theatrical shows are running in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Rolando, Berlin, Tokyo and Zürich. Their show at the Venetian Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas is a top-seller in a theatre that seats over 1700. While there are currently about 90 “Blue Men” performing worldwide, there is a national open casting call ongoing, looking for both men and women between 5’10” and 6’1” tall, who need to be experienced drummers with an acting background. They are currently working on an IMAX3D film called Blue Man Group: Mind Blast, which is predicted to be released this year. In addition, there are also Blue Man Group family-focused educational projects including a touring Children’s Museum exhibit called “Making Waves.” They are also the headlining act on the new Norwegian Epic by Norwegian Cruise Lines - the Official Cruise Line of Blue Man Group. One thing that hasn’t changed is the trademark oily blue heads. It takes a Blue Man approximately one hour to get in costume for the show and the “blue paint” is actually grease paint (on their heads). It never dries. The effect allows the Blue Men to maintain that wet gooey look throughout the very physically demanding show. “I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most creative and talented individuals since becoming a part of the Blue Man family.” says Kops. “Being able to bring Blue Man to audiences that may never have the opportunity to experience it is also an amazing thing.” Be amazed, Mississauga, and get your tickets now. For more information visit www.livingartscentre.ca. GL	Above Blue Man Group goes out on its first theatrical tour Above The Living Arts Centre at 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga www.livingartscentre.ca