The Blue Man Group

The Blue Man Group is coming to Iowa! Performing January 25-27 at Gallagher Bluedorn in Cedar Falls. Tickets go on sale August 2, 2010.

We have seen the Blue Man Group twice. The first time was on our honeymoon in Chicago and the second time was in Orlando at Universal Studios. There were 3 of us at the show the second time.


The Blue Man Group performance doesn’t disappoint and it was interesting to note that there were some differences in each of the shows. To familiarize you with a performance, first know that there is no talking or singing. The only words will be displayed on a LCD screen that flashes at you from the stage or on cue cards that you read. Trust me, not having words does not distract from the show and this is one reason they can perform internationally.

There is music--lots of music. The performance is accompanied by a live band perched a bit above the stage and their music enhances the happenings on stage. It is an integrated experience.

There is movement—lots of movement. When communication experts tell you 60-70% of all communication is nonverbal, the Blue Man Group performance proves that and turns it up a notch. Think miming on steroids.

There are messes—big messes. That is why the first few rows of the theater are noted as the “poncho” section and guests in those rows are given ponchos to wear. Our seats were in the front row of the section just past the ponchos. Even if you are not in the “poncho” section, you will still get a sensory experience in the audience.

It starts with crepe paper streamers that are at your seat waiting for you when you arrive. They are there for you to create. . . something. You can see in the photos that the husband become a mummy, the boy used it as a head wrap, and I created a stylish bow to wear. (Note that when I stood up to take the photo someone from a few rows back was yelling my name. It was a colleague from a nearby town to our hometown. The husband just rolled his eyes and said that even when we go as far as Orlando, I run into someone I know. Yep, small world. . . and we weren’t even at Disney!)

At the end of the show, the toilet paper rolls in the back of the theater or unfurled by audience members and unrolled by a total audience group effort until all the toilet paper rests in the front of the theater. Here’s a photo of the boy “buried” in that experience.

After the show, we got to meet a member of the cast and the band. Even during the photo op, there was no talking, staying true to their character.

Finding the Blue Man Group at Universal is a sinch. Their theater is located between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Just take the walkway that leads to the other park, just past City Walk.

We got to experience the Blue Man Group in another format at a traveling exhibit which we found at the Bettendorf Children’s Museum. By the end of our visit I could play some songs on the PVC pipe instrument using a rubber flip flop.