Blue Man Group Review: Even a Cynic Can Have a Great Time

Blue Man Group, at the Durham Performing Arts Center now through Sunday, is a truly original performance that uses color, light and illusion.  I had no idea what to expect going in, other than the fact that I knew the show has a home in Las Vegas, plays NYC, and has been a featured casino act in Atlantic City.  So, knowing that it's a casino sort of act, I had my reservations before the show even started.

I want to say up front that Blue Man Group surpassed my expectations.  I was impressed with how original their music was--use of PVC pipe as drums, for example--and the use of fluorescent paint and black light to make a colorful, fun splash.  It's clear this show has been around a long time and they know what works to entertain their audience.  From large, soft bouncing balls that light up and then float throughout the crowd, to dancing digital men, the show surprised me in every way in that I was pretty entertained.  And that's hard to do, seeing as how I'm such a cynic.

So, I'll get to that part.  I'm a cynic.  I spent a lot of BMG's show wonder how many people in the audience were plants.  The lady that they picked out of the audience to come up on stage and "dine" with the band, for example.  She was just too good and knew too many of the moves she was expected to do to create a laugh from the audience.  I could see where the next guy they picked out of the audience wasn't really--oh, you know what?  I know I'm spoiling the fun.  I won't tell you.  Let's just say that there are audience plants, but you have to suspend the ability to disbelieve. 

Blue Man is not just drums and paint, though, they are silent comedians as well.  Most bits went over well with the audience, but much like a bit on Family Guy, they started out funny but went on 5 minutes too long. 

All inn all, if you want a fun night out, something that's cool you can take your kids to, Blue Man Group is a solid bet for your weekend fun.  Just remember:  suspend the ability to disbelieve.  Cynicism is no fun on your night out.


Alli


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