If You Go
Who: Blue Man Group. ‘ When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27. ‘ Where: Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. ‘ Admission: $32.50, $43.50, $50.50 and $57.50 ‘ Phone: 1-800-514-3849. ‘ Website: www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com.
Dennis Norwood calls them “electrifying.”
Charles Rhoden describes them as “stellar.”
And Lynn Chapman says she loves them more every time she sees them perform.
Funny, you’d think someone would’ve mentioned “blue.”
They’re talking about the Blue Man Group, a trio of comical, theatrical, musical performers who dress in black and paint their heads and hands – the only skin they have showing – bright blue.
The troupe will be in Chattanooga on Tuesday, Jan. 27, as part of a three-month North American tour stopping in 19 states and Ontario, Canada. That’s in addition to residencies at venues in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Orlando. Although only three blue men perform at a time, the complete group actually numbers close to 60, according to online sources.
Their shows go for 90 minutes straight, with no intermission. They don’t speak, but instead communicate nonverbally through music and actions.
“There is a great sense of adventure when watching them,” says Rhoden, a former Chattanoogan now living in Minnesota who saw a show in Chicago. “The [performers] take common elements and use them in uncommon and spectacular ways. The music and showmanship is unreal. I would see them again if the chance arose because it takes you to a childlike state when you’re watching it.”
Describing the multisensory splendor that happens in shows can be difficult, though, even for the performers.
“Blue Man Group cannot be explained; it can only be experienced,” says their website, blueman.com.
And just because you’ve seen one show, doesn’t mean the next one you see will be the same.
“Although several of our productions are similar, the size and space opportunities of each theater create unique performances,” the website says.
The group, founded by Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton and Chris Wink, is “an absurd and wondrous blend of music, painting, science and technology,” encoreatlanta.com reported in 2011.
Chapman, of Chattanooga, says there are only two entertainment shows that she could see time and time again: Paul McCartney and Blue Man Group.
“I’ve seen Blue Man Group four times in various cities,” she says. “The show is three bald, blue-skinned, alien-like characters that are very expressive but never utter a word. They are crazy talented, original and hilarious. The show is electrifying and visually stimulating, and the music is incredible. I always leave ready to go dancing.”
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.