PHOTO CREDIT – Denise Truscello
I had seen the famed Blue Man Group Las Vegas show before albeit more than a decade ago. Even so, I recently proceeded to secure tickets to see what has since become a Vegas entertainment staple. I wondered how, or if, this show had evolved so it would seem fresh and new the second time around. Now having seen Blue Man Group over 10 years later, any concerns I had about script and shtick stagnation were quickly alleviated as today’s pop culture-adapted iteration of this show is quite modern and more exhilarating, loud and messy than ever.
Blue Man Group is much more than a show—it’s an event. The fun begins every show night at 6:15 p.m. with an electrifying neon-lit, costume-laden, percussion-fueled procession through the Monte Carlo casino floor. Starting in the hotel lobby, Blue Man Group devotees follow this motley crew of musicians all the way to the theater doors where the performers set the tone for the excitement and intrigue ahead.
Once inside, patrons are offered the opportunity to purchase food and beverage refreshments, which can be taken into the theater, from a full bar. With snack and drink in hand, it’s then time to take in the surroundings all bathed in blue light. Commencing the unexpected and visually interesting aspects of the show that make your mind wander, large mechanical “eyeballs,” curiously dressed as a mother and child, swim above and watch over the crowd that collectively buzzes with giddy anticipation.
Then, with a burst of light and sound, the show begins. The band of world-class musicians rocks the audience at the onset of the show and at multiple points throughout, adding even more drama and evoking more emotion from the elated onlookers.
While Vegas shows abound, Blue Man Group is unique in a multitude of ways. This show is a mélange of comedy, improv, art, music, social commentary and audience interaction but with a distinctive approach to each of these facets that’s all its own. The Blue Men, themselves, have perfected their craft and deliver an impeccably precise performance for all 10 shows a week. As well, the musicians are wildly talented as is the back stage crew manning the controlled chaos that unfolds in the front of the house each engagement.
The show itself is a parade of skits, scenes and bits that will have you laughing out loud, thinking introspectively, impressed, amazed, perplexed and literally on your feet “shaking your booty” and dodging giant-size bouncy balls amid a barrage of streamers and music that rocks the gleeful crowd. To experience all of this emotion and elation in the course of 90 minutes is incredible and well worth the price of admission.
So well produced and popular is Blue Man Group that celebrities are often among the adoring audience members. But, it’s the every-day folks that keep the Blue Man machine humming, including those with special needs. In my interview with Blue Man Marc Roberts, he recounted how, during a recent post-show “meet and greet,” a blind and deaf man used his hands to sign language into his chest that he loved the show and also thanked Marc. Of this encounter, Marc said, “After 11 years performing I still get amazing gifts like that!”
Speaking of gifts, treat yourself to the VIP experience that will allow you to get up close and personal with Blue Man Group. The package includes premium seats to the show, a private meet and greet with cast members backstage, complimentary beverage, and luminescent merchandise “swag” item. Or, up the ante and go for the all-inclusive “Onstage Experience” that is hosted by cast and crew members of Blue Man Group. This 90-minute tour takes you onstage to explore some of the shows mind blowing instruments and props created especially for the show at Monte Carlo. This experience also includes a lesson on Blue Man Group’s signature PVC instrument and marshmallow tossing lesson by a Blue Man cast member. It also includes a keepsake t-shirt.
When I asked Marc what is on the horizon for Blue Man Group relative to the show’s goals, he indicated their intention to keep the show alive in the sense that they will “continue to experiment, learn and grow through experience.” It is with this forward-thinking mindset that Blue Man Group will undoubtedly maintain, and perhaps elevate, its standing as a premier Las Vegas entertainment experience.
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“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***