Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is a creative organization centered on a trio of mute performers that present themselves in blue paint, latex bald caps, and black clothing. Friends Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton (collectively referred to as CMP)

Blue Man Group is a creative organization centered on a trio of mute performers that present themselves in blue paint, latex bald caps, and black clothing. Friends Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton (collectively referred to as CMP) conceived the idea during the 1980s while in New York City. They began appearing on the streets in Blue Man regalia, entertaining passersby and staging unusual events such as "The Funeral For the 80s." Originally appearing doing short bits as part of Tom Murrin's "The Alien Comic's" underground cabarets in "The CLUB" at La MaMa Experimental Theater Club, Meryl Vladimer, then Artistic Director of "The CLUB," liked what she saw in their work and comissioned Blue Man Group to create a full-length show. The resulting piece, "TUBES," took off after Vladimer persuaded New York Times critic Stephen Holden to review it. Wanting to move the show to La MaMa's Larger Annex Theater, Vladimer was told by Ellen Stewart that this type of work was fine for "The CLUB" but not appropriate for the Annex Theater. Blue Man Group's popularity continued to snowball, eventually winning CMP an Obie Award and a "Lucille Lortel" Award, which led producers to take the show to off-Broadway. "TUBES" opened in 1991 at the Astor Place Theater. This critically acclaimed show, as well as frequent appearances on The Tonight Show, enabled CMP and Blue Man Group team to open similar productions and expand their concepts into other kinds of performances.

Blue Man Group's theatrical acts incorporate rock music (with an emphasis on percussion), odd props, audience participation, sophisticated lighting, and large amounts of (recycled) paper. It is also noted for having a "poncho section" of the audience; in the front rows, audience members are provided with plastic ponchos in order to protect them from various foods, substances, paints, and so on, which get thrown, ejected, or sprayed from the stage. The shows are family-oriented, humorous, energetic and often employ thought-provoking satire on modern life. It is recommended that one does not arrive late for a performance.