The Blue Man Group is rocking Manila, performing in a series of shows that opened last week and runs till Sept. 25 at The Theatre at Solaire.
Director Michael Rahhal describes the performance as a combination of “comedy, theater and rock ‘n’ roll,” but it’s difficult to pin down exactly what the Blue Man Group does—because it does a lot of stuff.
An energetic trio of blue and bald men, the group did magic stunts, improv, painting, dancing, drumming—pretty much everything except speaking, since it’s a nonverbal show.
There’s occasional narration, cool animation, and upbeat percussive music that preps the audience to jump in and dance during the fun finale.
You can still join the last few dates of Blue Man Group’s trippy party. Here’s a list of Inquirer Super’s top seven, spoiler-free Blue Man moments:
1 Audience participation. It’s an interactive show and you can’t say no when the Blue Men ask you to join them onstage to eat Twinkies, or wear waterproof overalls and go backstage “blindfolded.”
2 Crazy props. “GiPads” or giant iPads, light suits, breakfast cereals, gumball machine, a clock. Tip: Be on time, or you might just be the funniest part of the program.
3 The drumming. The Blue Man Group plays the drums with neon paint, PVC pipes and spatulas, with a live band jamming on the mix of EDM, trip-hop and rock.
4 Blue Man Group joining the crowd. It’s amazing how three men with a straight face can be so funny, odd but not scary. If you’re quick, you can even snap a selfie.
Rahhal said the Blue Man Group founders—New Yorkers Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton and Chris Wink—were influenced by old Hollywood silent film stars, such as Buster Keaton, in creating the show.
5 The rock concert movement series—You’ve done one, or all, in a gig, for sure.
6 Butt names. They listed the many ways the tush can be called: rear end, hind quarters, J. Lo’s, junk in the trunk, squash tarts, bounce house, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are just a few.
7 Air balloons! Get off your seat once you hear the words “ultimate dance party,” and get ready to toss the glowing giant air balloons around the crowd.
The Blue Man Group performs Sept. 23-25, 2 and 8 p.m., at The Theatre at Solaire, Aseana Ave., Parañaque City. Tickets are from P975 to P5,600. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph; tel. 8919999.