Name something that’s fun for the whole family, interactive, musical, humorous, and bleeding with insane talent you’ve likely never experienced? BLUE MAN GROUP! Seriously y’all. Of course I had seen advertising and have heard of the show, but I never had a chance to catch a performance. Recently, I was able to attend not once, but TWO times, and each visit was absolutely spectacular. I was a little nervous to be in a large space with so many people in the thick of a pandemic, but Briar Street Theatre is really doing it right by limiting seating and requiring masks for all guests. They even pulled a call to action into the show by making us all raise our hands to “solemnly swear” we’d keep our masks on for the duration of the show, and if we remove it to eat or drink, that we’d pull it immediately back on. Their approach was cute and playful, but in a way that had all guests obeying with pleasure. I dig that.
So yes: Concessions are open before the show and they have a nice array of beverages (and adult ones too!) at the bar adjacent to the gift shop. Most people wait outside and respect distancing even once the doors are open, but there’s a small space when you enter where you can briefly hangout or grab a drink before the show starts.
I brought my mom the first time around, and it was the perfect experience to share together. Their tagline is that it’s an experience that’s hard to describe and when you leave you’ll say: WHAT JUST HAPPENED? And well, that was kind of my reaction exactly. As a former English teacher, I noticed immediately what a profoundly epic display of nonverbal communication was going on throughout the show. The Blue Men don’t speak, and yet the audience is so tuned in to the communication just with their eyes and body language.
The show is made up of a variety of skits that incorporate music, technology, and unmatchable skill (read: I watched one of them catch what had to be over 10 full-size marshmallows in his mouth from ACROSS THE STAGE) — it was one of those “you have to see it to believe it” kind of stories that you tell post-show, and probably one of my favorite parts. The used some kind of contraption to shoot marshmallows (playfully) at audience members too, and that was my 3 year old’s favorite since he was able to catch one and enjoy a little snack. 😉
Be prepared for lots of audience interaction. At various parts during the show, they choose audience members to bring up to the stage to participate. It’s all hilariously awkward, and even the “shy” type wouldn’t resist being chosen once you see what kind of shenanigans they have planned.
By the end, though the entire experience was memorable, the most noteworthy for me were the musical/drumming bits. It was so unique that every one of my senses was engaged. I do have to give a noise disclaimer as it’s SUPER loud and there are lots of lights and other effects. So, while it’s definitely a family family experience for anyone over the age of 2, I would proceed with caution if you have any sensory issues. My 5 year old backed out last minute because he thought it would be too loud, and my 3 year old, on the other hand, was rocking out in his seat and clapping along. It’s good to know what to expect.
My mom and I got to see one of the opening night performances, so we got a special treat after the show and got to greet the performers up close! I even got to bring home an art souvenir just like the ones they create during the show! Thanks to Carol Fox and Associates for setting everything up and making each of my visits so memorable!
If you’re planning a fun city experience for the family, keep Blue Man Group on your radar and click here for tickets and scheduling!
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