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Blue Man Group
Rating Details »
Category: Performing Arts [Edit]
Neighborhood: NoHo434 Lafayette Street
(between 4th St & Astor Pl)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-4370
Save $10 on Tickets!
Use code YELP to save $10 per ticket. Call 212.254.4370 or visit http://www.blueman.com...
- Nearest Transit:
-
Astor Place (6)
8th St-Broadway (R, W)
Downtown Bleecker St-Lafayette St (6, B, D, F, V)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
33 reviews for Blue Man Group
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10/6/2009
11/21/2009
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4/6/2009
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10/20/2007
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
This is my third time seeing Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theater. Even though it is kind of hard on the wallet, I do not mind because it keeps getting better and better each time. Every visit is an amazing spectacle of lights and sound that has everyone smiling and laughing so hard throughout the entire show. My wife and I treated my sister and her family to see them over the weekend and they had a wonderful time. The Blue Men will have you on the edge of your seat, clapping, head nodding, and fist pumping to the music.
Some helpful tips to those who plan to see this great show, virtually every seat is a good seat, as this theater is rather on the small side. However, if you are able to get the front seats on either side of the mezzanine section, you will have a better viewing angle of the performers playing the drums and of the musicians in the upper right side of the stage. Another benefit of the small theater is that the performers are pretty close which makes it more interactive for the audience.
The theater box office also took down the name of my niece who was celebrating her 13th birthday and included it during the beginning of the show by displaying her name in a visual LED display that is mixed with funny quips and quotes! She was so thrilled of this surprise shout out! Just call them ahead of time for this feature.
The theater bathroom is rather tight, my wife mentioned there was a long line because it only contained two stalls. The men's room only contained one stall and a wall urinal that was placed so high from the floor, I could imagine someone short of stature having to stand on their toes when using it. A child would definitely have to use the stall.
Bring a camera because the performers and musicians greet the audience as they leave and very kindly without saying a word pose for pictures with you. They also have a small souvenir display case selling T-Shirts, buttons, CD's and Music Video. Another hint, "Don't Arrive Late!!", trust me as you will see why during this fun and entertaining show.
Imagine a night out on the town. You are in the Village and you have a great dinner at, say, Noodle Bar. Then after a few drinks you head over to the Astor Place Theatre to see Blue Man Group...a resident of downtown theatre in New York since 1991. That's right....1991. I can only imagine the sight that it was to see these Blue clad men beating on drums and throwing paint to loud music back when performance art was really going through some interesting changes. But I digress...
You take a seat in a cramped, damp, dark theatre that has been desperately needing serious renovations. The show flies by in a whirl of flashing lights, splattered paint, thrown food, beaten drums and completely silent and dead pan men...thrillingly followed by a downpour of toilet paper. It is then that you realize that you have spent $75 to watch what seems like fun...but you had no part in it. You'll have what I refer to as "show-hangover"...the aftermath of spending a lot of money and getting about $10 worth of entertainment (and that's a stretch).
It is a gimmicky tourist trap, surpassed by better and more entertaining shows like Fuerza Bruta and the (now closed) De La Guarda.
Don't waste your time, money or a subway ride to see this show. Do a little research and you'll easily find better ways to be entertained in far less of an annoying way.
If you have good taste, you will be wasting your time and money going to see Blue Man Group (at least in its current form). However, if you are in your mid 50's and come into Manhattan from New Jersey for a "date night" every 6 months, you will love this (and will be talking about its outrageous wackiness for years to come).
This show is a complete piece of crap; uncreative, boring, gimicky. It lacks the vision of the now-closed de la Guarda and can't even begin to compete with the far superior Cirque du Soleil shows. The performers possess no valuable skills (at least none that they utilize in the show) with the exception of remedial percussion abilities. There are so many better things to see and do in New York.
In short, if you're the kind of person who would take a "Sex in the City" tour of New York, or who reads Dan Brown books, odds are you will LOVE Blue Man Group. But if you are a discerning and moderately sophisticated person, you will leave wishing you hadn't wasted your time and money.
The appropriate value for tickets for a show like this is $15-20, not $60-70. This is New York; there are hundreds of better things to do for that money.
Situated in the tiny Astor Place Theater, the New York version of the Blue Man Group was something very different from the show we had seen in Las Vegas.
As with the Venetian presentation, the Blue Man Group put on a fantastic and entertaining show, one that obviously shared many roots with the Vegas version, but there were also some differences as well.
As I said in my review of the Venetian, "Rarely do you see such intelligent, imaginative, and visually stunning entertainment that is fun, challenging, and communicative - all without a single word spoken."
However, the Venetian is in a very large venue. By way of comparison, Astor Place is a "tiny" basement venue, 13 seats wide with an aisle down the center, a converted residence, I believe. There's a main level and a mezzanine, with the front row of the mezzanine being fairly close to the stage. The entire theater exudes an air of intimacy that is completely different from the Venetian, and let me tell you, it adds something to the show.
The performers are well known for making the show an immersive, audience-involving experience, but at the Venetian, you kind of have to "luck out" to have them get close to you. We had poncho seats and were located in a way that we did luck out at that show, great for the kids, but I would imagine most of the Venetian crowd missed out on that. Here, however, was very different. Even just walking down the center aisle, they're only about six or seven seats away at most. Further, there are parts of the show where they're walking on seatbacks, and there's something about having a guy negotiating the seatbacks and being close enough to fall on you that really highlights the coziness of the performance.
From a practical point of view, Astor Place Theater is small and cramped. We were in the first row of the mezzanine and found that there was virtually nothing to prevent the bottled drinks we had purchased from rolling or getting inadvertently kicked off the edge. The railing consisted of some basic steel bars. On the plus side, that arrangement also provided an unobstructed view of below, including the audience. The rows and seats are tight, and restroom facilities are minimal at best. We were thankful that we didn't have to try to use them during the performance. I would strongly suggest that you come prepared, visit the restroom somewhere prior to getting to the theater, and make sure you're not going to have a full bladder during the performance. Even though annoying, these minor inconveniences are offset by the superb performance.
Easily reached by subway. Highly recommended.
3 stars for the show, 4 solely for the ending (loved it) and 5 for the chocolate brownie.
Chocolate brownie? At the Blue Man group? you might say. Yes my friend. If you've walked right by the entrance straight into the audience then either you had a bad nose or you forgot to breathe on that short walk. There's a little counter that has a tattered cardboard banner that says, "The world's best brownies.".
They are.
(Do you have to make everything about desserts? Go on and review the show instead, you sugar-glutton.)
I am not one to enjoy purely visual comedy, so I wasn't sure I was going to like this one. Must say though that I loved watching the colours on stage. Those three blue men are quite something. Don't want to insert any spoilers here, but stay until the end. It's pretty cool.
I've always wondered if the 'volunteers' in the show really were volunteers, but the reviews below suggest that they are. That's cool, because the volunteer in our show was such a sport, and pretty talented herself! :)
Warning: Don't be late to the show.
I had no idea what to expect coming into the show, and these three blue guys just blew me away.
The show is hilarious, entertaining, and completely captivating. It would just be wrong to tell you about what happens during the show - you should go and be surprised! The actual theater is quite small, so no seat is a bad one. Afterwards, the cast is in the lobby to take photos and talk with guests.
I loved this show!!!! Very exciting and entertaining. The theater was cramped and the entrance line was way out the door but the excitement made up for it. You sit in the dark and watch a riveting performance of three blue men do hilarious tricks and prank each other without laughing! Of course they call on people from the audience and my classmate got picked. The best part for me was the toilet paper throwing over the audience - the paper glowed in the dark while loud bumping music is blaring through the speakers. Yes, I was stuck in the top right seat in front the speakers - but it was okay. I went free thanks to my college!
At the end of the show the Blue Men came out to greet everyone in the lobby and take pictures. There is also a gift shop with lots of souvenirs. Of course, the prices for the gift shop are what you would expect for a tourist attraction. My friend and I got a sweatshirt. It was definitely a good show and would love to go see it again! Enjoy it!
Funny, Entertaining, Great Music. I truly believe anyone with a sense of humor and an appreciation for music should see Blue Man Group.
Astor Place was very small with seats closely packed together creating a very personal atmosphere. I did not expect this from watching the large crowd shows on YouTube as was not sure how much I'd enjoy it. But I loved it!!!! Nothing like it! I do not want to spoil the show too much. The venue is unique in that since it is a small crowd the Blue Men come out after the performance and sign the Playbills with blue kisses on the cover and other unique marks. A pricey show, but hope to go back sometime! Definitely check out this show!
This is a weird show. I loved it and I hated. It's very enterteining but at times it become boring. When I was about to fall sleep, something happened and start laughing like a maniac...
Do not be late... they will make you be notice..
The cast will be at lobby at the end, for photos... very nice.
This is a great show since the audience usually goes without any expectations. Just going to see a bunch of men painted blue right? Well I don't want to give out any details as it might ruin the experience. But for me it was extremely entertaining and exciting as I was literally on the edge of my seat most of the time. I've also seen the Blue Man Group in Vegas but I felt the show here was better as the venue is smaller which lead to a better connection with the performers.
Saw them to expect I saw them in Vegas and just had to relapse.
Even though I had an idea what to expect I found myself on the edge of my seat during the show.
I really enjoyed the smaller venue vs. the Vegas show.
Go in have fun....
My best attempt at revealing the bare minimum...
A highly interactive, jaw dropping, funny, psychedelic, rockin' explosion of bright colors, synchronized sounds, and zany antics.
Entertaining for all ages, but best for kids 6+ and up---their reactions are priceless!
Recommended for: entertainment for you and friends.
Fun 5, Music 5, Ambiance 5.
I've seen Blue Man countless times (ok, 3 or 4) and each time I go they change a piece of their show - mind you, this is going back to early 00s.
One of the times I went, I flew in all my staff from around the Northeast, took them to dinner and then here. Got my family some seats too and they wound up tying my brother up with toilet paper (or was it paper towels). Regardless he laughed, my mom got annoyed trying to get the blue paint of his shirt, and we all had a ball.
Music is loud but good and whether your seeing the 8pm or 10pm showing you'll be awake, energized and completely into the act. While Blue Man is now around the world, you never get board seeing these guys performed and then, trying to figure out if you can go home and make musical instruments with piping.
Oh and if you really like the music you can buy the cds outside. Bought one of their hats once - nice warm "cool" hat... though I think the cool only lasted about 10 minutes as any time I wear it, i get a good chuckle from my friends - thanks guys :P
Good for out of towners or in towners, be part of the show or at least, make laugh and holler at those who get roped into it.
Sean Approved: Absolutely Positively Yes.
For my 200th review....Blue Man Group.
Astor always attractive, bathrooms below balcony.
Bald blue boys, simulating strange situations.
Perversely pouring paint, DJ devoid drumming.
Ascending amongst audience, spotlighting student stragglers.
Twinkie tearing trial, catapulted candy catches.
Poncho popping performance, nasty nerf noodles.
Quirky quick quotes, shown so speedily.
Some spooky staring, laughing like lunatics.
Dark damp demeanor, family friendly freaks.
Checked coats calling, photography post performance.
Where do you send a 12 year old girl from Oregon and her grandfather from Arizona for a little bonding experience: Blue Man Group.
She: That was cool....
He: That was a happening! A real Happening!
When we paired these two up for a night on the town we thought that after the Blue Man Group they would have a shared experience that would rattle both of their cages. Full of percussion, paint and what-not. I think something happened there, because neither of them will ever comment on it, they just look at each other and sort of giggle.
I love this show.
True story.
AMAZING! it was so much fun, there was not a second where i was not excited or entertained.
The music was AWESOME, it was hysterical, and the blue men are hot! hahahahah
I guess it's hard to find a show in New York for kids, because there were a disproportionate number of 8 - 12 year old boys at this one. Seemed about right; there was some gross-out humor, but nothing too icky. I didn't like the video bits that much; they were almost a little too concrete and preplanned to fit in with everything else. Lots of audience interaction.
Waiting in the lobby to be let into the theater is crowded, and are there really only 2 bathroom stalls for women? Long lines at the bathroom, anyway. Photography is emphatically not allowed. Beware of being late, you may be embarrassed!
The percussion is actually really cool. The pipes and the paint are my favorite parts.
Remember your first roller-coaster ride and how uncertain you were beforehand, and then afterwards, the unknown disappears and suddenly all you can think is:
"I wanna go again!"?
It's sort of like that.
I'm a chump who doesn't know (or doesn't have the patience) to get cheap tickets for things, so I paid full price for this show, but dang it all if it weren't worth it! The friend who went with me had seen the Blue Man Group show in Vegas, and my mom has seen their touring production, both of which have a bigger scale, I'm told, but you really can't beat the weird, intimate, cramped feel of the NY show. Freaky pipes on the walls, bizarre noises piped in while you wait for the show to start, and basically a guarantee that a Blue Man will get up in your business at some point.
I got kneed in the back of the head by a Blue Man! It was awesome!
Much love to Blue Man.
First, the music has a meaning. They get what's weird about modern America, the masks we all wear, and what we miss about innocence.
Second, the shows are really good at enveloping and helping me escape. There's always something going on, something to see. I've seen them in concert and at the Astor Place Theatre. Very different experiences, and both very good.
I can't wait for new stuff to come out from them.
I have never really been into shows - when I go to Vegas I never went to any shows, just gambled. Never had any interest to see anything in SF or Minneapolis but decided to see the Original Blue Man Group in NYC. It was an awesome show and I recommend it. It is a little spendy (around $75) but I think all shows are. The theater is small and intimate so most of the seats are good.
amazing.
the blue man group was awesome
and the venue was cozy and personal.
we had front row seats which were definitely worth the wait to get them
meeting the blue men after the show was nice,
and i loved how they got off of the stage and out into the crowd, which most other larger shows lack
Since I first saw Blue Man Group on Johnny Carson in the early 90's, I've wanted to see them live. I got the opportunity to see them in Vegas several years ago, and it was a great, wacky show. These guys are immensely creative.
While in New York, I had to see the original BMG show at the Astor Place. A much smaller venue, much more intimate. Intimate enough that I got hit in the cheek with a marshmallow. The audience interaction and participation aspect was great. The show itself was very similar to the Las Vegas one, with a few 'updates' to keep up with technology, such as the 'internet cafe' skit.
Another great thing about each show is that the performers come out to greet you and have their pictures taken with you if you so desire. All this without a word spoken!
I love it ! It was a blast ! When I first saw this a few years ago, It was the best date I had. There wasn't a moment where I wasn't entertained. I laugh, I cry, I dance,etc.....
The show was very active, always keeping you on your toes, if your lucky they might even select you to be part of the show. I was chosen to go on stage, I refused until the dude gave up on me. lol
I highly recommend to watch it at least once, if you don't want to get wet I suggest you seat away from the 1st 4 rows. I was seated 5th row & I still got some what wet. I loved it so much that I went back to see it again, & I loved it even more it was alot different than the 1st one I saw.
Here is a taste of it
http://youtube.com/wat...
http://youtube.com/wat...
I actually really enjoyed this play, It's worth seeing!! I cant really say too much without giving it away, but it'll creep you out & make you laugh at the same time....If you're able to try to get the tickets in the first few rows, they make you wear rain coats lol :)
EnJoY
So here's the dope. You're thinking about dropping 80+ dollars (you know they'll get you with some sort of extra fees for a $70 ticket), on a show about three guys painted blue? Yea, sure they were on those intel commercials a decade ago, but what's the big deal?
Well, a friend of mine was in town, and you know how it goes when people visit, they want to see all the stuff that you never would go do on your own, and so I dropped the money and gritted my teeth. The result? Well, I'd say it was worth it, even for someone of my limited means, if not just to experience something which is, quite markedly, the most unique performance show I've ever seen.
Now I'm not a theatre connisouire, or some performing arts critic, but I'd like to say I'm observant. And the Blue Man show was devoid of anything formulaic and the show was pure, unadulterated creativity (kid friendly). We see a movie or a musical, and we get used to certain things, like the good character vs. the bad character or some moral argument or some fantastic special effects all to keep our attention, even if it doesn't really stretch our imagination. Well, somehow the Blue Man Group has a really nice balance of it all, without talking down to the audience.
It connects with something deep and universal, and it forces the audience to interact in a way that is foreign to our normal, passive performance-audience experience. I'd definately recommend it to people, to at lease go once in their lives, becuase it 'resets' your creativity.
.
BLUE MAN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Wow, who would'a ever thunk it would turn out this way? Good for them.
And this is where it all started, the comparatively teensy Astor Place Theater, where I first discovered the lovably nutso trio in '92 or '93. And despite their amazing evolution to adapt to a much larger physical AND virtual venues, I believe I still had the most fun watching them here (saw them in Vegas/Luxor, too, where the stage alone was about 3x the size of the whole Astor Theater).
Now they're a pretty much a franchise, and though it's tempting to hate that kind of outcome, I enjoy their creativity, wit and performance every single time I witness it: DVD, music recordings, video podcasts, influence on children's museum installation (Boston). They're just plain fun. And you gotta love that.
I went to see BMG for my 17th birthday, and I've been a huge fan ever since. I LOVE their fusion of techno and new agey beats, and the strange, custom instruments they use. Even the whole "bald, blue latex skin" thing is a great gimmick, because they can have a whole ton of musicians all over the US doing the same shows, and because they all look generally alike, the audience's experiences can be duplicated without requiring a lot of traveling and tour dates on the part of the groups themselves. That also allows there to be a LOT more BMG shows everywhere in general.
Their plays are not just purely musical, but they're audience-interactive...which is amazingly fun, to say the least. They "kidnap" an audience member or two before the show starts, and usually end up doing crazy stuff to him during the show, like zipping him up in a wetsuit and lobbing paintballs at him to music, or doing some crazy musical skit with food - that will of course shower the first three rows with crumbs and pieces of flying edibles. They even hand out clear ponchos for that very reason. I love the part they do (non-interactive, but still awesome) where they pour paint on their drums and make whole colorful fountains when the things are hit. It's a gorgeous and surprisingly moving sight.
If you walk in late, the show will stop in the middle, and you WILL get a spotlight on you...and it will follow you all the way to your seat as the announcer continually taunts you. Best be early to avoid being picked on (though it's freaking hilarious when you're watching it happen to someone else).
Since it's a smaller venue, the blue men stick around afterwards for photos with the audience. It's quite an experience.
The particular show I saw live was "Tubes", which was a blast from beginning to end, and the whole night finished with the audience tossing around toilet paper rolls until the entire seating area was covered in a thin film of bathroom tissue. How can you top that?
Very different and edgy show. Very entertaining, with a great ending. I enjoyed the show in Las Vegas a bit more than the New York show though.
Am I the only person that thinks this play/performance/art thing was a BIG WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY?
This was a blast! We came earlyish and tried to get the student seats...they weren't next to each other but what can you do? It was still dirt cheap and a ton of fun, I'd totally go again and again!
I enjoyed the show, but I paid about 80$ for it, and i honestly did not think it was worth that much. It was creative, and the blue men were cool...but i thought it was really wasteful b/c at the end the theater was filled with crepe paper...and although they stated in the beginning that hte paper was all recycled, it just seemed wrong. the effects were cool,, it's great for families, but i think a more appropriate price would have been 40$, not 80. Also, i was in the front row all the way next to the wall, so i couldnt read the silent radio and my neck was cramped the whole time. but i think im the only one who ever complained about the show...like i said, for 40$, its awesome. for 80$ its a bit disappointing.
At first I was not convinced that this would entertain me, man was I wrong, you cannot keep your eyes off these guys when they perform!
