|
Regional Reviews: Philadelphia Blue Man Group Also see Rebecca's recent review of A Christmas Carol Comedy
In case you have not seem them before (and apparently some 35 million people around the world have been to one of these shows), Blue Man Group features three guys covered in blue paint backed up by an on-stage drummer and guitarist. They never speak, but the blue dudes make lots of great music and get some good laughs. The music is the best part of the production, which appeared recently at the Kimmel Center's Cultural Campus. Whether they're banging on drums, ratcheting up the strings on homemade instruments that look strangely like fishing poles, or taking advantage of cutting edge electronic composition techniques, these guys will make you want to get up and move. It is like being at a weird dance party. The comedy segments are unfortunately hit or miss. One segment that features the best in-mouth marshmallow-catching I have ever witnessed is legitimately amazing and hilariously funny. Other segments, especially one featuring a truly miserable looking audience participant, fell painfully flat. During that segment the group was disappointingly unable to change up their approach to make the individual and audience more comfortable. In several places the humor flounders and the pace drags. Despite the inconsistent pacing, Blue Man Group is lighthearted entertainment anyone who likes loud music and bright lights can enjoy. Their sick beats and silly jokes have packed up and headed to the next big city, but hopefully they will return to Philadelphia. Blue Man Group ran December 27-31, 2022, at the Kimmel Cultural Campus' Miller Theatre, 250 S. Broad St, Philadelphia PA. For more information on the tour, visit www.blueman.com/tour/buy-tickets. |
