The troupe is shutting down its Chicago branch but will still perform in Berlin, Boston, Las Vegas, and will soon debut in Orlando.
Blue Man Group, the iconic theatrical ensemble known for their unique performances involving drumming, paint splattering, and bald blue performers, will be concluding their run in New York on Feb. 2 after over 30 years and 17,000 performances. The troupe, initially starting as experimental street theater, has evolved into a subsidiary of Cirque du Soleil, a renowned global circus entity. The Chicago run will also come to an end on Jan. 5. However, Blue Man Group will continue its shows in other locations, including Berlin, Boston, and Las Vegas, with a planned reopening in Orlando next spring after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to close the New York production was announced by Jack Kenn, the company’s managing director, without specifying the reason for the closure. The current theatrical landscape poses challenges for productions, with higher production costs and smaller audience sizes post-pandemic. The closure of Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theater in Lower Manhattan coincides with the end of other long-running shows like “Stomp” and “Sleep No More,” reflecting the shifting dynamics of the Off Broadway scene.
Off Broadway theaters have experienced a mix of struggles and successes since the 2020 shutdowns. While many nonprofit organizations are facing challenges with reduced productions and smaller casts, commercial Off Broadway shows have shown resilience with some productions thriving in the current environment. Producers are exploring the concept of limited run shows, believing that the sense of urgency created by a short window of opportunity can drive ticket sales.
A new wave of long-running Off Broadway shows has emerged, showcasing a diverse range of productions. Examples include “The Play That Goes Wrong” at New World Stages, “Little Shop of Horrors” at Westside Theater, and “Titaníque” at the Daryl Roth Theater. These productions have found success in the post-pandemic theater landscape, offering audiences engaging and entertaining experiences.
In conclusion, the closing of Blue Man Group in New York marks the end of an era for the iconic theatrical troupe, while also signaling a shift in the Off Broadway theater scene. As the industry adapts to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, new opportunities are emerging for innovative and engaging productions to captivate audiences and thrive in the evolving theatrical landscape.
Source: The NY Times
