Three Blue Men

Good grief, two posts in two days. What is the world coming to? Saw these guys for the third time. First time was in Vegas almost ten years ago. Second time was at the Wiltern Theatre maybe four years ago. Tonight, at the Universal Amphitheatre... a fine venue.

Was curious how the show had evolved over all this time, and had forgotten how interactive it was. The usual flashing messages entertained those of us who arrived early. Text the word blue, to 30364, for a chance to go backstage, and also to be added to Blue Man Group's mailing list. I did that, only to receive two messages back, saying the whole process would involve as many as five text messages, and if you wanted to stop, just text them the word 'stop.'

Right on time, the opening act, whose name I cannot recall. Entertaining dude, who scratched to some pretty wild videos, videos which had been um, altered, to feature repetitive movement. After 20 minutes, he was done. We were then treated to a special video from the guys who specialize in Mentos and Diet Coke cascades. Amazing stuff. I wondered if I was seeing two guys who will be touring someday, based on Diet Coke and Mentos? Totally appropriate, seeing their work on stage with Blue Man Group. Their website is: http://www.eepybird.com

Finally, the main attraction, "How To Be A Mega Star 2.0." The audience went pretty crazy. We soon learned we were in for a series of lessons, teaching us how to be a Mega Star etc., but first, the Blue Men had to purchase the manual. They did not seem to have a credit card, thus the first foray into the audience, complete with a camera. Some guy in the front row wound up on stage, peeling out his AmEx, and presto... after a $1000 charge, the order was complete, with immediate shipping. Not five seconds later, a UPS man arrives with the requisite box. Said box contained a manual, and several items which might prove useful in the quest for rock-star greatness: make-up, and cod piece are the ones I remember.

Plenty of loud rock'n roll, driving beats, pipe instruments. I was seated fairly close to the stage, so was pleased to see some of the best parts of the show were still included: female singer in flashing rainbow dress doing "I Feel Love." The Blue Men, dancing around in total darkness, with seeming neon stripping on their black suits.

Really got into some of the background video work, a recurring theme being people who walk around with masks on, no matter how many times they remove the top mask. There were times when a Blue Man had actually humanized some of his pipe instruments. These guys are very expressive with just their facial movements.

Finale, a rousing rendition of Teenage Wasteland, complete with many many thousands of white streamers shot from the stage. I had a perfect view of the little cannons, so knew something was coming. Although the requisite mess was made, I wish they could still be using the hundred foot long twelve inch wide sheet material. Ten years ago in Vegas, they papered the entire room at the Luxor. Tonight was much smaller scale. Another reduced scene was the "pancho" area. I only saw a few people in the first row wearing plastic panchos. It used to be ten rows. I guess they've cut down on the mess quotient. I sort of miss that. I remember paint going all over the place at the Luxor show.

All in all, a very entertaining evening. Blue Man Group continues to evolve.