Having said that, the 90 minute show at the suitably grungy Charles Playhouse in Boston is entertaining, and it is admirable how the Blue Man Group sustain a high energy show without saying a word.
The Blue Man Group of creative artists came to widespread prominence when they appeared in advertisements for Intel. They are distinctive for their all-blue head paint, all-black clothing and non-verbal communication.Instead of talking, they compile a series of unrelated sketches: they bang away at drums (or miscellaneous drum-like instruments); bash away at an endless variety if plastic pipes; have some good fun with paint; some not-so-clever fun with food; creatively use posters and changeable message signs to converse with the audience; and drag audience members to participate in a couple of sketches (one works and the other falls flat).
An energetic and funky on-stage band provides almost continuous accompaniment as the show unfolds.
The show ends with a mindless and maniacal strobe-fuelled frenzy involving massive paper rolls that engulf the theatre. We are assured that the paper is recycled.
It's all good fun, and with suitably low expectations, the show delivers a satisfying diversion. The Blue Man Group shouldn't be the first item on the list of things to do in Boston, but the show does deserve to be on the list.
