Not too long after I first saw The Blue Man Group I was asked by a friend to describe the experience. I'll tell you what I told him, you really do need to see it to understand it, and then you still probably won't . But one thing is sure, you'll leave pretty damn happy and with the odd sensation that despite the just plain oddness of the show you may understand a bit more about the world than you once did.
I was fortunate enough to be able to interview a Blue Man named Meridian to try and peel back the surface of their blue skin and get inside what it is like to be a Blue Man. What I found inside made me once more feel as I did walking out of the Blue Man Group Theatre; elated, confused, wiser, amused, full of life and joyous. See all the questions answered by Meridian below, but make sure you see the Blue Man Group first. Trust me the experience is a Las Vegas Must See.
Get Your Tickets to See the Blue Man Group Nightly at the Venetian
An Interview with a Blue Man named Meridian
What is Blue Man Group?
Blue Man Group is a multimedia neo-vaudevillian rock n roll thrill ride directly to your inner bliss.
What does it take to be a Blue Man? Skills, talents?
In terms of bare essentials, we tell people that they must be 5’10”-6’1”; have an athletic build; have solid percussion/drum skills or strong musical background; and excellent acting skills. Beyond that you need to have an open mind, be willing to play, try new things, collaborate, and be an all around swell person.
How long does the makeup process take?
Usually it takes about 45 minutes, in several stages. One time I got sick right before the show (we’re talkin’ about to walk on stage here). One of my fellow performers got into full makeup/costume in about 6 minutes. It was a day that shall be long remembered.
What is the makeup made of?
Grease and love.
Would you say that music is used as the Blue Man’s voice?
Music is one of the many ways we communicate. The way we take an everyday object and turn it into something wonderful is our voice...so to speak.
Why are there no Blue Women?
Women are welcome to audition and I know of at least one woman who was a blue man...blue woman...blue person in the Boston Show.
Why are there three Blue Men?
Chris Wink, Phil Stanton, and Matt Goldman are the three original blue men and creators of the show. It was a formula that worked and so it has never been messed with. It’s like a secret sauce recipe; passed down through generations of blue chefs.
Who would you say are the biggest influences for Blue Man Group?
Modern Art of all kinds. Rock and roll. Vaudeville. And following our bliss.
Why should a visitor to Vegas to see Blue Man Group?
To ensure that they have the best possible time while they’re here!
How can I become a Blue Man?
Go to our website, look over the list of requirements; if it sounds like you, send us your information or look for an open call audition near you!
The Blue Man is part scientist part shaman. Do you believe that is the future of humanity? A melding of the physical and spiritual?
Or perhaps a realization that they aren’t separate, but just facets of a more complex but unified something. But that’s just me talking and my beliefs aren’t necessarily those of Blue Man Group. I can say that I definitely explore those ideas during each performance and experience that duality (actually there are even a few other archetypes in there as well) first hand.
Why the color blue?
It just is. There was no logic or rationale behind it; it was an instinctual artistic choice. We’ve never questioned it.
-Thanks to Meridian for his time and Brad Seidel and Matt Guidish for setting up the interview.
Get Your Tickets to See the Blue Man Group Nightly at the Venetian
For Another Opinion on the Blue Man Group, see my fellow Guide Zeke Queseda's Review.
