A Colorful Night with the Blue Man Group in Minneapolis
On Friday night, I had the chance to see the Blue Man Group perform at the State Theatre in Minneapolis, and right away I was struck by how beautiful the theater was. The ornate details, warm lighting, and classic architecture created such a charming atmosphere before the show even began. Going in, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d never been to this theater before, and my understanding of Blue Man Group was pretty limited. All I knew was that they drum, paint flies, and it looks cool. That was the extent of my knowledge. I did know that “Blue Man Group” is a character rather than three specific people. The group was created in New York City in 1987 by three friends and has since evolved into an ever-rotating cast of trios performing around the world. But beyond that, I went in nearly blind, which made everything that happened even more surprising in the best way.
Before the lights dimmed, the show’s tone was already being set. On both sides of the stage were scrolling LED screens displaying the usual reminders about silencing phones and avoiding recording, but as showtime approached, the messages became increasingly strange and funny. Random audience members’ names began appearing with bizarre announcements like, “your email has been hacked. Let’s all help you create a new password,” or “we heard you have a headache; let’s all say sorry in 3…2…1.” It was unexpected, hilarious, and had everyone laughing before the show even started.
When the trio finally appeared, they opened with the iconic paint-splattering drum sequence most people associate with the group. It was visually stunning and hypnotic, and every time the audience clapped, the Blue Men reacted with puzzled expressions, as if confused about why humans were making noise. The visuals were so cool and so unique that I kept wishing I could photograph the entire show. From there, the show quickly escalated. Instead of staying onstage or even walking through the aisles, the performers moved directly through the audience, like literally. Stepping on armrests, weaving through rows, and even using people’s heads for balance. It’s one of those things that’s hard to describe accurately because it feels like something pulled from a dream, but in person, it makes perfect sense. Throughout the night, their talent was undeniable. The Blue Men blend acting, drumming, mime, comedy, audience interaction, and visual storytelling in a way that feels unique. It left me wondering where on earth they find performers who can do all of that so effortlessly.
Between scenes, large screens showed whimsical stick-figure animations that acted like little visual intermissions. And because the show took place on the eve of Valentine’s Day, the group added a themed moment where they selected two audience members, brought them onstage, and orchestrated a quirky Blue Man–style “date” for everyone to watch. The crowd loved it. For the finale, the energy peaked when giant streamer cannons launched long coils of colorful streamers over the crowd, creating a chaotic and celebratory explosion of color.
The audience itself was a mix of families with children, couples, friend groups, and even a few solo attendees. The show truly works for every age and every type of theatergoer. It’s fun, clever, and interactive. If you enjoy music, comedy, visual art, or anything that breaks the mold of traditional theater, seeing the Blue Man Group is absolutely worth your time. It’s an experience that’s hard to explain but impossible to forget.
