By Stephanie Wilks
October 18, 2012

If cave men arrived in present-day Cincinnati via – let’s say - Doc Brown’s Delorean, their first stop might include one of our various Skyline Chili diners. But after filling up on a few three-ways, I’d imagine the next stop would be getting up to speed in technology and modern day human interaction. And what if they were thrown into a class at UC’s Engineering School or a Musical Theatre course at CCM? Well, like the three blue-painted men on The Aronoff Center stage earlier this week, they’d stick out like sore thumbs.

Imagine watching Neanderthals try to work a smart phone or unwrap a twinkie. For some of us control freaks it might be awkward, embarrassing, and even frustrating — like trying to teach gramps how to write an email. Then, it would be funny and entertaining. But overall, re-visiting these basic contemporary concepts - we oftentimes take for granted – such as body language, music, and modern day plumbing, might leave us with a humbling and humane perspective about our everyday lives.

Such is the experience of The Blue Man Group, who has blessed us with its unique and innovative performance from now until Oct. 28 as part of the Broadway Across America Series in Cincinnati. This isn’t a “Gypsy,” or “Gone With The Wind,” type of show. You won’t find a love story, back-up dancers, or detailed costumes here – just three blue men tackling pipes, paint, and toilet paper. Oh, and a band dressed as glow-in-the-dark skeletons.

At several points during the show the blue dudes could be found climbing over seats in the audience, their bold eyes staring right into the faces of frightened and giggling audience members. If you’re lucky, you might leave with a fluorescent paint-splattered canvas for your living room.

One participant on opening night wiped blue paint off a blue man and put it on his own face. “I just blue myself!” said Tobias (Arrested Development anyone??)

Audience participation is a key component of this show. If you buy front row tickets, be prepared to dawn a poncho. And ladies, don’t leave your purse in the aisle because it might be used as a trashcan for a saliva-drenched marshmallow wad. As dirty as front row seats may sound, however, balcony sitters will be jealous they don’t get to throw giant balls around the room or play with toilet paper. But wherever you’re sitting, do NOT be late. Otherwise, public humiliation is your fate. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

*For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the website: http://cincinnati.broadway.com/tickets/show/6162

Photo credits: Paul Kolnik, All Rights Reserved.

| | |