The azure entertainers of Blue Man Group will make their Santa Barbara debut at 8 o’clock tonight at the Granada Theatre downtown.
The internationally renowned squadron of bald, blue-skinned men combines rock music, tribal rhythms, science, color, comedy, technology and dance into an interactive, high-energy show. Nonprofit performing arts organization Theater League is sponsoring the group’s Granada Theatre series performances, which continue through this Wednesday, for the 2011-2012 Broadway season kickoff.
According to Reida York, Theatre League director of advertising, promotions & public relations, the association sought to bring the famous act to the local venue since its reopening three years ago.
“[Blue Man Group] is such a fun show,” York said. “It’s a chance for people to get away from the humdrum of life and think about something fun and stimulating. It’s great for kids and it seems like all ages enjoy the performances.”
The on-the-road Blue Man troupe is comprised of performers Kirk Massey, Kalen Allmandinger, Patrick Newton and Bhurin Sead and will incorporate a new design layout that centers on a proscenium-sized LED curtain and high-resolution screen.
Massey, who has performed in the act since 2005, said each show provides audiences with a unique performance experience.
“The Blue Man sees things in an out-of-the-box way,” Massey said. “The things we normally use for typical, everyday functions — the Blue Man takes and creates music or art out of them. If [audiences] can walk away from the show and look at things differently and have that desire to create and connect with others, then that’s an awesome thing and very much in tune with the Blue Man character.”
The group’s material consists primarily of updated versions from previous pieces performed in Chicago, Orlando and Las Vegas, as well as brand new content created by the Blue Man Group production team. One of the new pieces involves the Blue Men exploring and playing with a giant iPhone called the “gipad,” according to Massey.
Massey said the venue allows the performers to experiment with new content and ideas for its shows.
“I love the world [Blue Man Group] creates,” Massey said. “What’s cool about the tour is that as we change up locations, we get different energies and vibes. [The Granada Theatre] is a completely fresh space with a fresh group of people. That completely changes the show up for us, and it’s a lot of fun that way.”
Granada Theatre Program & Activities Director Kate Kurlas said the event series highlights the importance of performing arts and live shows in the community.
“Blue Man Group has such a renowned performance,” Kurlas said. “It’s cool that they’re coming to Santa Barbara and I’m so excited to see them in the Granada at a local venue. There’s nothing like being there watching them live and having the performers interact with the group.”
This week’s acts are part of the Blue Man Group’s first theatrical production tour in North America. Tickets are available online at www.theaterleague.com, at the Granada Theatre box office at 1214 State St. or by calling (805) 899-2222.