An immersive experience awaits BMG audiences

I’ve always wanted to see Blue Man Group live and that’s going to happen next week at GrandWest.

They began their SA tour in Joburg, and it reaches Cape Town on Tuesday, where seven shows will be performed in the Grand Arena.

Blue Man Group is comedy, theatre, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one, and is now in their 25th year. I had the chance to ask Tony Aguirre (strings in the band) some questions. When and where was the Blue Man Group started?

The Blue Man Group was formed by three friends in New York City in 1989. The concept was so successful that they were able to open their first show in Astor Place in 1991. What can local audiences expect when they go to a show?

Audiences can expect to be amazed. They can expect to wear ponchos, dance, laugh until their cheeks hurt. What inspired you to create the Group?

The creators of the Blue Man Group wanted to create a show that they would want to see. They wanted to make an immersive experience for theatre goers of all ages, creeds, and cultures. You guys play very interesting instruments in your shows. How do you go about choosing what instrument to use?

Since this show is so different, the music and instruments have to be as well. Blue Man Group is well known for drumming but we also have some wonderfully strange instruments. Some of the best Blue Man music is made using plastic PVC tubing.

What has been the most bizarre instrument you ever had to play on stage?

The most bizarre instrument I play is without a doubt the Electric Zither. It is a basically a plank of wood with almost 100 strings stretched across! The instrument is played with finger picks, glass slides, and old tape measures. How do you choose the music for the show?

Music for the show is written a few different ways. We have a “lab” in New York City in which new ideas and songs are being constantly generated. Do you create your own music besides playing other people’s music?

The music of the Blue Man Group is completely original and unlike anything else you will find.

Shows are at 8pm, March 21 to 25, with matinees on March 25 at 3pm and March 26 at 2pm. Tickets are available through Computicket and range from R340 to R655. For more information go to www.blueman.com, www.bigconcerts.co.za/ e vents/ detail/ blue- man- group or www. suninternational. com/ grandwest/events/blue-man-group