The Blue Man Group is an exciting and innovative performance art company that combines music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics to create a fun, unique entertainment experience. Originally formed in New York City in the late 1980s, the Blue Man Group has grown into an international sensation with permanent theatrical residencies in a number of major cities around the world.
In New York City, the Blue Man Group currently has one permanent theatrical residence at the Astor Place Theatre in downtown Manhattan. The Astor Place Theatre, located just east of Broadway, has been home to the Blue Man Group’s New York show since 1991, making it the longest running Blue Man Group show anywhere. Tourists and locals alike continue flocking to Astor Place each night for Blue Man Group’s signature brand of quirky, hilarious fun.
History of Blue Man Group in New York City
The Blue Man Group was originally founded in Manhattan in 1987 by Chris Wink, Matt Goldman, and Phil Stanton. The trio, who all had backgrounds in experimental theater, were looking to create a unique form of entertainment that combined theater, music, comedy, and multimedia elements. They worked on what would become the Blue Man Group show in the late 1980s and early 1990s at spots around New York City, including the Astor Place Theatre.
The first official Blue Man Group show premiered at the Astor Place Theatre in 1991. It proved a hit with New York audiences due to its outrageous comedy sketches, awesome music, and state-of-the-art technology. This first Blue Man Group show ran for a number of years at Astor Place, helping establish the theater as the Blue Man Group’s New York City home.
The original Blue Man Group show at the Astor Place Theatre has been updated and reimagined over the decades to keep it feeling fresh. However, the show still retains many iconic Blue Man Group moments, such as catching marshmallows in their mouths and banging on PVC pipes to make music. Generations of New Yorkers have now grown up with Blue Man Group at Astor Place as a staple of the city’s cultural scene.
Overview of the Astor Place Theatre
The Astor Place Theatre is a notable theater venue located just east of Broadway on Lafayette Street. It has a long history of hosting innovative and offbeat theatrical productions.
The Astor Place Theatre was originally constructed in 1847 as the Astor Opera House. It was the brainchild of wealthy New York businessman John Jacob Astor, who sought to establish a world-class opera house in Lower Manhattan. Designed by Isaiah Rogers, the theater featured a marble facade, tall columns, and luxurious interiors.
In its early years, the Astor Opera House hosted many important theatrical productions and events. But over time, the opera house fell out of favor with New York’s elite, who gravitated toward new opera houses being built uptown. This led to the Astor Opera House focusing more on non-operatic theatrical productions starting in the late 1800s.
By the early 20th century, the Astor Opera House was primarily hosting vaudeville shows and other pop entertainment. It went through several name changes over the decades, being known as the Astor Theatre and the Broadway Theatre at various points. In the economic slump of the 1970s, the theater even served briefly as a disco and rock concert venue.
But in the 1980s, a new owner returned the space to its theatrical roots, renaming it the Astor Place Theatre. It underwent renovations to transform it into an off-Broadway performing arts space. The spruced-up Astor Place Theatre became the perfect location for the edgy, Downtown vibe of the new Blue Man Group show in 1991.
Description of the Blue Man Group Show at Astor Place
The current Blue Man Group show running at the Astor Place Theatre is a high-energy spectacle that engages audiences through comedy, music, technology, and participatory moments. The show typically runs 90 minutes straight through without an intermission. It features three silent Blue Men characters who take the audience on a journey filled with wacky inventions, rock concert-style performances, lots of jokes, and torrents of shredded paper.
Some of the highlights audience members can expect when seeing the Blue Man Group at Astor Place include:
Signature Blue Man Group Moments
– Catching marshmallows or Twinkies in their mouths tossed from across the theater
– Playing complex instruments made from PVC pipes
– Banging on drums covered in glowing paint that makes splatter designs
– Communicating through hand gestures and props instead of words
– Joking around with audience members they pull up on stage
Rock Concert Vibes
– High energy dance music mixed with rock and electronic sounds
– Dramatic colored lighting and projections create a concert-like setting
– The Blue Men jam out on electric guitars and leap around stage
– Audience members may get balloon guitars to rock out with
Creative Stunts and Effects
– Painting canvases with paint-covered heads in oversized caps
– Trampoline routines with the Blue Men soaring through the air
– Firing streams of paper shreds from cannons at high velocities
– Food and drinks getting massacred in slow motion action sequences
Unique Music
– tribal drumming on custom PVC instruments
– Catchy rock songs composed just for the show
– Improvised music from random objects like traffic cones and poles
– Taking audience requests and turning them into dance songs
Ticket Prices and Booking Tips
Tickets to see Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theatre can be purchased on the show’s official website or through ticket sellers like Ticketmaster. The Astor Place Theatre has a seating capacity of just under 700 people.
Ticket prices vary based on factors like date, time of day, seat location, and demand:
– Standard ticket prices range from $50-$130 each
– Matinee shows are generally $15 cheaper than evening shows
– Front row seats go for around $170-$190 per ticket
– Kids tickets for children under 12 start at $30 (requires accompanying adult)
A few tips for getting the best deal on Blue Man Group tickets:
– Book early for the lowest prices – tickets tend to rise closer to the show date
– Attend matinees and weekdays for cheaper rates
– Check site for special offers like student and military discounts
– Buy in bulk for group orders – groups of 10+ often get discounts
– Avoid peak holiday times when demand spikes on tickets
– Third party sellers sometimes offer promo codes for extra savings
Metro Access and Parking
The Astor Place Theatre enjoys a convenient location in downtown Manhattan with numerous public transportation options nearby:
Subway
– Right by Astor Place subway station (6, N, R, W trains)
– Short walk from 8th Street-NYU Station (R, W trains)
Bus
– Multiple bus routes stop on or near Lafayette Street
Taxi/Rideshare
– Always abundant taxis around the theater
– Easy Uber/Lyft accessibility; discounted dropoff/pickup zones on Lafayette
Parking
– Street parking is very limited in this part of Manhattan
– Nearby parking garages often charge $40+ for an evening
– Best to use public transit or rideshares instead of driving
Food and Drink Options Nearby
With iconic New York venues like Katz’s Delicatessen and Russ & Daughters appetizing shop just steps away, Astor Place is surrounded by top-notch dining choices for showgoers:
Restaurants
– Artichoke Basille’s Pizza – Amazing artichoke-spinach slice shop open late
– Mi Vida – Mexican eatery with big portions and tasty margaritas
– Village Den – Cozy 24-hour diner with huge menu and friendly vibe
Cafes and Dessert
– Milk Bar – Trendy dessert shop specializing in unique soft serve flavors
– Max Brenner – Chocolate lover’s paradise with European hot chocolate and chocolate pizza
– Once Upon a Tart – All about the tarts, both sweet and savory varieties
Bars
– The Stand – Comedy club with bar serving craft beers, wines, and cocktails
– Peculier Pub – Quirky British-themed dive bar often filled with NYU students
– ROKC – Upscale gastropub with artisanal drinks and fancy bar bites
Nearby Attractions
Before or after the show, visitors can check out some of these attractions just steps from the theater:
Washington Square Park
– Iconic public park with large central fountain and famous arch
– Often filled with street performers, musicians, and lively crowds
Strand Bookstore
– Massive bookstore selling new, used, and rare books
– Book lovers can browse 18 miles of bookshelves
Comedy Cellar
– Famed underground comedy club that helped launch many big names
– Shows most nights featuring top comedians doing standup
NYU Area
– East Village area filled with NYU students and academic buildings
– Bustling nightlife and eateries catering to a youthful crowd
Conclusion
For over 30 years, the Blue Man Group has been entertaining crowds at their New York home – the storied Astor Place Theatre. Their unique style of comedy, music, and multimedia theatrics comes to life in an exhilarating night out at Astor Place. Conveniently located downtown and surrounded by dining and attractions, the Astor Place Theatre and its long-running Blue Man Group show make for an unforgettable New York City experience. So next time you’re looking for an exciting and amusing night on the town, get tickets to check out the wacky bald and blue men of Blue Man Group at their legendary NYC theater.