After 2 years and a handful of days, my pandemic delayed showing of Blue Man Group Speechless finally happened in Hershey this weekend. Speechless is a totally new stage direction for Blue Man, it's unlike their prior theatrical and rock tour shows. In fact, it's easier to list the things that are the same between the theatrical show and Speechless
- Opening paint drumming
- Gumballs & Marshmallows
- Drumbone
The rest of the nearly 2-hour show is new, from the opening to the closing moments. The show is one of the smaller production, only three Blue Men and two musicians. Whereas the theatrical show was manifesting the Blue Man in a "neutral" location, while the rock tour it was Blue Man in our world, this show takes us into the Blue Man's workshop and play space. New segments are well done and really showcase the new instruments. Some spark awe, like a rotating collection of different lengths of PVC that are played like a playing card in a bike spoke, while others are a little bit of a letdown, like a multi-tiered string instrument.
One of the big additions is mobile sampling and synths, this allows the Blue Man to walk into the audience and live mix guest reactions and sounds. A larger sampling machine is on stage and is used throughout the show. The techno and stripped-down music really feels like BMG's version of DIY electronic music and sample culture.
I've noticed the show has already evolved and changed some, the black smocks the Blue Men wore before have given out for the more traditional jump sits. One segment seems to have been cut or highly modified, and two audience interaction bits have changed due to COIVD. This leads me to believe the show will continue to evolve and change up the segments.
If you enjoyed Blue Man and Speechless is coming to town, check it out as it's a new show.