The Insiders take you behind the scenes at the Sharp Aquos Theatre in Orlando Florida for an exclusive sneak peek at the grand re-opening celebration hosted by Universal Orlando Resort. We also catch up with Blue Man Group co-founder Chris Wink for some fan questions, and debut the new robotic character still in test mode for the Vegas show’s in-casino percussion processional.
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The Insiders interview blue man captain Anthony Parrulli, co-founder Phil Stanton, Wes Day, Jordan Woods-Robinson and from the band in the loft, stick/bassist David Traver.
Blue Man Group's entrance way to the Sharp Aquos Theatre from CityWalk
It’s no secret that Insiders Joe and Alex’s home base is Orlando, and when we first heard the show was getting a refresh just under a year ago, we were delighted not only for new content coming to our home town venue, but pleased to know that our guys now have new fresh content to satisfy their craving appetites. Blue Man Group’s ever evolving principle has been to keep up with pop culture and create a satire style comedic pun around the quirky events that unfold. It’s this driving force to keep the show fresh, revitalized and rejuvenated for past and future audiences to come, hence, Blue Man Group will forever change, evolve and bring new content and technologies on stage to wow audiences and make them chuckle at the same time.
The new show at Universal’s Orlando Resort now combines various forms of modern day technological vices that we all use in our day to day lives without really giving second thought. We’re caught in a technology bubble that is only more expanding by the day, and things we rely on like smartphones, texting, tablets and social media are things many of us do as second nature. The Blue Men poke fun at the expense of the modern day techie in a subtle and humorous way that challenges us to rethink a lot about the way we use these vices from day to day.
Blue Man Group's new Gi-Pad segment
The new Gi-Pad segment for example, combines one of these modern day devices that has etched it’s way into pop culture and ultimately forever changed the way we communicate with each other. The Blue Men explore the features of their newly delivered Gi-Pads, and the antics are endless as they attempt to figure out the applications, their functions and how they interact with each. From a singing alpaca, to a quirky ‘Pig Chef’, blue men put their stamp on the the viral community in their own unique way, a way only Blue Man Group could pull off.
Rods and Cones explores the science of the human eye and animation
One musical segment lacking in the former Orlando show, but a staple in Las Vegas is the fan favorite Rods and Cones. With new life, brand new backpack tubulums that are even newer incarnations of the the National Tour’s rendition, and stunning visuals, Rods and Cones is now rocking in Orlando. Taking the audience on a journey into the human eye, Blue Man Group discover the visual perspective of the eye in black and white, color and fragmented movements. Visually stunning, and accompanied by raw percussive riffs, Rods and Cones in it’s newest rendition is sure to “open your eyes” to something stunning.
The all new finale at Universal Orlando
Then we arrive at the show’s climactic pinnacle, a sensory overload of lights, colors and sound. Inspired by underground rave culture of Eastern Europe, and formatted for audiences of all ages, the new finale is extended, more dynamic and engaging than ever before. Gone are the rolls of paper from the rear of the theater that once streamed over the audience during the final, but now the audience participants are engaged to tap helium filled air balloons called ‘zygotes’ throughout the theatre. The Blue Men encourage the audience to ‘get up out of their seats’ and shake your back side in a celebratory party that includes everyone. Whether you swat at the space-like floating balls, marvel at the streaming paper or gaze at the ultra crisp brand new LED back wall, which seconds as a physical animated part of the new stage, there’s something for everyone in the new finale. And the best thing, it’s environmentally friendly, with less paper, and that’s a good thing!
Blue Man Group is Now More Wow in Orlando
Things you can expect is still plenty of audience participation, pop culture parodies and unending laughter as you step inside the world of the Blue Man for 90 minutes. There is new content exclusively only at Blue Man Group Orlando which resurrects a skit from Blue Man Group’s early 1990′s show ‘Tubes.’ The skit is called Marbles, and now done in a new fresh way, and with a little touch from the Universal Studios theme park, this piece is slowly becoming one of my personal favorites of the new show.
Blue Man Group will officially debut the new show to the public on February 24th, but currently previewing the new material in current shows being sold now. Let’s also not forget that the official fan base for Blue Man Group, the Blue Man Group Insiders are hosting a fan meetup event on March 3rd to commemorate the new show to the fan base. Included in the daily meetup activities are sound check privileges, exclusive fan access to the all new Bluephoria Lounge, discounted tickets and even a fan dinner prior to the show at 9PM. This event is very much open the public, and tickets are still available for the event. For more information, please visit the following link: Official March 3rd Orlando Fan Meet.
Blue Man Group with their Insiders Joe and Alex
The Insiders with Blue Man Group co-founder Phil Stanton
A sneak peak at the brand new show opening officially to the public February 24th, 2012. The new show combines all new skits along with visuals and audio, and even refreshes some of the old content in a new way.
Thanks again, and we’ll see you on the Inside!
Insider Joe
We wanted to do something fun for a change, and share with the world our love for each other and for the Orlando theme parks. We are so blessed to live where we do, and celebrate the joys of life together. We hope you enjoy the fun video as much as we did shooting and editing it. God Bless!