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Blue Man Group is leaving Boston. Here’s what fans remember most.
From marshmallow tosses to toilet papers wars, readers share their favorite memories as Blue Man Group ends its decades-long Boston run July 6.
When Blue Man Group began its Boston show at the Charles Playhouse in 1995, it was “absolutely mind-blowing,” Boston.com reader F.M. from Amesbury said. She saw the show in its early days and remembers the night fondly.
“The music, the intensity, the ending where the paper rolls go off from the back of the theater and wash over you like a wave,” she recalled. “Here we are almost 30 years later and that night’s experience is still just as vivid in my memory as ever.”
In mid-June, the company announced it would end its residency in Boston on July 6, more than three decades after it began. No reason was given as to why the Boston show is ending.
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Blue Man Group productions closed its Chicago show in January and in New York City last fall. The Orlando show closed temporarily in 2021 and its slated April 2025 reopening was delayed. Blue Man will continue to operate in Las Vegas and internationally.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of Blue Man Group Boston, a camaraderie that has been celebrated by the Boston community since we first opened in 1995 at the Charles Playhouse,” Jonathan Screnci, General Manager, said in a news release.
The show, led by a trio of blue, bald, nonverbal performers, was known for its innovative and interactive elements, music, and comedy.
Now, as the troupe brings its residency to a close, Boston.com readers reflected on their favorite memories of watching the show – and the “uniqueness and creativity” that made it unlike any other.
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“It is just something you cannot explain. You have to experience it! There isn’t anything else like it,” reader Julie N. from Haverhill said.
Michael B. from Roslindale said he’ll miss the comedy the most – specifically, “laughing until it hurts.”
“I laughed so hard my wife was embarrassed, but it was worth it!” he said.
Others remarked on the strong performances of the Blue Men, whose talent and hard work was as apparent as their blue painted bodies.
“I saw the show many times over the years and it was always a ton of fun. It was obvious how hard they all worked to make each night stand out,” reader John from the South Shore said.
Whether it be the shenanigans shared between the audience and performers, paint-splattering musical numbers, or wacky pantomime, readers say the show left a lasting impression – and a strong legacy in the city, too.
Below, readers reflect on seeing Blue Man Group Boston for the first time and its lasting legacy.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
What’s your favorite memory from Blue Man Group Boston?
“The first and only time I went to see the Blue Man Group in Boston, I remember a couple being late to the event, and they were picked on by the Blue Men. I also remember throwing toilet paper around like having a toilet paper war! It was so much fun! It is so sad that the Blue Man Group is going to leave Boston after 30 years of fun and laughter!” – Francesco D., Revere
“I saw Blue Man Group on a school trip in middle school and my dad was a chaperone. They had us switch seats during the show to help with some logistics, but it turned out they were pranking us! They put us on screen and said we were trying to leave early. It was such a fun surprise I got to share with my dad and made me feel so special.” – Claire, Brookline
“Wow…30 years! I starred in the production ‘A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline’ at the Charles Playhouse for nearly a year. We broke all attendance records for the theater up to that point. Right after we closed, Blue Man Group took up residence. I couldn’t wait to get a ticket! We were warned to not wear nice clothes if seated in front. The show was incredible! Amazing to think that over 4.5 million people in New England have seen their show there. I remember being blown away by the musicianship of the live band, especially the drummer. The visuals onstage were amazing – the marshmallow tosses in particular! I loved the adjustable tubes, the water tricks…great memories!” – Sandy M., Salem
“You know someone who has never been to a theater and claims they would hate it? Make them go! I am going to miss the look on the face of a newbie during the performance and then their smile as they walk out. Go now!” – Julie N., Haverhill
“I am tied between the music and performance for what I will miss the most. I have seen them multiple times in Boston, but not since the pandemic began. I need to go for one last show if I can get tickets.” – Wayne, Tewksbury
“After the performance, I asked the cast members, who were in the lobby, for their autographs. Instead, they left their lip prints on my program. Very ingenious, and so Blue Man!” – Chris S., Brookline
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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