Joy and Sorrow Showdown
The Blue Man Group Bids Farewell to Berlin After a 21-Year Run
The Blue Man Group's iconic show in Berlin is coming to an end, marking the conclusion of a 21-year run that has broken records as the longest-running show in the city. The final performance will take place on August 31, 2021.
The Blue Man Group, known for their visually and auditorily stimulating performances, has been a staple of Berlin's entertainment scene since 2004. The show, filled with colorful water splashing around while the blue men drum, has been described as funny, irritating, expensive, exciting, and perfectly timed.
The decision to end the Berlin run has been attributed to a lack of audience support, a challenge exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The high ticket price of 250 euros for a family to watch the show may have contributed to this issue.
The Blue Man Group originated in New York in the late 80s, stirring up the art scene with their unique performances. The founders, Phil Stanton, Matt Goldman, and Chris Wink, chose Berlin as their starting point in Europe, despite it not being a traditional entertainment hub. They were instinctively drawn to Berlin due to its "frontier" status to the east.
The Blue Man Group consists of three blue, wordless beings who explore the world with childlike curiosity. They transform everyday objects into musical instruments, creating a unique and engaging experience for audiences.
The Blue Man Group has had multiple locations, tours, TV appearances, and advertisements throughout their successful journey. The Berlin show was their first continuous show outside of the United States.
The closure of the Berlin venue is part of a broader pattern, as by the end of August 2025, four major permanent venues featuring the Blue Man Group—including those in other cities such as Chicago—will have shut down. This suggests a significant restructuring or downsizing phase for the Blue Man Group, possibly due to changing entertainment market conditions, costs, or shifts in audience patterns.
For those who have yet to see the Blue Man Group live, the opportunity to do so in Berlin is quickly running out. After August 31, the blue men will no longer be a part of Berlin's vibrant entertainment scene.
[1] Blue Man Group Leaves Berlin After 21 Years
[2] Blue Man Group to Close Berlin Venue
[4] Blue Man Group Permanent Venues to Close
[1] The Blue Man Group's iconic show in Berlin, a staple of Berlin's entertainment scene since 2004, is set to close after a 21-year run.
[2] The Blue Man Group has announced the closure of their Berlin venue, marking the end of their long-running show and a significant shift in their entertainment presence.
