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| - Third time seeing the blue guys over the years (first at the Luxor, second at the Venetian). The show at the Monte Carlo apparently got started just a title while ago, and while its newness occasionally shows through in the production, I suspect they'll have a long and successful run here as well.
About half the show is significantly changed up from the previous one at the Venetian, with much of the new pieces focusing on robots and technology. They've also introduced some very impressive lighting and projection effects, as well as a good dose of pleasantly eccentric new weirdness both before the opening and ending the show. I also loved the little touches of humor which infuse the production, from the theme music in the bathrooms to the stocking caps on the giant floating eyeballs which greet the audience as you enter the theater.
As usual, the trio of Blue Men is accompanied by a strong backing band featuring three percussionists, a keyboardist, and guitars. While walking through the Monte Carlo before the show, we caught the backing band doing a very cool drum procession through the casino prior to getting into costume for the show. After the show, the band was also available (along with a "robot girl") to chat and take pictures with the fans--something that both me and my son very much appreciated.
Although the show was definitely entertaining, it stops shy of five stars for me primarily because it still seems to finding its way a bit, and seems torn between the new material and the old fan favorites. Musical synchronization for a couple of the robot scenes was a bit off and hopefully will tighten up as the show matures. For a veteran Blue Man veteran, I'd personally prefer if they more fully embraced the new material, rather than feeling like they needed to check off various of their iconic bits (spin art, Twinkies, etc.).
Pacing of the show was also a little odd, with the big dance party denouement jumping almost out of nowhere, only to revert back to the comparatively lower-energy paint-drumming bit that for years formed the Blue Man's visual brand. It would have seemed much more natural to me had they started with that much earlier, then ended on the dance party. As a fan of the Blue Man's musical arrangements, I'd also to see more expansive musical arrangements and more new melodic material in addition to the usual stellar percussion. (And heck, I'm saying this as a drummer myself!)
All in all, a solid show, and highly entertaining. Both my son and I had a great time. I hope they keep tweaking it, however, and never stop being afraid to take chances.
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