The most innovative entertainment group to hit the stage since rock and roll first broke the sound waves will be playing at the Astor Place Theatre until the 29^th of December. This is plenty of time to arrange your visit for one of the greatest shows on earth.

The Blue Man Group, an organization founded by Chris Wink, Mac Goldman, and Phil Stanton, is a theatrical show that is out of this world. Featuring experimental music, comedy and multimedia that include electronic light shows and a big screen backdrop, the Blue Men always appear as a trio, adding to the rhythm section with lighted drums and pipefittings. Wearing bald capped blue masks, they seem to be outsiders to Earth’s human population, showing surprise and curiosity over the simplest objects. They puzzle over cell phones and with deadpan faces, study how to become rock stars.

Releasing their first audio recording in 1999, the Blue Men debuted with a sound track of full instrumental recordings, as well as introducing some new instruments. They have several themes, among which have to do with science and technology and information overload. Their mute performances give the uncanny feeling of being observed by a trio freshly introduced from outer space, full of innocence and childlike experimentation with earthly technology.

There is nothing childlike in their delivery, however. Their music is a mixture of instrumentals and rhythm that is difficult to resist, no matter what your age. The comedy is an open gateway for smiling at ourselves, if not outright laughing at their apparent puzzlement over who we are as a society. The Blue Man Group is an opportunity to loosen up and not take ourselves so seriously, while enjoying all the benefits of prime time entertainment.

As they roll out the paint to splatter their drums, you’ll need to wear rain coats for protection if you’re sitting in the front rows, but somehow you just don’t mind as the paint makes an awesome splash to the sensory overload, and seems suitable for these space age humanoids. The group recently completed an International tour, which included performances in Stutgart, Vienna and Zurich. They’ve made numerous guest appearances for television, including The Tonight Show, Scrubs and Arrested Development.

The Blue Men Group is primed and targeted however for theater, and if your enjoyment is for theatrical performance, this is the group you do not want to miss. They received the Drama Desk Award in 1992 for Unique Theatrical Experience, and unique is the only way to describe them. In 2011, they received the Off Broadway Alliance Award for audience choice of best long running show. If that’s not enough to convince you, then experience them for yourself. You’ll be a Blue Man Group fan forever!