Toronto's Blue Man Group To Close

Hit Mixed Media Production To End Run January 7th, 2007

Sep 28, 2006 Mike Mackenzie

The Blue Man Group has been a hit everywhere. So what happened in Toronto?

The Toronto production of Blue Man Group, currently playing at the Panasonic Theatre in downtown Toronto, has enjoyed a successful run, but not successful enough to keep the show going past the new year.

The show opened in 2005 to mediocre reviews, but was plagued by picketers who were upset with the show for not using union members in its production.

Blue Man Group has been a huge hit everywhere it has opened. The Off-Broadway production opened in 1991, and is still packing them in. Productions in Chicago, Las Vegas, London, and Berlin are still enjoying the show.

So what happened to Toronto? Has SARS had a lingering affect on the tourist industry? Does the Canadian versus U.S. dollar made an impact? There are many reasons that could have contributed to the closing notice.

The show was slated for a decade long run, and when it closes on January 7th, it will have played just over 18 months.

For ticket information, click on the Blue Man Group Toronto Website.

The copyright of the article Toronto's Blue Man Group To Close in Modern World Theatre is owned by Mike Mackenzie. Permission to republish Toronto's Blue Man Group To Close in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Oct 1, 2006 10:58 AM
Suzanne Hill :
Hi Mike,
I'm very curious about your question about the reasons that could have contributed to the closing of this play in Toronto. What are some of the reasons?
Thanks!
-SH
Oct 9, 2006 9:58 PM
Mike Mackenzie :
Hi Suzanne,

I think there are a few reasons that could be linked to the closing of the show.

First and foremost, I think Toronto has lost it's label as a long-running show type of theatre city. Over the past few years, we've had Hairspray and The Producers (two of the biggest Broadway hits in the last decade) open and close within 10 months, and we all know about Lord Of The Rings only surviving 7 months here, so for Blue Man to last 18 months is quite an accomplishment. A disappointment none the less, but still should be noted.

I don't think the tourism industry here as returned to the level that it was at before SARS hit three years ago, and the Canadian dollar isn't helping matters. It's almost on par with the U.S. dollar, so Americans aren't traveling to Toronto to see shows, plain and simple.

It's a shame that the show is closing - I've seen it twice, and loved it.

I hope the Panasonic doesn't stay dark for long...and there are rumours about what show will be opening to replace Blue Man.

Dare I spread the rumour fire? Sure. I've heard that the next show in that space will be the hit Broadway musical, Avenue Q. I saw the show in NYC in 2005, and it is fantastic. Lets keep our fingers crossed!

Mike
Oct 17, 2006 11:36 AM
Sarah B. Hood :
I think that's pretty accurate. The Canadian economy is as good as ever, but tourism is still down since 9-11, followed by SARS, followed by the increase in the Canadian dollar. And maybe the Blue Men have seen their day; I thought they were quite diverting when I first heard of them, but even Homer Simpson has apparently seen them once too often. :)
Oct 27, 2006 12:13 PM
Jennifer W. Miner :
Well, the Blue men are still doing pretty well in Las Vegas, I think. Maybe their style of loud rockin', in-your-face performance art is more suited for the in-your-face culture of Vegas in the first place! :)
Jen
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