CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - It's a bittersweet week at the Briar Street Theatre and for Wade Elkins, one of the dozens of Blue Men who've performed there for nearly 30 years.
"It's really sad, but I will say the spirit in this space is really celebratory. The houses are sold full this weekend,” Elkins told WBBM.
On Monday morning, as they wind down an iconic run in Chicago, one of the last sound checks was held.
"Everyone is so excited to see the last shows in Chicago,” Elkins added.
For nearly three decades, the Blue Men has hosted thousands of shows, ate millions of gumballs and marshmallows, splattered hundreds of gallons of paint and used percussion and creativity to make art and performance history.
"This is the end of this run in Chicago, but I think the Blue Man Group still has a lot to say. I hope that it continues to make an impact on society for years to come,” Elkins said.
He said donning the blue grease paint for so many years has been one of the best experiences of his life and hopes the legacy of the Blue Man lives on forever.
"Being a Chicago Blue Man is cool because it's such an institution, because it's been here for so long. Everyone knows the show, even if they haven't seen it, they are like, 'oh yeah, the Blue Men!" Elkins exclaimed.
Blue Man Group originated in New York in the 1980s and has been the only show onstage at the Briar Street Theatre since 1997. Elkins hopes another show can make the theater its home.
"I think we really hope that this theater stays a theater and remains a performance space because the energy is so great. We really cultivated something really special here. With all the theaters closing now, we really want this place to stay open and stay vibrant," said Elkins.
The key to the show's longevity over the years?
"It's super creative. The character is spontaneous. There is a lot of improvisation, the audience interaction and the show continues to evolve. As things change, the creatives with the show realized that technology is such a big part of our society now, and we need to speak to what's happening in the world now. Cell phones, social media and now AI all weren't really around back when we started here," stated Elkins.
The Blue Man Group has performed in more than 20 countries and to over 35 million people since its first full production in 1991. Shows will continue in Boston, Las Vegas and a new show in Orlando next year.
Blue Man Group Chicago will perform their last show on Sunday.
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