Blue Man Group gets more colorful with Age by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady  About 25 years ago, my family went to a small off-Broadway theatre (perhaps it was off-off Broadway it was so small) to see Blue Man Tubes. No one had heard much about the show. My kids and ex-husband loved every minute of the show. (But then he was the parent who watched the Saturday morning cartoons with the kids).
I felt like I had crashed a fraternity party. The Blue Men splashed blue paint all over themselves and some of the audience. They T.P. ed everything--which means they wrapped toilet paper around everything. My son found this particularly amusing since he had recently gotten grounded for using all (and I do mean ALL) of our toilet paper to T.P. the neighborhood trees. I can just imagine my son's thoughts. We paid a fortune for this show in New York and all they did is the stuff he got in trouble for.  Flash forward to the present. I had an opportunity in Las Vegas to see the Blue Man Group, the evolved show that has become a hit across the world. I decided to give it a second chance. Was I glad I did. Maybe I had become more open. Or maybe the group had matured. But suddenly I found myself laughing hysterically at the updated version.
The pyrotechnics added a lot to the show. And the graphics gave it an edgy but sophisticated slant. I confess to grabbing a pair of the earplugs they graciously offer in a big bowl outside the show. Obviously the word was out that you get soaked, splashed with paint, and/or made a fool of. Some people were so eager to participate they were jumping up and waving their hands to volunteer. But the blue men wisely chose none of them. Instead they went for the reluctant, least likely guests to involve in their antics. TIP: If you enjoy getting splashed, try for a front row seat. Now they provide raincoats to the close-up audience. Blue Man Group perform nightly at The Venetian TICKET INFORMATION Performance Schedule:
Mon 8pm
Tues 7pm & 10pm
Wed 8pm
Thurs-Sat 7pm & 10pm
Sun 8pm 1.800.BLUEMAN (1.800.258.3626)
or visit www.tickets.venetian.com Where to Stay The Palazzo The Palazzo is a stand-alone resort built by Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) in the heart of the famed Las Vegas Strip. When combined with the neighboring Venetian and Sands Expo and Convention Center, The Palazzo is the largest hotel and convention complex in the world. In addition to Jersey Boys, the $1.8 billion Palazzo features more than 3,000 all-suite rooms and offers new shopping, dining and entertainment on two luxurious levels. The 450,000-square- foot retail space, The Shoppes at The Palazzo(tm) are highlighted by Barneys New York and connected to The Venetian via The Grand Canal Shoppes. (my personal nickname for this is paradise. You have your choice of 30 restaurants without ever going outside. Heaven for an indoor girl like me) The Palazzo Resort- Hotel-Casino
3325 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702.607.7777 or 1-877-883-6423
Fax: 702.414.4884
http://www.palazzolasvegas.com The Venetian No trip to Venice — or The Venetian — would be complete without a graceful and romantic glide down the Grand Canal in an authentic Venetian gondola. Float beneath bridges, beside cafes, under balconies and through the vibrant Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier sweeps you down the Grand Canal for a ride like no other. A relaxing and romantic gondola ride reveals all the charm, excitement and passion that is Venice — and The Venetian. The Venetian- Hotel-Casino
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702.414.1000 or 877.883.6423
http://www.venetian.com Where to Eat Cut
Ten
Morrell's
David Burke
Tao
Jade
Dos Amigos
Charlie's
Grand Luxe ( I know they have this in many other places, but the wonderful baked goods are like comfort food among all the glitz and sophistication)
40/40 club Don't Miss these Shows Jersey Boys
Phantom of the Opera
Blue Man Group
Love Best Spa Canyon Ranch SpaClub. Located inside the hotel complex, it is part of the Canyon Ranch family. It has been housed inside The Venetian tower since its initial opening in 1999, but the expansion extended into the newly opened Palazzo Tower Best Green thing I saw in Las Vegas No, I am not talking about money. I mean the energy saving steps being taken. At the Palazzo, energy efficient vehicles get a special close in parking area. Another good reason to get a hybrid. Shop till you drop The newest stores--including Barney's are in the Palazzo. Many are European stores who have made their flagship entry in this deluxe shopping area. I have a personal preference for the canals at the Venetian. The canal atmosphere seems like you are outside--even when in the midst of a Casino. Or maybe I am attached to the canal boatmen--a treat in a city known for gorgeous girls in skinny costumes. Be Prepared Before you go out to enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer, I recommend sampling the Nightclub Dance Series, a brand new instructional dance series, that will teach you today's hottest and sexiest dance moves to take to the nightclub. Taught by the backup dancers of your favorite stars, this must have travel companion will get you ready for any nightclub you'll even encounter. Stand out from the crowd and learn to dance like a star! www.learnclubdance.com Photos by Ken Howard Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves Las Vegas. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com. www.yogayaya.com and www.carladynews.com | 