Blue Man Group held a groundbreaking for its new theater venue at ICON Park on Thursday. The trio is returning to Orlando for the first time since ending its 14-year run at Universal Orlando in 2021.
“We are more than excited to come back to Orlando,” said Jack Kenn, managing director for Blue Man Group.”My first goal was to bring this show back to Orlando. I think that’s how much of an important city, an important market it is for Blue Man Group.”
The ceremony featured three blue men, bright-colored paint and appearances from Orange County leaders, including Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej and State Sen. Geraldine Thompson.
Blue Man Group‘s new 580-seat theater will be built at the base of the Orlando Eye, ICON Park’s 400-foot observation wheel, on the side facing Universal Boulevard.
The theater will be designed specifically to accommodate the Blue Man Group’s multi-sensory show, which typically includes music, lasers, paint drums and comedy. The new show will be a mix of familiar routines and new material.
Blue Man Group held residency at Universal CityWalk from 2007 to 2021. The show was halted in 2020 during the pandemic but never returned. It officially closed in 2021.
Construction has not yet begun on the new theater at ICON Park, but the goal is to have the venue open for performances later this year.
A retail shop with Blue Man Group merchandise opened Thursday afternoon on the International Drive side of ICON Park. The store will eventually include the box office where tickets can be purchased.
Blue Man Group, which is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil, also has residencies Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas and Berlin.
