Theater News

Cirque du Soleil Announces Acquisition of Blue Man Productions

The circus specialists will expand their reach to new international audiences.

A scene from Cirque du Soleil Paramour at Broadway's Lyric Theatre.
A scene from Cirque du Soleil Paramour at Broadway's Lyric Theatre.
(© Richard Termine)

Cirque du Soleil, the international entertainment company specializing in acrobatic circus productions, announced today that it has acquired Blue Man Productions. The transaction is described as a move to expand its global reach and offer entertainment outside of the circus arts. As written in Cirque du Soleil's official statement, "The acquisition of Blue Man Group considerably widens Cirque du Soleil’s audience pool, adding to their portfolio six resident productions established across the United States and Germany, as well as a North American and a World Tour."

"We want to broaden our horizons, develop new forms of entertainment, reach out to new audiences and expand our own creative capabilities. Today, we are taking a decisive step towards materializing these ambitions," said Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, in his official statement. "We are extremely excited to welcome the iconic Blue Man Group to our portfolio of shows. Their unbridled creativity makes them a perfect cultural fit for Cirque du Soleil. Our extensive marketing research also confirms that Blue Man Group is a strong ‘love brand’ with a solid fan base – something else our two brands have in common."

Blue Man Group was created in 1991 by three long-time friends from New York City: Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman, who created a performance centered on a bald and blue character they called Blue Man. Blue Man Productions is now a global entertainment company best known for the award-winning Blue Man Group show, performed in over 20 countries and seen by more than 35 million people worldwide.

"When we began our Blue Man journey, we set our sights on creating theater that would bring people together in a celebration of human connection," says Blue Man Group cofounder Phil Stanton. "We have been humbled, amazed and inspired by the audience responses we have received over the years."

Cofounder Chris Wink adds, "Now, we find ourselves on the brink of our next chapter, and we have big ideas for the future. Only a global creative powerhouse like Cirque du Soleil could help us achieve our vision. Their commitment to artistic quality and originality is unparalleled and their creative resources are vast. It is an honor to join forces with their organization."

For tickets to the New York production of Blue Man Group, click here.

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