Blue Man Group cast protests corporate impact after final Chicago show

CHICAGO - A Chicago staple took its final bow this week, but not before its cast and crew made a bold statement about the impact of corporate decisions on their community.

In a protest that mirrored the spirit of the Blue Man Group's first public performance, members of the cast and crew used costumes, theatrics, and drums to express their dissatisfaction with the decisions that led to the show’s closure.

Calling it "a funeral for the Blue Man," the protesters carried a coffin in effigy to mourn what they said was the loss of artistry overshadowed by corporate interests. As part of the demonstration, they roasted marshmallows over a drum fire, a nod to the group’s signature creativity, and criticized the relocation of jobs to Florida, where many queer employees face fewer protections.

The protest wasn’t just about mourning the end of the show, but also honoring the roots of Blue Man Group—diverse, inclusive, and unafraid to speak out.

The protest took place just hours after the group’s final Chicago performance, marking the end of a nearly three-decade legacy in the city.

The Blue Man Group is scheduled to return to Orlando in April.