Rock star movement number 706: get bought out by a rival entertainment company. News came in on Thursday that Blue Man Group, the global phenomenon that implements music, big drums and blue men in their performances worldwide, has been bought out by Canadian based Cirque Du Soleil and their Private Equity owner, TPG.
It’s a bold and interesting move that will have Cirque Du Soleil expanding past the circus arts and into different venues of entertainment.
“We want to broaden our horizons, develop new forms of entertainment, reach out to new audiences and expand our own creative capabilities,” said Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil in a statement Thursday. “Today, we are taking a decisive step towards materializing these ambitions.”
Blue Man Group was owned by Chris Wink and Phil Stanton. The Group was founded by Stanton, Wink and Matt Goldman and built a show that transcends the norm. Blue Man Group has two touring shows, and six stationary productions in New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Chicago, Berlin and of course, Universal Orlando.
Cirque Du Soleil also has a Central Florida connection as the company has the La Nouba production currently at Disney Springs. That venue is closing this December.
Rumors are circulating that a new Cirque show is coming, with a temporary circus taking up residency in the surface level parking lot later next year. However, this new deal could close the door on Disney and open up new possibilities for Universal, who celebrated ten years of Blue Man this year.
It’s going to be extremely interesting to see how the buyout affects Universal’s Blue Man performance, if at all.
Stay tuned for more from Universal, and be sure to get social with us on Facebook and follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates!
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