Rad companies

Mummenschanz (1977–1980)
This Swiss “visual theater troupe,” memorable guests on The Muppet Show, hit Broadway, aware that a show with no language barrier (and surreal masks) will sell more tickets than Liza.

Cirque du Soleil, We Reinvent the Circus (1988)
Following their breakthrough NYC show, the Quebec crazies, founded in 1984, have revisited frequently, and gross $600 million annually worldwide, making the land safe for Slava’s Snowshow and the Spiegeltent. The troupe’s latest, Wintuk, hits the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden November 1 through January 6.

Blue Man Group, Tubes (1991–present)
Three street performers turned shiny blue paint into rock concerts, spin-offs in seven cities and a guest appearance on Arrested Development.

Stomp (1994–present)
Everyone’s worst neighbors, these Brits banged trash cans all the way to the Oscars—and made producers more friendly toward shows like this week’s Jump (see Theater reviews).

Clappin’ (2003)
Not a real show, but a Stomp commercial parody on SNL. “Usually, I don’t understand musicals,” exclaims one theatergoer. “But this is great! Three hours of nothing but clapping!”