Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) will be presenting the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. From the multi-award-winning producers Kevin McCollum (Oh, Mary!, Rent), Andy Barnes and Wendy Barnes (SIX), and Sonia Friedman Productions (Merrily We Roll Along), 42 Balloons is an ‘80s-inspired musical based on the unbelievable true story of Larry Walters’ daring lawn chair flight. The show is produced by CST after an acclaimed UK run at The Lowry in Manchester. The musical, a story full of hope, with an uplifting, infectious score, and a world shot through with ‘80s color, features book, music, and lyrics by Jack Godfrey, and will run May 24–June 29, 2025 in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
With a lawn chair and approximately 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters defied all odds (and FAA airspace regulations) to achieve his lifelong dream: soaring 16,000 feet above Los Angeles. No, seriously—in a chair. Inspired by the unbelievable true story of how Larry and his partner Carol Van Deusen rallied their friends and family to help them reach new heights, this heartwarming and hilarious new musical features an irresistible ‘80s-inspired pop score and asks: How far would you go to make your dreams take flight? Is the sky really the limit…and what happens when things don’t go as planned?
Director and dramaturg Ellie Coote is the co-founder of Chalk Musical Theatre Dramaturgy. The production also features orchestrations, arrangements, and musical supervision by Joe Beighton (SIX), choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying), scenic design by Milla Clarke (Mates in Chelsea), costume design by Natalie Pryce (VANYA), video design by Tony and Olivier Award winner Andrzej Goulding (Life of Pi), lighting design by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Bruno Poet (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical), and sound design by Grammy and Tony Award nominee Paul Gatehouse (SIX).
photos by Pamela Raith Photography courtesy of The Lowry
42 Balloons
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
The Yard on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.
ends on September 1, 2024
plays May 24–June 29, 2025
for tickets ($30-$125), call 312.595.5600 or visit Chicago Shakes
for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago
