The production will run at the theatre from the 24th May until the 29th June 2025.
It has been announced that the musical featuring a book, music, and lyrics by Jack Godfrey will be performed in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater later this year.
The musical, based on the true story of Larry Walters’ daring lawn chair flight, the show won The Stage Debut Award and is currently nominated for the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Regional Production following its full premiere at the Lowry in Salford last year.
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?
Creator Jack Godfrey said, “I’m unbelievably excited that 42 Balloons will be coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater this year, particularly with its brilliant recent history of supporting, developing, and producing new musicals! I’m thrilled that we will have this amazing opportunity to take our show about big balloons and big dreams to the land where Larry Walters actually flew 42 years ago. I cannot wait to share this musical and this story with American audiences very soon.”
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).
To find out more visit: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/