Charlie McCullagh and Evelyn Hoskins to Star 42 BALLOONS North American Premiere
The production will run May 24–June 29, 2025, in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Apr. 14, 2025
Chicago Shakespeare Theater has revealed the cast of the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. 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 Chicago Shakespeare Theater after a UK run at The Lowry. The musical features a book, music, and lyrics by Jack Godfrey, direction by Ellie Coote, and will run May 24–June 29, 2025, in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Charlie McCullagh and Evelyn Hoskins star as Larry Walters and Carol Van Deusen, reprising their roles from the acclaimed UK run last year. They lead an ensemble cast that also includes Daniel Assetta, Kailin Brown, Devin Cortez, Cameron Anika Hill, Josh Hoon Lee, Minju Michelle Lee, Austin Nelson Jr., Morgan Schoenecker, Lucia Spina, and Akron Watson. Understudies include Julia Bain, Lacey Jack, Joshua Messmore, and Luke Nowakowski.
Inspired by an unbelievable true story, 42 Balloons is a soaringly original musical from the award-winning producers of SIX. On July 2, 1982, truck driver Larry Walters defied the odds (and FAA airspace regulations) to achieve his lifelong dream of flying. In a lawn chair attached to 42 weather balloons, Larry—supported by his girlfriend and a community of unlikely heroes—ascended 16,000 feet into the blue sky above LA, and from the moment he landed, their lives would never be the same. Featuring an irresistible '80s pop-inspired score, 42 Balloons is a funny, moving, and thrillingly staged new musical that asks: How far would you go for your dream… and how far would you be willing to fly?
Charlie McCullagh stars as Larry Walters, a role he originated last year at The Lowry. His credits also include the original West End cast of Bonnie & Clyde and the 50th anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, and he recently appeared in Apple TV’s Prime Target. Evelyn Hoskins plays Larry’s partner, Carol Van Deusen. Her West End credits include Dawn in Waitress, Something Rotten! and Spring Awakening. She has also appeared in Gypsy (Mill at Sonning), Assassins (Nottingham Playhouse/Watermill Theatre), and the US tour of Peter Pan, among many other credits.
The ensemble cast also features Daniel Assetta (& Juliet on Broadway, New York City Center Encores! production of The Light in the Piazza), Kailin Brown (Velma Kelly, Chicago National Tour), Devin Cortez (Empire and Americano! at New World Stages, Hair at Two River Theater), Cameron Anika Hill (Elf and Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, First National Tours of Oklahoma! and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical), Josh Hoon Lee (RENT at The MUNY, Pippin at Center of Creative Arts St. Louis), Minju Michelle Lee (Newsies at The REV Theatre Company), Austin Nelson Jr. (The Little Mermaid at Drury Lane Theatre, 1776 at Marriott Theatre), Morgan Schoenecker (Mary Poppins at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Legally Blonde at Music Theatre Works), Lucia Spina (Into The Woods, Kinky Boots, South Pacific, and more on Broadway), and Akron Watson (The Color Purple on Broadway, The Fortress of Solitude at The Public Theater). Understudies include Julia Bain, Lacey Jack, Joshua Messmore, and Luke Nowakowski.
Chicago Awards - Live Stats
Best Musical - Top 3
1.
HAIRSPRAY (Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park)
7.4% of votes
2.
RENT (Highland Park Players)
7.3% of votes
3.
THE WIZARD OF OZ (Up and Coming Theatre/Elgin Summer Theater)
6.6% of votes
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