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42 Balloons at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Dates: 5/24/2025 - 6/29/2025
📍 Theatre: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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42 Balloons is a North American premiere musical inspired by the true story of Larry Walters, who made headlines with his extraordinary lawn chair flight powered by helium-filled weather balloons. Set in the 1980s, this heartwarming production features a book, music, and lyrics by Jack Godfrey, with direction by Ellie Coote. The show captures the essence of pursuing dreams and the surprising turns that can ensue, supported by an infectious pop score. It runs at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater from May 24 to June 29, 2025.
News About 42 Balloons at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Review Roundup: 42 BALLOONS at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
The North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons is now running at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Find out what critics thought of the new musical and read the reviews below!
Review: 42 BALLOONS at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
“What makes a man try to fly in a lawn chair?” is 42 BALLOONS most repeated lyric. It’s on the nose — and it’s repeated across six interludes in Jack Godfrey’s new musical. Based on the real-life story of Larry Walters, who in 1982 reached a height of 16,000 feet flying a lawn chair accompanied by 42 leather balloons, the musical is squarely focused on that answer.
Video: 42 BALLOONS North American Premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Get a first look at Chicago Shakespeare Theater's North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons in this all-new video. 42 Balloons is an ‘80s-inspired musical based on the unbelievable true story of Larry Walters’ daring lawn chair flight.
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Photos: 42 BALLOONS North American Premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Shakespeare Theater is presenting the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. Get a first look at photos here and learn more about the production!
Video: Inside Rehearsals for 42 BALLOONS at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Get a first look inside rehearsals for Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 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.
Charlie McCullagh and Evelyn Hoskins to Star 42 BALLOONS North American Premiere
Chicago Shakespeare Theater has revealed the cast of the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. See who is starring and learn more about the production!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Will Stage 42 BALLOONS North American Premiere
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will stage 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.
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Chicago Shakespeare Theater?
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (5/28/26-6/28/26)
What shows have played recently at Chicago Shakespeare Theater?
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (05/28/26-06/28/26)
FAULT (04/18/26-05/24/26)
MRS. KRISHNAN’S PARTY (04/07/26-04/26/26)
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (04/02/26-05/03/26)
Hamnet (02/10/26-03/08/26)
See more shows at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
FAULT (04/18/26-05/24/26)
MRS. KRISHNAN’S PARTY (04/07/26-04/26/26)
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (04/02/26-05/03/26)
Hamnet (02/10/26-03/08/26)
See more shows at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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Million Dollar Quartet Stolp Island Theatre (10/07-1/03) |
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Rotary Rocks The Raue: James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash Raue Center For The Arts (10/24-10/24) |
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The Christmas Carol Paramount Theatre (11/11-1/03) |
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Topdog/Underdog Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater (9/17-11/01) |
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Blond Ambition: A Tribute to Madonna Raue Center For The Arts (11/07-11/07) |
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Memphis The Musical Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building (10/24-10/25) |
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When We Were Young and Unafraid Greenhouse Theater Center (11/12-11/29) |
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