42 Balloons
42 Balloons, inspired by the true story of Larry Walters, a man determined to become a pilot, but his childhood dreams were stolen when the Air Force turned him away due to his poor eyesight. Undeterred by their decision, and with the loving help of his girlfriend, Carol, he crafted an unconventional aircraft made from a lawn chair and a colorful array of helium-filled balloons, hoping to achieve flight and prove his doubters wrong. On July 2, 1982, Lawnchair Larry's 20-year dream of flying was about to come true. With a lawn chair purchased from Sears and 42 weather balloons filled with helium, Larry was counting down the hours to prove to the world that he could be a pilot. Supplied with a pellet gun to aid in his descent, Larry lifted off into the air. Still, when the rope used to handle his ascend broke, and when the aircraft got hit with a burst of wind, and he dropped the gun, the aircraft rose to an altitude of about 16,000 feet, putting his life in danger if the aircraft continued to rise. Fortunately for him, the cold air caused the balloons to leak, and he was able to descend, thus completing his dream of becoming a pilot.
After landing, the drama begins for Larry and Carol. Larry speaks to the press and the authorities, and Carol receives a call from the bank regarding payment for the $15,000 loan, which helped Larry acquire all the necessary items for the flight. To pay back the loan, Larry goes on tours, speaking to TV hosts and reporters, and even appears on the David Letterman Show to recoup funds to pay off the loan. However, the laughter and ridicule directed at Larry prove too much for him to handle, causing him to separate from Carol. Sadly, at the age of 44, Walters died by suicide.
Led by Charlie McCullagh (Larry Walters) and Evelyn Hoskins (Carol Van Deusen), the production features a captivating array of 80s-style music throughout the show, accompanied by amazing performances from Lisa Howard (Margaret Van Deusen) and Evelyn Hoskins. The core group's vocal harmony exhibited an outstanding blend of talent. However, the musical's narrative structure requires some refinement, as it sometimes meanders into separate song storylines that lack engaging cohesiveness. The gigantic screen could be utilized more effectively to create a vivid portrayal of Larry's adventure, incorporating colorful balloon visuals to draw the audience into Larry's spectacular flight. Additionally, I would have loved to see the implementation of a wiring rig system with balloons, which would allow the audience to envision Larry's aerial escapades and truly capture the audience's imagination, rather than relying on a hydraulic system that partially elevates him into the air. In its current form, the musical lacks the vital spark that would elevate it to the next level. Still, this play is engaging and worth the ticket. Look up at the sky and let your imagination take flight! "42 Balloons" is an enchanting musical that will delight and uplift your soul.
Walters's incredible adventure inspired many people, including the creation of the 2009 Pixar movie "Up," which features the concept of balloons lifting a house. The central theme of pursuing a lifelong dream is similar to Walters's flight and is also reminiscent of a 2003 episode of "Malcolm in the Middle." In this episode, Reese is motivated to reach the skies by flying on a lawn chair attached to balloons, only to crash through a church window ultimately. Larry Walters's original chair, complete with its 13 plastic gallon water jugs and four ropes, was gifted to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, by Jerry Fleck, the neighborhood kid who was inspired by Larry's incredible journey after landing.
⭐⭐⭐
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
42 BALLOONS
By Jack Godfrey
Directed and Dramaturg by Ellie Coote
May 24 – June 29, 2025
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