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MAY 24–JUN 29, 2025

By Jack Godfrey
Directed by Ellie Coote

The Yard

42 Balloons

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

By Jack Godfrey
Directed by Ellie Coote

The Yard

Run Time: Approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes (including intermission)

Audience Notice: Explores themes of mental illness, including mention of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Staging also contains flashing lights and theatrical haze.

Seat Map

Associate Production Sponsor: Suite Home Corporate Housing

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?


42 Balloons is produced by special arrangement with Kevin McCollum, Andy Barnes and Wendy Barnes, and Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Debbie Hicks, Sam Levy, KLIVE Entertainment Corp., Kenny Wax, and The Lowry.

Lead Production Sponsors:

Associate Production Sponsor: Suite Home Corporate Housing

American Sign Language Interpretation

JUN 20 ASL Interpretation

Audio Description

JUN 22 Audio Description

Open Captioning

JUN 25 Open Captioning

Run Time: Approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes (including intermission)

Audience Notice: Explores themes of mental illness, including mention of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Staging also contains flashing lights and theatrical haze.

Seat Map

Associate Production Sponsor: Suite Home Corporate Housing

American Sign Language Interpretation

JUN 20 ASL Interpretation

Audio Description

JUN 22 Audio Description

Open Captioning

JUN 25 Open Captioning

American Sign Language Interpretation

JUN 20 ASL Interpretation

Audio Description

JUN 22 Audio Description

Open Captioning

JUN 25 Open Captioning

“A Broadway-worthy production. You don’t want to miss this flight of a lifetime!”

–WGN Radio

“Undeniably charming. I find myself wanting to go back and hear it again.”

–Chicago Tribune

“Absolutely the feel good musical of summer.”

–Chicago Stage and Screen

“Will definitely lift your spirits. Truly charismatic performances. It’s got a great heart.”

–Chicago Sun-Times

Absolute perfection. The music is truly special.”

–Around the Town Chicago

“Quirky and uplifting!”

–The Fourth Walsh

“Singable tunes, rip roaring choreography, & a message of hope even in the darkest of times.”

–Chicago Stage and Screen

Artists

Kate DeVore

Dialect Coach

Tony DiBernardo

Associate Scenic Designer

Joseph Haggerty

Associate Sound Designer

Brendan Marble

Assistant Lighting Designer

Tuesday Thacker

Production Assistant

Kate DeVore

Dialect Coach

Tony DiBernardo

Associate Scenic Designer

Joseph Haggerty

Associate Sound Designer

Brendan Marble

Assistant Lighting Designer

Tuesday Thacker

Production Assistant