***** Will lightning strike again? That might be the thought of theatrical producers led by Kevin McCollum, who had a tremendous success with “Six” after Chicago audiences were exposed to this musical work at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s “The Yard”. We all know how great that show is and now they are back at this same theatre with another musical work called “42 Balloons”, written by Jack Godfrey and based on the real life “adventure/dream” of Larry Walters. For those who don’t recognize the name, the title of the musical should help. He is the man who with the aid of his “girlfriend” was able to fly in a Sears lawn chair.

Everyone dreams! Everyone would like to be remembered ( or even recognized) for some once in a lifetime “thing” they did. That is the story of Larry Walters ( played to perfection by Charlie McCullagh) a truck driver who wanted only to be a pilot. He could not join the air force due to his eyesight and so he decided that if they wouldn’t let him fly their planes, he would find a way to fly on his own. With the help of Carol Van Deusen ( an amazing performance by Evelyn Hoskins), who went out on a limb, borrowing $15,000, they were able to pull off this amazing feat. Larry was able to rise 16,000 feet and while this was an amazing thing, it broke the law and changed their lives.

Directed by Ellie Coote on a clever set designed by Milla Clarke and extraordinary choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, this is more a work of art than  a play. For the most part there is no dialogue, it is all sung, making it almost a “chamber musical”. With the aid of a strong ensemble this entire piece works and for two hours and twenty minutes ( one 15 minute intermission between acts), the audience is caught up in the story and the main characters. The two main actors are supported by Daniel Assetta, Kailin Brown, Devin Cortez, Cameron Anika Hill,  Josh Hoon Lee, Minju Michelle Lee ( who is amazing as The Kid), Austin Nelson, Jr. ( who does a cool David Letterman), Morgan Schoenecker, Akron Watson and Lisa Howard, who portrays Carol’s mother. A terrific group of performers who do it all.

The story has high points that are exciting, but there are some truths that unfold. The world did watch Larry’s dream come true, and while it was uplifting and exciting for both Carol and him, the world took it as a joke and the media mocked him. He did go on every news show he could as they paid him to do so and the money was used to pay off the huge debt that Carol had taken on. While they had fallen in love, the even that brought them together was also responsible for the future they would never have.

On the technical side, the video’s used ( Andrze J. Goulding) are wonderful, the lighting (Bruno Poet) perfect as is the sound ( Paul Gatehouse). The costumes (Natalie Pryce) are creative and the onstage band conducted by Patrick B. Phillips makes the music truly special. Again, this is not a musical where you will be humming as you leave the theater, but the music is designed to carry the story to its finish and this it does to absolute perfection. I for one am glad that  Mr. McCollum wanted to bring this show to Navy Pier and that Chicago gets to  have it before Broadway. We deserve it!

“42 Balloons” will continue thru – Jun 29th with performances as follows: