42 Balloons

This closed in Chicago this weekend. Anyone else catch it during its final week? Think it heads to Broadway soon?

As far as most audiences are concerned, I think 42 Balloons has some really great music and a functional book (though I think regular theatre goers will be more critical). I have been repeat streaming “Lawn Chair Larry” on the concept recording since seeing it. If you want a catchy tune to get a feel for the show, go to your local streaming service and give it a listen. There were SO many great numbers and I would kill to see this again on Broadway.

I see its biggest critical uphill battle as the blatant lack of a spectacle-driven flight moment or the appearance of the titular balloons. The rest of the design elements were spectacular and as a minimalist/abstract show it’s still gorgeous to look at - but just so ridiculous that a show of this subject matter was conceived as what is essentially an “use your imagination” chamber musical.

I didn’t see Bruce at Seattle Rep in 2022, but I drew a lot of comparisons - a major Broadway tryout with a unique and captivating subject matter, some solid book/score work, and great performances - albeit significantly brought down due to the lack of the physical Bruce robot the entire show is about. I remember it being a major critical point of contention and I see a similar fate for 42 Balloons if it transfers especially for mainstream spectacle-driven audiences.

Wicked would not be half the sensation it is today if Elphaba had just been running to the front of the stage and throwing her arms up during Defying Gravity every night since 2003 instead of riding the iconic cherry picker lift.

Updated On: 6/30/25 at 09:42 AM

I have not seen it, but this is another Kevin McCollum project. So, a New York run is definitely in its future. Probably at NWS if I had to guess.

I thought the music was great, but agreed that the book, staging and choreography all need some work.

I agree. It just does not work. Also, as someone has mentioned above, we need to know more about the enabling girlfriend. If someone comes to me with that idea, I'd discourage them. But she gives in without a full-fledged explanation.

This is also a musical that would work better as a tight 90 mn.

Goodness I loved this one so much. I wasn't expecting to, and thought the promo stuff sounded/looked cheesy and silly. It IS a little silly but on purpose, I think, and I do agree less blame should be placed on the media... and more time should be spent exploring Larry and his relationships... but I really did love it. I thought the music was clever and incredibly catchy.

When I heard this show was happening, I looked up the guy on Wikipedia and was surprised anyone would want to musicalize a story that ends so very unfortunately. The life story of Bob Merrill next, maybe? “How Much is That Doggie in the Window - a new musical that ends with a bang!”

Updated On: 7/2/25 at 10:33 AM

The music the music the music is the HOOK. they'll clean up all the little pacing tidbits and other stuff and Broadway will work.