Details

It’s never too late to re-discover the unbridled joy of play.

In this wordless, situational comedy, The Old Man, who lives alone, prepares to celebrate his birthday. To his surprise, the solitary festivities are interrupted when a playful Red Balloon floats into his apartment, shaking up his normal routine. The Balloon teases and delights the Old Man, reminding him the power of play, laughter, and friendship. Through spectacular physical comedy in the tradition of Charlie Chaplin, the two enjoy a surprising number of adventures.

Discussion Topics
  • Inspiration
  • Play
  • Friendship

Location
Eve Alvord Theatre

Age Recommendation
For Ages 3+

Running Time
Approx. 40 minutes. No intermission

Performances

This production has past.

Special Performances

“…short, simple, silly, superb.”

– Pioneer Press

Active Audience Guide

Enjoy articles, activities, interviews, and behind-the-scenes photos in our Active Audience Guide!

DOWNLOAD

Click here to view the Encore Program for this production.

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Artists

Cast / Creative

Todd Moore

The Old Man

Vickielee Wohlbach

Understudy

Evan Barrett

Musician

Red B. Loon

Balloon

Production Team

Rita Giomi Director

Michael B. Paul Stage Manager

Emma Pihl Production Assistant

Andrea Bryn Bush Scenic Designer

Sarah Burch Gordon Costume Designer

Chris R. Walker Sound Designer

Thorn Michaels Lighting Designer

Reading List

For Children:

Bird, Balloon, Bear
Il Sung Na

Skunk on a String
Thao Lam

A Birthday for Bear
Bonny Becker

Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish
Cynthia Rylant

The Red Balloon
Albert Lamorisse

La La La: A Story of Hope
Kate DiCamillo

The Red Book
Barbara Lehman
A wordless book where a child finds a lonely red book lying in the street and brings it in from the cold. Inside the book is a map, and as you look closer there is a real child on a beach looking back at the first child. They see each other and the adventure of making friends begins.

For Adults Working with Children:

Great Big Book of Children's Games: Over 450 Indoor and Outdoor Games for Kids
Debra Wise

The Kid's Book of Simple Everyday Science
Kelly Doudna

Let’s Get This Party Started: DIY Celebrations for You and Your Kids to Create Together
Soleil Moon Frye

Birthdays: Beyond Cake and Ice Cream
Nikki Tate and Dani Tate-Stratton
Around the world people celebrate birthdays in different ways. Not everyone eats cake, decorates with balloons, and plays party games. In this book we learn about some of the earliest birthday celebrations and how the day is celebrated around the world and in different stages of life.

Booklist prepared by Alicia Luoma
Seattle Public Library

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