Balloons over Austin

Salvage Vanguard (SVT) is quickly becoming one of my favorite theaters in Austin, and they just got a big helping hand from Tongue and Groove's latest play, The Red Balloon. The Red Balloon is what Theater should be, with an original score, an animated backdrop, and a FULL stage of aptly cast characters. This is a really fun show that is kept playfully innocent by the child like charm of company members Mark Stewart and Mimi Kayl-Vaughan, as well as other cast members.

The music by itself is enough reason to see the play, which was composed and led by Justin Sherburn. With the play being entirely unspoken the opportunity was taken to have a live ensemble perform throughout the show. Not only does Justin bring a truly beautiful composition to the stage but there is a myriad of instruments used to brake away from the mold of typical trios that we're used to hearing.

David Yeakle has done an excellent job in transforming this 1956 short film for the stage. For everything that is going on it all works together to tell the story, from the set, and screens, to props, puppetering and costumes, to sound and lighting.

There were a few scenes in which the animation projections did not sync with the actors/actresses which was a bit confusing and became just a tad distracting. I attended opening weekend and am anxious to return for the closing and look forward to seeing improvement.

This is a play that will appeal to everyone from the young, to the young at heart.