For the hot air balloon at the end of “The Wizard of Oz,” there wasn’t really space in the wings to keep a large representation of a hot air balloon. But I did build the basket, on a rolling platform, that could stand in for the full balloon. I think the show may have used regular balloons in the show. The basket was essentially three-sided wooden frame with a PVC pipe structure above.
The frame of the balloon basket. This would eventually get some wheels to let it “float” off stage. Note the open back to allow people to easily walk into it.
PVC pipes installed above. This assembly simply slipped onto four large wooden dowels at the corners of the basket.
The base layer of paint as well as the start of the basket “weaving” pattern.
The basket fully painted. I don’t have any pictures of the PVC pipes painted, but I’m pretty sure those got painted as well.
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