Sophie Blanchard's High-Flyin' Extravaganza
Part history, part riotous rock concert, Sophie Blanchard’s High-Flyin’ Rock’n’Roll Extravaganza soars through the dazzling life (and fiery end!) of the world’s first professional female balloonist, Sophie Blanchard.
5+ performers
5+ musicians
original
High school (14+) · Middle school (11–13)
About This Show
1783: The first hot air balloon flight in France. The nation goes insane with Balloonomania. 1793: The craze deflates. Desperate aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard needs a new gimmick for his act. What about a girl? Enter Sophie Armant. Sophie’s novelty as a female flier proves irresistible. The Blanchards become instant celebrities—until Jean-Pierre drops dead, leaving Sophie penniless. Sophie's move? Double down. She goes solo with stunts so dangerous Napoleon and Louis XVIII both want front-row seats. She's absolutely thriving—until 1819, when a pyrotechnic stunt turns her balloon into a fireball mid-flight. Her gravestone? "A victim of her art and intrepidity.” Translation: She went out in a blaze of glory, on her own terms. Iconic.