The Broadway adaptation of Water for Elephants is a dazzling plunge into the grit and grandeur of circus life during the Great Depression, told through the eyes of Jacob, a young man whose life takes an unexpected turn.
A relatively new addition to the Broadway line-up. The story of Jacob brings to life his journey after hitching a ride on a circus train. Jacob’s plans for a brief stay with the Benzini Brothers touring company are derailed when the sharp-eyed ringmaster, August recognises his value. And Jacob is roped into caring for the struggling troupe’s ragtag menagerie – a world perfectly captured in the wry and poignant number, “The Lion Has No Teeth.”
Through Jacob’s eyes in a throwback storytelling affair, we’re transported into a colourful, often harsh subculture of circus goers. The show’s dialogue and lyrics brim with wit and authenticity, pulling us deep into the behind the scenes of circus life.
The cast do an excellent job of bringing a wide variety of personalities from the book to life. There’s Camel, an aging odd-job man whose gruff exterior hides a weary soul; Walter the clown, whose biting humour steals every scene; and Barbara, the hardened showgirl who embodies the spirit of survival.
At the heart of the story is Marlena, the ethereal equestrian whose luminous grace belies the dark reality of her abusive marriage to the volatile August. Their dynamic is both captivating and heart breaking.
The music, crafted by PigPen Theatre Co., is a vibrant tapestry of Americana, seamlessly blending swing, folk, and vintage circus flair. Standout songs like the heartfelt ballad “Wild,” the rollicking “Zostan” (inspired by Polish commands), and the reflective “The Road Don’t Make You Young” transport the audience through the emotional highs and lows of circus life.
The magic of the production lies not just in its compelling storytelling but also in its stunning visual and technical achievements. Rosie the elephant is brought to life with masterful puppetry, while breath taking acrobatics, tumbling, and high-flying aerial stunts add to the show’s electrifying energy. Every element, from the dynamic choreography to the evocative lighting, works seamlessly together, captivating the audience from the first moment to the final curtain.
Water for Elephants is a poignant and visually arresting spectacle that blends the raw human drama of the original Sara Gruen historical romance novel with the vibrant pageantry of the circus. It’s a fantastic Broadway experience that provides something new that we feel is sure to captivate global audiences.
For more information and to book, visit Broadway Collection.
