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Regional Reviews: Raleigh/Durham Water for Elephants
The story follows Jacob Jankowski (performed by vocal powerhouse Zachary Keller), a young veterinary student whose life is upended by tragedy. He ultimately decides to join the Benzini Brothers Circus during the Great Depression and finds work caring for the animals, specifically a deemed untrainable elephant by the name of Rosie. As Jacob becomes entangled in the harsh realities of circus life, he finds himself at odds with the cruel ringmaster, August (a commanding Connor Sullivan), and develops a love for the ringmaster's wife and the circus' star attraction, Marlena (a wonderful Helen Krushinski). Marlena and Jacob develop their relationship caring and training Rosie as they navigate loyalty and love. The touring production is under the direction of Ryan Emmons who follows in the footsteps of the original Broadway director, Jessica Stone. The responsibility of the storytelling lies not only with Mr. Emmons but many others as well. The fantastic Circus Design is by Shana Carroll, who shares co-choreography credit with Jesse Robb. Ms. Carroll is a co-founder and artistic director of the theatrical circus group The 7 Fingers. The circus acts are amazing to see on the stage, especially those that are death-defying without the use of a net. Puppetry direction by Joshua Holden completes the trifecta with puppetry design by Ray Wetmore, JR Goodman, and Camille Labarre. Mr. Holden's experience with puppets runs the gamut from "Sesame Street" to the national tour of Avenue Q. Wetmore and Goodman's work can be seen on Broadway currently in the spectacle staging of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. And Ms. Labarre is the founder and creative director of the prop/puppet shop in New York City, LAB LAB. The puppetry here is truly outstanding; simplistic, theatrical and allowing audiences to fill in the blanks with their imagination. Music and lyrics are provided by PigPen Theatre Co., blending a variety of styles from vaudeville to folk. Though the songs may not be something you will be humming as you leave the theater, they effectively move the plot along. There are some memorable ones, however. "Easy," sung by the character Marlena as she cares for a stallion, is beautifully executed and haunting. Ringmaster August's entertaining "The Lion Has Got No Teeth" captures the energy and purpose of the circus all in one song. The creative team demonstrates great imagination and cohesion. Scenic design provided by Takeshi Kata is sparse and economical, which is ideal for this style of storytelling. Bradley King's lighting contributes greatly to the quick moments of change from the present to past and David I. Reynoso's costumes are effective, with quick costume changes for characters, sometimes right on stage in front of the audience's eye. Walter Trarbach's sound design is strong, allowing for voices to sing clearly, and animal sounds fill the air. Water for Elephants is a truly enjoyable theatre experience that will delight the young and young at heart. The innovative staging and storytelling sets the musical apart from its contemporaries. Water for Elephants offers a poignant reminder of resilience and humanity in the face of hardship and a story of the good in our hearts that can overcome any obstacle. Water for Elephants runs through December 21, 2025, at Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St. Durham NC. For tickets and information, please visit www.dpacnc.com or call 919-680-2787. For more information on the tour, visit https://waterforelephantsthemusical.com. Music and Lyrics: PigPen Theatre Co. Cast: |
