by Michael Buzzelli
When his parents die in a car crash, Jake (Zachary Keller) runs away to the circus and finds a brand new life in “Water for Elephants.”
The musical, based on the novel by Sara Gruen, is told in flashback by Mr. Jankowski (Robert Tully), or, rather, Jake when he’s older.
On the train, Young Jake (to keep our character separate from our narrator) is immediately befriended by Camel (Javier Garcia), an older, gruff carnie with bad knees and a drinking problem.
Side note: Camel is not an actual camel, but several performers in the show are playing animals.
Camel introduces him to the troupe, including the thuggish Wade (Grant Huneycutt), a disagreeable clown named Walter (Tyler West), and Barbara (Ruby Gibbs).
He meets the circus star, Marlene (Helen Krushinski), and is instantly smitten. Unfortunately, he meets her husband, August (Connor Sullivan), seconds later.
August, the ringmaster and owner, runs the circus with an iron hand. He’s not a good dude. In an effort to keep his wife, he commits a series of unforgivable acts, including, but not limited to, beating Rosie, the elephant (operated by Ella Huestis, Bradley Parrish, John Neurohr, Carl Robinett, and Grant Huneycutt).
Glossary of circus terms:
Kinker; circus performer. Performers usually stretch and warm-up before their act to get the “kinks” out.
Rousts or roustabouts: Roustabouts are workers who help set up and take down the circus tent and equipment.
Rubes: A “rube” refers to an unsophisticated or naive person, often from a rural background.
Keller exudes charm and charisma as young Jake. Each song he sings is filled with the character’s raw emotion. He has star quality. It won’t be long before he’s headlining touring engagements or appearing on TV and in movies (he already has a few credits, including “Shameless,” “Law and Order,” and “Chicago Med”).
While Tully is too young to play a nonagenarian, he is so good in the role that it’s a forgivable offense.
West is hilarious as the circus clown. He and Sullivan perform a comedic duet that is gloriously funny.
Krushinski is terrific as Marlene. She also has a small role as June (in the “present), and each character is distinctly different.
While you will want to boo August, Sullivan does an amazing job. He also appears in a dual role, the hated August and the much more likeable Charlie.
The puppetry is impressive enough that there’s a separate director, Joshua Holden, just for the circus’s creatures. Rosie, the precious pachyderm, is first shown bit by bit: a large flapping ear, a trunk, and a leg (and in shadow). Then, by the end of the first act, the magnificent beast becomes a fully realized puppet, controlled by several puppeteers. It’s pure stage magic.
The show is filled with amazing theatrical feats and astonishing aerial acrobatics. The show is filled with spectacle. There are several moments where the audience oohed and awed, gasping at the incredible acts.
In the movie business, a tentpole production is a film that supports a studio, featuring high production budgets and special effects. The term originated with the circus. This show has an actual tentpole! Naturally, it’s filled with high production budgets and special effects.
Regardless of the pomp and circumstance, the bread and the circuses, at the heart of “Water for Elephants” is an actual heart. The musical has a tender love story at its core, making it a Must See Show.
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“Water for Elephants” runs until April 5 at the Benedum Center, Seventh and Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For tickets and additional information, please click here.
