THE HANGOVER REPORT – The musical adaptation of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is powered by sturdy storytelling and smart, poetic staging

Paul Alexander Nolan and The Cast of “Water for Elephants” at the Imperial Theatre (photo by Matthe Murphy).

Last night, the new musical Water for Elephants opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel of the same, the musical tells the story of the Benzini Brothers Circus — a scrappy, middle-of-the-road circus troupe — and the trials and tribulations it faces as it tours the country during blighted early days of the Great Depression.

There’s much to enjoy about the well-crafted stage adaptation, which is powered by sturdy storytelling and smart, often times poetic staging. Despite its use of the overused flashback device, the thoughtful book by Rick Elice rarely feels rushed or overbearing, giving full weight to the human dramas that drive the narrative forward. In terms of the staging, it’s a true collaboration between director Jessica Stone, circus artist Shana Carroll, and choreographer Jesse Robb. Together, they have an intrinsic understanding of theatricality, favoring imagination and dynamism over overt opulence. Sprinkled throughout are a number of sequences that generate a genuine sense of wonder and excitement, but never at the expense of the story the musical is telling. One of my only gripes is that I wish the serviceable score (a combined effort by the folks at PigPen Theatre Company) was stronger. Nevertheless, the element is so seamlessly incorporated into the whole that any misgivings are largely muted.

The cast is an attractive mix of musical theater and cirque performers. Collectively, they register like a true ensemble — much like the scrappy band of circus performers the musical portrays. Of the principal performances, perhaps the most notable turn is given by Paul Alexander Nolan, whose intense, memorable depiction of an emotionally unstable ringleader radiates charisma and horror in equal measure.

RECOMMENDED

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Broadway, Musical
Imperial Theatre
2 hours, 40 minutes (with one intermission)
Open run

Categories: Broadway, Theater

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