Review by Shelby Coleman
This week, Water For Elephants The Broadway Musical, presented by Broadway in Cincinnati, entertains us at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. The stage adaptation, from the beloved historical romance novel of the same name by author Sara Gruen, can’t be missed!
There’s no denying the impact Sara Gruen’s 2006 romance novel has had on society. This historical romance continues to wow people of all ages causing a movie adaptation in 2011 starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. This is why it comes as no surprise that the theatre world has adapted her award-winning novel to create Water For Elephants The Broadway Musical. Featuring over a dozen original songs, Water For Elephants brings to life the journey of Jacob Jankowski as he remembers his finer days with the circus.
The Story
Water For Elephants follows Mr. Jankowski (Robert Tully) after he takes an unprecedented journey to see the circus. This sparks a story of remembrance that astounds current circus workers as they hear a firsthand account of one of the most infamous moments in circus history. If you were an audience member for an earlier season favorite, The Notebook, you will see similarities between multiple generations of one character. Mr. Jankowski watches as a younger Jacob (Zachary Keller) finds himself on an unexpected journey after tragedy strikes his seemingly normal life.
After jumping a train going Anywhere, Jacob find himself aboard a car filled with a traveling circus heading to their next town. Camel (Javier Garcia) gives Jacob the low down of life on the road (The Road Don’t Make You Young) and hires Jacob for the day. Amid his first day of grunt work, Jacob stumbles upon star of the show and wife to the ringmaster, Marlena (Helen Krushinski) as she comforts her liberty horse Star (Sam Kellar-Long). After a brief meeting ending with some unsolicited medical advice, Ringmaster August (Connor Sullivan) hires Jacob as the new circus vet. This seemingly harmless act leads to chaos in the months to follow. Filled with love triangles, the hierarchy upset, and animals with attitudes, Benzini Brothers Circus has troubles ahead.
Strong, Multi-Talented Performances
Robert Tully leads this cast as Mr. Jankowski, a former circus vet who struggles with memory loss. Although he “can’t remember yesterday” he can remember his time with the Benzini Brothers circus in 1931. Tully perfectly captures the joy in Jankowski, despite tragedies, and grounds the story. With the quick wit of a sassy senior not yet ready to give up his independence, Tully gives comedic relief to heavier moments.
Zachary Keller astounds audiences as Tully’s counterpart, especially with his vocals in the opening number, Anywhere/Another Train. In his first national tour, Keller bounds onto the stage bringing quality vocals and astonishing acrobatic feats. This track is not for the weak and requires an athleticism known by few performers. Keller’s skill and control give the lovable Jacob Jankowski an underlying strength. He also has electrifying chemistry with Helen Krushinski who plays Marlena, the star of the circus. From their first meeting, sparks fly as their love for animals creates a true bond. The longing looks, innocent giggles, and pure joy at each other’s accomplishes hint at their future.
Krushinski not only tackles the role of Marlena but also that of June. June is a circus worker at the time that Mr. Jankowski travels to see his beloved home once more. Krushinski creates an undeniable tether between the kindness June shows Jankowski and the immediate connection between Marlena and Jacob. This is mirrored by fellow cast member, Connor Sullivan who takes on the roles of August, the Benzini Brother Ringmaster, and Charlie a circus worker showing Mr. Jankowski around. The harsh contrast between his ringmaster persona and the real-life August creates a marathon for any actor. Sullivan takes this on with an authenticity that shows the genuine care and research needed.
Great Circus Team
Other notable performances are by circus workers and “Kinkers” throughout the show. Ruby Gibbs takes on the role of showgirl and stage mama to all, Barbara. Gibbs is one of those performers whose presence is clear when entering a room. Charisma oozes out of every pore and the audience knows they are in for a treat just from a single eyebrow raise and knowing look. The powerhouse voice on Gibbs is a true bonus.
The loveable duo of circus worker, Camel (Javier Garcia), and circus clown, Walter (Tyler West) cause and clean up chaos wherever they go. Garcia’s powerful voice overtakes any number in the best way. This contrasts with his huggable demeanor yet creates a well-rounded character for all audiences to fall in love with. West’s everyday anger as Walter is only topped by his incredible comedic timing when it’s time to put on the show. West’s distinct personality differences in everyday life and on-stage parallel that of August but show that the decent side can win in the end.
A Visual Feast
Water For Elephants truly brings the circus to the theatrical stage. While audiences enter the theater expecting some parlor tricks here and there, we are met with amazement at the level of high-flying acts performed with ease. The circus has come to Cincinnati–and you don’t even have to brave the elements to see it. Acrobatics, juggling and incredible feats of bravery from the comfort of your theater seat. Sam Kellar- Long shows many skills, performing the roles of liberty horse, Star, which includes incredible silk work. Kellar-Long can also be seen throughout the production flipping across the stage, climbing tent poles, and stealing the breathe right from audience members chests with his astonishing deeds.
Additionally, audiences are in for a treat with the slinky dance numbers created by choreographers Shana Carroll and Jesse Robb. The 1930s are brought to life with references to the lindy hop and shag dancing. Carroll and Robb perfectly incorporated the spectacle needed for musical theatre with the spectacle that is circus performing.
These movements are further brought to life with the scenic design of Takeshi Kata. The tour is directed by Ryan Emmons, Broadway show was directed by Jessica Stone. Sarah Wilhelm Pool serves as Music Director/Conductor. Costume Designer is David I. Reynoso, covering multiple styles beautifully.
Overall
While some of the more recent Broadway shows have leaned into lights and sound to create the world of the show, Water For Elephants takes a slightly different approach–with curtains, big tops, and posters. This in contrast with the simplicity of the train cars helps to create the two worlds of Mr. Jankowski current reality and the life he once knew. The combination of these two views gives the audience something to look at but also imagine at all times throughout the evening.
Water For Elephants The Broadway Musical brings the circus to the stage with incredible acrobatic feats you must experience for yourself. A musical made for the booklover, movie fanatic and circus fan, Water For Elephants has something mind blowing feats for all. Spend your evening laughing, gasping and dancing along as this incredible cast.
Tickets to Water For Elephants
Hell’s Kitchen will play at the Aronoff Center from April 21-May 3, 2026:
- Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30 PM
- Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
Tickets start at $49. Got to CincinnatiArts.org, call 513.621.ARTS or go in person to the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown.
For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com
