Water for Elephants is a musical with music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co. and a book by Rick Elice.[1][2] It is based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Sara Gruen.[3]
| Water for Elephants | |
|---|---|
| A New Musical | |
 Broadway promotional poster | |
| Music | PigPen Theatre Co. |
| Lyrics | PigPen Theatre Co. |
| Book | Rick Elice |
| Basis | Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Premiere | June 16, 2023: Alliance Theatre Atlanta |
| Productions | 2023 Atlanta 2024 Broadway |
The musical opened on Broadway starring Grant Gustin on March 20, 2024, at the Imperial Theatre following previews beginning February 24.[2][4] Critical reviews were mixed, while receiving praise for its visual spectacle and production values. It received seven nominations at the 77th Tony Awards, including Best Musical.[5] The Broadway musical is set to close on December 8, 2024.[6]
Synopsis
editJacob Jankowski, an old man living in an assisted living home, thinks back to his youth. In 1931, after his parents were killed in a car accident, Jankowski decides to travel cross-country on the Benzini Brothers Circus train. The ringmaster, August, invites Jankowski to join the circus after learning he is a veterinarian. Soon after, August buys an elephant, Rosie, and puts Marlena, his wife, and Jacob in charge of training her. Jacob soon finds himself falling for Marlena as the two attempt to train the stubborn elephant, all the while slowly realizing August's cruelty.
Development
editIn 2015, Peter Schneider, Elisabetta di Mambro, Broadway Across America, and Mehr! Entertainment acquired the rights to adapt Gruen's novel into a musical.[7] PigPen Theatre Co. announced their involvement alongside Rick Elice in 2018.[8]
Production history
editAtlanta (2023)
editThe musical premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 16, 2023, after previews beginning on June 7, and ran through July 9; it was directed by Jessica Stone[9] and featured choreography by Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll; Carroll also created the show's circus designs. Sets were by Takeshi Kata, costumes by David Israel Reynoso, lighting by Bradley King, with sound by Jessica Paz. David Bengalli designed the show's projections, while Camille Labarre made the show's puppets. Daryl Waters prepared the show's orchestration.[4]
Broadway (2024)
editAll of the members of the Atlanta creative team returned for the Broadway production, except for Jessica Paz.[4] Much of the Atlanta cast would reprise their roles, with new additions including Gregg Edelman as Mr. Jankowski, Paul Alexander Nolan as August, and Grant Gustin making his Broadway debut as Jacob Jankowski. The production opened at the Imperial Theatre on March 21, 2024, after previews began on February 24.[10] Kyle Selig replaced Gustin in September.[11] The show is set to close on December 8, 2024, which it will have played 300 regular performances.[6]
A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicated that the Broadway production would be capitalized for up to $25 million, making it likely the most expensive production of the 2023–2024 Broadway season.[2]
Musical numbers
edit
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Characters and original casts
edit| Character | Atlanta[1][3] | Broadway[12] |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2024 | |
| Jacob Jankowski | Ryan Vasquez | Grant Gustin |
| Mr. Jankowski | Harry Groener | Gregg Edelman |
| Marlena Rackinger June |
Isabelle McCalla | |
| August Rackinger Charlie O'Brien |
Bryan Fenkart | Paul Alexander Nolan |
| Camel | Stan Brown | |
| Walter | Joe De Paul | |
| Barbara | Sara Gettelfinger | |
| Wade | Wade McCollum | |
Notable Broadway replacements
edit- Jacob: Kyle Selig[13]
Awards and nominations
edit2024 Broadway production
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 |
Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Nominated | |
| Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | Jessica Stone | Won | ||
| Outstanding Choreography (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lighting Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | Bradley King | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Video/Projections (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | David Bengali | Nominated | ||
| Tony Awards | Best Musical | Nominated | ||
| Best Direction of a Musical | Jessica Stone | Nominated | ||
| Best Book of a Musical | Rick Elice | Nominated | ||
| Best Scenic Design of a Musical | Takeshi Kata | Nominated | ||
| Best Costume Design of a Musical | David Israel Reynoso | Nominated | ||
| Best Lighting Design of a Musical | David Bengali and Bradley King | Nominated | ||
| Best Choreography | Shana Carroll and Jesse Robb | Nominated | ||
| Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards | Favorite Breakthrough Performance (Male) | Grant Gustin | Won | |
| Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Direction of a Musical | Jessica Stone | Won | |
| Outstanding Choreography | Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical | David Israel Reynoso | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical | Bradley King | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical | Walter Trarbach | Won | ||
| Outstanding Fight Choreography | Cha Ramos | Won | ||
| Outstanding Puppetry | Ray Wetmore, JR Goodman, and Camille Labarre | Won | ||
Reception
editThe Atlanta production received mixed reviews. ArtsATL said the show was "a triumph from a technical perspective," praising the show's set design, lighting, and projections, the lifelike puppets, choreography, and actors.[9] However, the site felt the story "[left] a lot to be desired," with gaps in the story, unelaborated character backstories, and songs which didn't move the plot forward.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b Rosky, Nicole. "What We Know So Far About the Water for Elephants Musical". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
- ^ a b c Paulson, Michael (2023-09-12). "'Water for Elephants' Musical to Arrive on Broadway Next Spring". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
- ^ a b Culwell-Block, Logan (November 3, 2023). "Grant Gustin, Isabelle McCalla, More Will Star in Water for Elephants on Broadway". Playbill.
- ^ a b c Culwell-Block, Logan (September 12, 2023). "Water For Elephants Musical Sets 2024 Broadway Bow". Playbill. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
- ^ "Tony Award Nominations: 'Hell's Kitchen', 'Stereophonic' Lead with 13". 30 April 2024.
- ^ a b Hall, Margaret (October 1, 2024). "Water For Elephants Announces Broadway Closing Date". Playbill. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
- ^ Lee, Ashley (2015-01-26). "'Water for Elephants' Musical Eyes Broadway". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
- ^ "We're so happy to finally announce that we're collaborating with one of our theatrical heroes, Rick Elice, on the musical adaptation of "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen". Facebook. PigPen Theatre Co. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
- ^ a b c Smith, Kelundra (2023-06-21). "Review: Alliance's "Water for Elephants" brings more circus to stage than story". ARTS ATL. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
- ^ Higgins, michael. "Full Casting Announced for Broadway's Water for Elephants". Playbill. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ^ Mean Girls' Kyle Selig Will Return to Broadway in Water for Elephants
- ^ "Water for Elephants The Musical Cast | Unveiling the Stars". www.waterforelephantsthemusical.com. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ Mean Girls' Kyle Selig Will Return to Broadway in Water for Elephants