Review: ‘Water for Elephants’ at Hollywood Pantages
Updated: 3 hours ago
Throughout the show, I repeatedly found myself saying, “What the f***?” between the vocal performances, aerial stunts, puppetry and scenic design.
Written by Rick Elice with music by PigPen Theatre Co., inspired by Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel and directed by Jessica Stone at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the Tony Award-nominated musical “Water for Elephants” tells the story of Jacob Jankowski (Zachary Keller) as he looks back on an unexpected journey that changed the course of his life.
After experiencing a personal tragedy, a younger Jacob leaves behind the life he once knew and finds himself aboard a train belonging to the Benzini Brothers Circus. His veterinary background earns him a place among the crew, and what initially begins as an escape slowly turns into something more. As Jacob becomes immersed in circus life, he finds purpose, community and love while also coming face-to-face with the darker realities beneath the spectacle.
Stone’s direction is brilliant. The production is fast-paced and captivating, yet Stone finds a way to balance the circus chaos while keeping the story at the forefront. The pacing is handled wonderfully, as the story never drags and keeps the audience’s eyes glued to the stage.
The staging, combined with the blocking, is truly a wonderful experience and can feel overwhelming in the best way possible. I especially liked how tall metal scaffolding is used throughout the show to add depth and dimension to the stage. I also loved how the entire cast uses the scaffolding to help embody life on the train, bringing movement and energy to the production while making the audience feel like they are traveling alongside the circus.
Choreographers Shana Carroll and Jesse Robb create sequences that repeatedly had me wondering, “How is any of this possible?” The aerial work is especially impressive because the performers are not simply executing stunts. They remain emotionally connected to the story while doing them.
Takeshi Kata’s scenic design and David Bengali’s projections work together to create the feeling of constantly being on the road. David I. Reynoso’s costumes, along with Luc Verschueren’s hair, wig and makeup design, further establish the world of the circus.
And the show’s animal puppetry is one of the production’s biggest highlights. Under Joshua Holden’s direction, Camille Labarre, Ray Wetmore and JR Goodman bring horse Silver Star and Rosie the elephant to life. Small details, including Rosie blinking her eyes, give the puppets personality and make it easy to forget how they are being operated.
The entire cast brings sincerity and commitment to their roles. Keller as Jacob carries the show with a grounded presence and strong vocals. His chemistry with Helen Krushinski as love interest Marlena feels natural, making it easy to invest in their relationship. Krushinski fully embraces Marlena’s emotional journey, while Robert Tully brings charm and strong comedic timing to the narrating older Mr. Jankowski. Grant Honeycutt also stands out as heavy-lifting circus worker Wade, delivering a commanding performance backed by impressive vocals.
Yves Artières, Yemie Woo and ZaKeyia Lacey, who all perform as “Kinkers” and “Rousts,” along with swings Glenn Doyle, Serafina Walker and Summer Severin, caught my eye and left a lasting impression on me. From their engaging energy and active listening to their physical commitment onstage, each of these performers remain fully present in every moment and truly bring their best to this performance.
Belonging and second chances sit at the heart of “Water for Elephants.” Jacob initially boards the train hoping to escape his old life, but instead finds so much more. The production shows how losing the path you thought you were supposed to take can sometimes lead you exactly where you need to be.
Throughout the show, I repeatedly found myself saying, “What the f***?” between the vocal performances, aerial stunts, puppetry and scenic design. Having never been to the circus myself, “Water for Elephants” filled a void I never knew I had. My eyes were glued to the stage from beginning to end. There is so much happening that this is the kind of show worth seeing twice just to catch everything you missed the first time.
“Water for Elephants” continues through Sept. 27 at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, with shows Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For tickets and other information, visit BroadwayinHollywood.com or call the box office at 323-468-1770. Run time is 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission.
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