By Fern Siegel (Posted 3/28/24)

Circus stories usually have a dark underbelly. And Water For Elephants, based on Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel, is no exception.

Now a cleverly rendered Broadway musical at the Imperial Theater, the show is neatly directed by Jessica Stone, responsible for the Tony-winning Kimberly Akimbo last year.

Grant Gustin makes his debut as the young vet Jacob Jankowski, who hops on a train in 1931, thereby changing his life. Hired to help the animals, he finds refuge in the scrappy Benzini Brothers Circus, run by the sociopathic ringmaster August (a strong Paul Alexander Nolan) and his talented, but abused wife, the horse-trainer Marlena (Isabelle McCalla).

Act one is Jacob’s introduction into a world of knife throwers, acrobats and roadies. The animals are represented by artistic puppets, especially Rosy the Elephant, who is introduced in cubist form, a trunk, a leg, until we see the full life-sized creation.

Like the film-noir classic Nightmare Alley, the circus world is filled with misfits, who can’t quite fit in society, and those with selective talents best employed in this singular world. But the crux of the nicely paced musical is the instant bond between Jacob and Marlena. Rick Elice’s script, balanced between a love story and circus performances, keeps the action moving.

There are casual subplots about secondary characters, but the essence is the forbidden romance. The tension, which gradually rises, is offset by some exquisite aerial feats. That’s thanks to the circus design of Shana Carroll and 7 Fingers, which provided the acrobatic work for the 2013 Pippin revival, and Jesse Robb’s choreography.

The set design by Takeshi Kata captures the Depression-era’s hardscrabble existence. The visuals are eye-catching, especially the beautifully evocative lighting design by Bradley King.

The musical score by Pigpen Theatre Co. has elements of banjo music, gospel, Tin Pan Alley and pop melodies — and the three leads deliver the goods. McCalla (The Prom), who swings from a trapeze in one scene, has real stage presence and musical range.

Gustin makes a touching debut, while Sara Gettelfinger as exotic dancer Barbara, Joe De Paul as snarling clown Walter and Wade McCollum, as August’s enforcer, add humanity and menace in equal measures.

Stone brings the big-top show to life with both rousing stunts and genuine heart.