Step inside! Lions, tigers, elephants, oh my! Welcome to the show! There’s something magnetic about a good circus — its danger, its brightness, and the curious mix of broken dreams and wonder. Water for Elephants, the new musical based on Sara Gruen’s novel and directed by Jessica Stone, aims to wrangle all of that into a rich spectacle. Fresh off a 2025 Broadway run, Water for Elephants’ first national tour plays at the Hippodrome now through October 4.
The story is set during the Great Depression, when the American circus circuit was at its peak. It follows Jacob Jankowski, portrayed by Zachary Keller, who joins the Benzini Bros. circus after being dealt a life-changing tragedy. While a triangular love story plays out among the main characters, the circus animals also exert an emotional presence. They are more than just big ticket money makers; they are very real and highly loved members of the circus family.
From the moment the musical begins, amid shifting train cars and tattered tents, there’s a strong sense of immersion. The acrobats, aerial work, juggling, and movement — these aren’t just gimmicks. They feel built into the story. Shana Carroll’s circus design, paired with Jesse Robb’s choreography, gives the show kinetic energy. Some scenes, especially those involving the animals (puppets and otherwise), hit with an emotional weight you might not expect. You are absolutely given a special pass to go behind the scenes of the circus.
The overall cast created genuine moments of awe and childlike wonder. August, the circus owner, played by Connor Sullivan (who you may recognize from the national tour musical Chicago), was truly a standout. His contentious relationship with Jacob as his rival is always at a near boiling point. He offers very little respect to Jacob, even though he desperately needs him to keep his circus going. But August’s voice, especially during the number “The Lion Has Got No Teeth,” was nothing short of captivating. Hands down, my personal favorite number of the show. His presence was loud even when he didn’t say a word.
Zachary Keller (Jacob Jankowski) also dominated the stage in the numbers “I Choose the Ride” and “Go Home.” He clearly loves his voice, and his voice loves us. The way he opened and captured the entire auditorium was breathtaking. And of course, his fervor would’ve been meaningless if not for the strong and sweet Marlena, wonderfully performed by Helen Krushinski. Their chemistry was palpable. Their duet “Wild” is truly what life was meant to be. Passionate, vulnerable, endless, and slightly unhinged. Their intertwined voices were pure chaotic magic.
Then there were the animals. There was a mix of puppets and humans playing the part of circus animals. The most notable of course was Silver Star, the horse gracefully performed by Yves Artieres. There was a certain elegance and poise as he moved through the air. You could see and feel the horse that he was once as he cantered above the audience in the sky. He gave you drama without a single syllable.
The performers who become Rosie the elephant (Ella Huestis, Bradley Parrish, John Neurohr, Carl Robinett, Grant Huneycutt) deserve special kudos. While there were some minor placement continuity issues (physically moving the elephant’s trunk underneath Marlena), this group was astounding. They disappeared into the role, and all you saw was Rosie. Impressive. That level of skill and near perfection is stunning.
My very minor disappointment was the songs in general. The songs are sincere, often beautiful, and well sung — but they aren’t always memorable. Some numbers feel like bridges rather than destinations. The show lacks one standout anthem that lingers after the curtain, the songs providing more mood than “I-can’t-get-it-out-of-my-head” hooks.
Overall, Water for Elephants at the Hippodrome is well worth seeing. If you come expecting a classic, tight, song-after-song musical, you might find parts of it wanting. But the high energy and the stunts will keep you entertained the entire time. And if you’re drawn to theater that dares — balancing spectacle with sorrow, beauty with grit — this is your tent.
You’ll leave thinking about the people behind the circus, not just the show. And sometimes, that’s more powerful than a perfect tune.
Running Time: Two hours and 20 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Water for Elephants plays through October 4, 2025, at the Hippodrome Theatre’s France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD. Purchase tickets ($56–$230) online or call 410.837.7400.
Complete cast and creative credits for the touring company are in the online program here.
COVID Safety: Masks are recommended but not required. The Hippodome’s Health & Safety policy is here.
Water for Elephants will play at the National Theatre from December 9 to 14, 2025.
