The newest circus musical is “Water for Elephants,” a well-meaning adaptation of Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel (which was previously turned into a 2011 film with
Photo by Matthew Murphy/Providedto get news, updates, and local insights delivered straight to your inbox!As much as I appreciate the many feats of skill and wonder that are on display at the modern big top circus , I tend to get bored due to the lack of storytelling and repetition of one act after another. On the other hand, circus musicals aim to incorporate traditional circus acts in the context of an integrated story with songs, dialogue, and characters.
The newest circus musical is “Water for Elephants,” a well-meaning adaptation of Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel , which just opened on Broadway along with several other new musicals that also happen to be based on well-known books with starring film adaptations, including “The Notebook,” “The Outsiders,” and “The Great Gatsby” – but those other shows don’t have a circus.“Water for Elephants” follows Jacob Jankowski who is initially seen as an elderly man who just attended a circus performance.
It is a polished production, with a genuine sense of showmanship , dazzling circus sequences , handsome choreography by Jesse Robb and Carroll , an original score with a traditional Americana flavor, earnest performances, and puppetry effects that bring the animals to life .
The story moves very, very slowly – as if to match the speed of an elephant in motion. Perhaps the creators should have tightened the show by cutting some of the circus sequences – but who would want to do that? Clearly, integrating a circus into a musical is no easy task. Speaking of which, isn’t it past time to revive “Barnum”? Now that’s one hell of a circus musical!
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
In Broadway’s ‘Water for Elephants,’ circus parts are good, songs are mehThe new Broadway musical “Water for Elephants,” based on the bestselling novel, incorporates acrobatics, along with puppets to portray animals.
Read more »
Water For Elephants: A Musical About Hope And Salvation During Troubled TimesJeryl Brunner profiles people who are guided by a deep and unshakable passion for what they do. Following their joy inspires them to think outside the box, take risks and triumph. Her publishing credits includes O, the Oprah Magazine, Parade, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, Travel Leisure and more.
Read more »
Proposed 22% water increase from Veolia Water suspended amid routine investigationThe Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has suspended Veolia Water's rate case to allow for an investigation and analysis.This comes about one month a
Read more »
South Jordan combats water scarcity with new recycling water technologyAs the Utah population grows, so does our need for clean water. One city is aiming to be more water-wise.
Read more »
World Water Day: Chicago groups lead effort to protect fresh water, Lake MichiganThe national science foundation awarded up to $160 million over 10 years to Chicago's water resource non-profit, Current, and founding Great Lakes ReNEW, a regional collaboration to tackle major environmental issues.
Read more »