The musical adaptation of Sara Gruen’s novel Water for Elephants opened on Broadway last week to mixed reviews from critics.
Gruen’s book, published in 2006 by Algonquin, tells the story of Jacob, a veterinary student hired to take care of a circus menagerie during the Great Depression. He falls in love with a married equestrian named Marlena and forges a special bond with an elephant named Rosie.
The novel was also the basis for a 2011 film starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon.
The new musical adaptation features a book by Rick Elice and songs by PigPen Theatre Co. It is directed by Jessica Stone, and stars Grant Gustin as Jacob and Isabelle McCalla as Marlena.
At the New York Times, Jesse Green named the musical a critic’s pick, writing that the play “features an eventful story and compelling characters, and apt, rousing music…[In] the director Jessica Stone’s stunning, emotional production, it leads with movement, eye candy and awe.”
Frank Rizzo of Variety agreed, saying the musical “could be the greatest show on Broadway.”
At Deadline, Greg Evans offered fainter praise, calling it “a pleasant, visually beguiling show,” but also writing that “[its] modest pleasures are never anything but safe, even without a net.”
The New York Post’s Johnny Oleksinski was unimpressed with the show, writing that it takes “so many conventional, bland paths,” and that it “has more exuberance than wit; more catchphrases than character.”
Water for Elephants is playing at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
