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‘Water for Elephants’ Review: Broadway Musical and Circus Merge for Spellbinding Entertainment
The stage adaptation of the novel and movie has escapism, enchantment and heart, all elevated to new, literal heights that blend theater and cirque.
With economy and wit, we learn much about the characters with whom Jacob soon bonds: elderly odd-jobber Camel (Stan Brown, authentic), no-nonsense clown Walter (Joe De Paul, snarlingly hysterical), seen-it-all showgirl Barbara (Sara Gettelfinger, terrific) and especially equestrian Marlena (Isabelle McCalla), the recipient of her husband August’s devotion — and his abuse. Jessica Stone, who staged the modestly-scaled “Kimberly Akimbo,” and her creative team — especially circus designer Shana Carroll, who co-choreographs with Jesse Robb — here tackle a big-canvas production, bringing it all under one spectacular tent without forgetting its human — and animal — hearts. For instance, as Marlena gently sings “Easy” to calm her injured stallion, the poignancy is echoed in an exquisite Spanish Web performance on dangling ribbons of glistening white fabric by Antoine Boissereau.
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