Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Unexpectedly impressed by Rick Elice & PigPen Theatre Co.’s Water for Elephants musical at the Paramount Theatre. Packed with magical transformations, death-defying circus feats of physicality, realistic puppetry, & unexpected twists. Zachary Keller leads a stellar cast, featuring sensational vocal performances from Javier Garcia & Helen Krushinski. Broadway Across America & Seattle Theatre Group brought this national tour to Seattle till 10/11/26.🎪✨🎭🎟️
Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Yes
Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high
If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes
My Synopsis (No Spoilers): An old man reminisces about when he joined the circus as a younger man.
Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.” After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Type: Musical
World Premiere: No
Several or Few Scenes: Several
Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several
Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Dynamic
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: I imagine you’d appreciate this more if you saw the movie or read the book. I was exposed to neither before this show.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes
Union Actor(s): All
Total Actor(s): Too many to count
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed
Was there an intermission? Yes
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours
Other Rave(s)
- Circus Arts & Physicality:
The central engine of this production was its astounding feats of physical circus theater designed by Shana Carroll. Right from an opening number, “The Road Don’t Make You Young,” the stage erupted with death-defying acrobatics, Chinese pole climbs, backflips galore, and breathtaking human pyramids. There was an authentic edge-of-your-seat tension throughout the show. The sheer risk left you holding your breath, wondering what would happen if a single foot slipped.
The most jaw-dropping moments were from Yves Artieres’ aerial performance as the horse Silver Star. His aerial work included a harrowing sequence where he suspended himself entirely by his neck like someone committing suicide by hanging. It left the audience gasping at the sheer vulnerability and high-stakes danger. The show drew from the rich circus lineage of Pippin, Teatro ZinZanni, and Cirque du Soleil. - Puppetry & Menagerie: Equally mesmerizing was the show’s exquisite puppetry by Ray Wetmore, JR Goodman, and Camille LaBarre. It brought an entire menagerie to life including horses, an elephant, primates, a giraffe, and wild cats. Much like the acclaimed stagecraft in Life of Pi, the puppeteers (directed by Joshua Holden) portrayed their animals with extraordinary realism.
- Score & Musical Style: Musically, the score from PigPen Theatre Co. shone brightest when embracing a quaint, rustic Americana. Driven by bluegrass rhythms and tight folk harmonies, numbers like “The Road Don’t Make You Young” evoked the dusty atmosphere of O Brother, Where Art Thou?.
- Subtle Stage Magic: Understated stage illusions and transformations were sprinkled throughout the production from the subtle age shifting of a character, to effortless, split-second costume changes. Because these moments were integrated so seamlessly into the action, you could easily miss them if you blinked. Rather than pausing the show for grand, applause-seeking spectacles (as seen in productions like Cinderella, Frozen, or Aladdin) the magic here was executed with a quiet elegance that served the narrative first and didn’t beg for approval.
- Vocal Performances: Helen Krushinski delivered a standout performance as Marlena, bringing a pristine, BFA-like vocal clarity to numbers such as “Easy” and “What Do You Do?” Meanwhile, Javier Garcia (as Camel) offered an effortless, resonant vocal tone first showcased in “I Choose the Ride.” I only wish the score had given him more vocal solo time to shine.
- Plot and Climaxes: Where many theatrical narratives feel predictable, this story kept its twists genuinely surprising. Novelist Sara Gruen and book writer Rick Elice crafted effective climaxes for both Act I and Act II. In addition, they masterfully planted subtle seeds of foreshadowing early on. Each payoff triggered a satisfying realization of how subtly the groundwork was laid, which made me think “Oh yeah … that’s why they mentioned this. I almost forgot about that!” In the end, it culminated in a final act climax that was well-executed.
Theatre Company: National Tour from Broadway Across America and Seattle Theatre Group
Venue: Paramount Theatre
Venue Physical Address: 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
Price Range: 56 to 177 USD .
Ticket Affordability Options: Seattle Theatre Group might partner with an organization you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, I believe UW employees/students are still eligible for an organization discount.
Dates: October 6 – 11, 2026
Seating: Assigned Seats
Parking: Paid street parking and paid garage parking. The best parking garage is under the convention center w/ the entrance on Pike around the Pike and Terry intersection. Last I checked, this is one of the cheapest, least busy, and closest garages. Alternatively, you can probably find street parking as you move closer to the West Precinct (810 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101). Do NOT park where the Paramount subscribers park. Last I checked, they usually park in the garage attached to the former Cheesecake Factory. It’ll take you at least 30 minutes to exit that garage after the show.
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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:
- https://waterforelephantsthemusical.com/
- https://seattle.broadway.com/shows/water-for-elephants/
- https://www.stgpresents.org/events/water-for-elephants/
- Program
Photos: See production photos below by Matthew Murphy from MurphyMade.
Cast and Production Team: See after photos below.
Water for Elephants – Program Credits
Title & Core Creative Team
Dates: October 6–11, 2026
Presenter: NETWORKS PRESENTATIONS presents
Title: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
- Book By: Rick Elice
- Music and Lyrics By: PigPen Theatre Co.
- Based On The Novel By: Sara Gruen
- Original Direction: Jessica Stone
- Choreography: Jesse Robb & Shana Carroll
- Circus Design: Shana Carroll
- Tour Direction: Ryan Emmons
- Music Supervision: Benedict Braxton-Smith
- Associate Circus Designer: Antoine Boissereau
- Associate Choreographer: Paige Parkhill
- Executive Producers: Trinity Wheeler, Max Quinlan
- Production Management: NETworks Presentations, Hector Guivas
- Production Stage Manager: Riley Gibson
- Company Manager: Greg Bawdon
- General Management: Gentry & Associates, Rebecca Shubart
- Tour Booking, Marketing & Publicity: BOND Theatrical
- Casting: The TRC Company, Claire Burke, CSA, Frankie Ramirez, CSA
- Fight Director: Cha Ramos
- Music Coordinator: John Mezzio
- Music Director: Sarah Pool
- Music Arrangements: Mary-Mitchell Campbell & Benedict Braxton-Smith
- Orchestrations: Daryl Waters, Benedict Braxton-Smith, August Eriksmoen
- Puppet Director: Joshua Holden
- Puppet Design: Ray Wetmore & JR Goodman, Camille Labarre
- Hair, Wig, and Make-Up Design: Luc Verschueren / Campbell Young Associates
- Projection Design: David Bengali
- Sound Design: Walter Trarbach
- Lighting Design: Bradley King
- Costume Design: David I. Reynoso
- Scenic Design: Takeshi Kata
Cast
In Alphabetical Order
- Mr. Jankowski: Robert Tully
- Camel: Javier Garcia
- Wade: Grant Huneycutt
- Walter: Tyler West
- Barbara: Ruby Gibbs
- August/Charlie: Connor Sullivan
- Marlena/June: Helen Krushinski
- Jacob Jankowski: Zachary Keller
- Sal: Bradley Parrish
- Agnes, an orangutan: Gabriela Diaz
- Sue: Yemie Woo
- Vera: Zakeyia Lacey
- Silver Star, a horse: Yves Artières
- Rex, a lion: Adam Fullick
- Caretaker: John Neurohr
- Rosie, an elephant: Ella Huestis, Grant Huneycutt, Bradley Parrish, John Neurohr, Carl Robinett
- Nurse Rosemary: Ella Huestis
- Orderly: Carl Robinett
- Worker: Bradley Parrish
- Kinkers & Rousts: Yves Artières, Gabriela Diaz, Adam Fullick, Ella Huestis, Zakeyia Lacey, Jose Martinez, John Neurohr, Bradley Parrish, Carl Robinett, Serafina Walker, Yemie Woo
Swings
Chris Carsten, Glenn Doyle, Andrew Meier, Marina Mendoza, Summer Severin, Kayden Woodridge
Understudies
- For Mr. Jankowski: Chris Carsten
- For Camel: Chris Carsten, Grant Huneycutt
- For Wade: John Neurohr, Bradley Parrish
- For Walter: John Neurohr, Yemie Woo
- For Barbara: Ella Huestis, Yemie Woo
- For August: John Neurohr, Bradley Parrish
- For Marlena: Ella Huestis, Zakeyia Lacey, Summer Severin
- For Jacob: Andrew Meier, Carl Robinett
Captains
- Dance Captain: Summer Severin
- Fight Captain: Andrew Meier
- Circus Captains: Marina Mendoza, Serafina Walker
Water for Elephants Orchestra
- Music Director / Conductor / Keyboard 1 / Harmonica: Sarah Pool
- Associate Conductor / Keyboard 2: Cameron Edmiston
- Violin / Concert Master: Hope Chernesky
- Reeds: Tristan Shafran
- Trumpet: Cort Baussmann
- Guitars: Millisa Henderson
- Acoustic / Electric Bass: Bakari Williams
- Drums / Percussion: Spencer Inch
- Music Coordinator: John Mezzio
- Keyboard Programming: Randy Cohen; Randy Cohen Keyboards
- Associate Keyboard Programmers: Sam Starobin, Drew Nichols, Nick Schenkel, Tim Crook
- Playback Engineer: Julianne B. Merrill, PatchMaster Productions
- Associate Playback Engineer: Lexi Vollero, PatchMaster Productions
- Music Copying: Emily Grishman Music Preparation / Adriana Grace
Production & Tour Staff
Opening Night: September 30, 2025
- Executive Producer: Trinity Wheeler, Max Quinlan
- General Management: Gentry & Associates, Gregory Vander Ploeg, Rebecca Shubart, Amanda Lenti
- Production Management: NETworks Presentations, Jason Juenker, Hector Guivas
- Original Broadway General Management: Foresight Theatrical, Jalaina Ross, Allan Williams, Aaron Lustbader, Mark Shacket
- Company Manager: Greg Bawdon
- Assistant Company Manager: Jose Amengual
- Production Stage Manager: Riley Gibson
- Assistant Stage Manager: Ellanne DesLilets-Dubé
- Circus Assistant Stage Manager: Stan Banle
- Associate Scenic Designer: Se Oh
- Associate Costume Designer: Matthew C. Hampton
- Assistant Costume Designers: Devon Horn, AJ Jones
- Costume Design Production Assistant: Andrew Burns
- Associate Lighting Designer: Kat Zhou
- Assistant Lighting Designer: Mack Scales
- Moving Light Programmers: Alyssa Eilbott, Bradley Gray
- Associate Sound Designers: Angela Baughman, Shaughn Bryant
- Associate Video Designer: Alessandra Cronin
- Assistant Video Designer: Taylor Edelle Stuart
- Video Programmer: Andrew GuSciora
- Associate Hair & Makeup Designer: Susan Corrado
- Prop Supervisors: Ray Wetmore, JR Goodman
- Circus Rigging: Danny Zen
- Circus Ensemble Casting: The 7 Fingers
- Acrobatic Coach: Sebastien Soldevila
- Production Carpenter / Rigger: Gonzalo Brea
- Production Sound: Shaughn Bryant, Ron Sinko
- Production Electrician: Olivia Doniphan
- Production Video: Chelsea Zalikowski
- Production Props: Jennifer Kramer
- Head Carpenter: McKenna Bovey
- Assistant Carpenter / Automation: Quintrell Allen-Haynes
- Assistant Carpenter: Julia Liebowitz
- Flyperson: Owen Zacharias
- Head Electrician: Michael Smith
- Assistant Electrician: Mason Shell
- Head Audio: Walker Smith
- Assistant Audio: Tate Abdullah
- Head Props: Luke Salerno
- Assistant Props: Sean Beck
- Wardrobe Supervisor: Jen Elizabeth Meador
- Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor: Eric Larson
- Head Hair / Makeup: Shannon Dolinar
- Crew Swing: Bri Catlin
- Polish Consultant: Weronika Kwiatkowska
- Circus Historian: Veronica Blair
- Production Assistants: Greg Bawdon, Avia Moyle, Harrison Newton
- Drums & Foley Consultant: Mike Dobson
- Rehearsal Pianists: Adam Beskind, Abel Garriga
- Recorded Reeds: Brian Krock
- Recorded Guitar / Mandolin / Banjo: Peter Douskalis
- Tracked Cello: Sam Hoad
- Merchandise: Creative Goods
- Merchandise Manager: Gena Byrd
- Advertising and Community: Super Awesome Friends; Jim Glaub, Crystal Chase, Carol Hartsell, Rebecca Prowler, Daniella Leguisamo
- Production Photographer: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
- Safety Consultant: Bryan Huneycutt
- Physical Therapy: Kaelin Agar, NEURO TOUR Physical Therapy, Inc.
NETworks Presentations Corporate Staff
- Chief Executive Officer: Orin Wolf
- President / Chief Production Officer: Seth Wenig
- Chief Operating Officer: Margaret Daniel
- Chief Financial Officer: Scott Levine
- Business Affairs: Scott W. Jackson
- Executive Producers: Max Quinlan, Hannah Rosenthal, Trinity Wheeler
- Producing Associate: Isabella Schiavon
- Producing Assistant: Aidan Herman
- Senior Director / Finance: John Kinna
- Senior Director / Accounting: Jim McPartlin
- Controller: Jennifer Gifford
- Director of Tour Accounting: Laura S. Carey
- Tax Director: Pat Guerieri
- Senior Tax Accountant: Matthew Peertboite
- Tax Assistant: Deborah Brown
- Accounts Payables & Receivables Clerk: Lisa Loveless
- Senior Director, Booking & Engagements: Amanda Laird
- Directors, Booking & Engagements: Stacey Bums, Colin Byrne
- Booking Assistant: Lily Flippen
- Director of Sales: Zach Stevenson
- Director of Marketing: Heather Hess
- Senior Director / General Management: Gregory Vander Ploeg
- General Managers: Madelaine McCluskey, Rebecca Shubart, Steven Varon-Moore
- Associate General Managers: Amanda Lenti, Shira Wolf
- Assistant General Manager / Operations Manager: Hillary Smith
- Senior Director / Production Management: Jason Juenker
- Senior Production Manager: Hector Guivas
- Lead Production Manager: Savannah Guritan
- Production Manager: Alex Williams
- Associate Production Manager: Aimee Mangual Pagán
- Technical Director: pesci
- Assistant Technical Director: Griffin Whitaker
- Production Coordinator: Gina Boccolucci
- Asset Manager / Rentals: Richard Haug
- Warehouse Assistants: Dave DeJac, Alison Weinberg
- Director of Operations: Pearce Landry-Wegener
- Workers Compensation Coordinator: Kayla Rouplal
- People Operations / Payroll Manager: Sara Clayton
- Office Manager: Deandra Harris
- Music Coordinator: John Mezzio