Water for Elephants, stopping at Hartford's Bushnell while on tour, scores nicely as the musical, based upon Sara Gruen's novel, boasts fine performance, acrobatics, puppetry, and storytelling. Jessica Stone directed the original show and Ryan Emmons is at the helm for the tour. Benedict Braxton-Smith supervises music provided by PigPen Theatre Co. Rick Elice wrote the book for this musical.

Jacob Jankowski (Zachary Keller) has lost his parents and his own zeal to become a veterinarian. Keller sings "Anywhere" with compassion. We find this out, in part, from an older version of Jacob in the person of Mr. Jankowski (Robert Tully), who narrates. Jacob (the younger) leaps onto a Benzini Brothers Circus train during the era of The Great Depression. He is a natural to care for animals and will fall in love with the charming, sweet Marlena (Helen Krushinski), who happens to be married to August (Connor Sullivan), the ringmaster. Marlena is a gentle soul who comes to the aid of Silver Star, a (puppet) white stallion. Two people actually "play" the horse to whom she sings "Easy." August, however, would rather keep coercing the horse without regard to physical condition.

Keller, Krushinski, Sullivan, and Tully lead a cast of more than 20 dextrous performers, some of whom fly upward during circus sequences. Many patrons attending opening night in Hartford responded with high volume as they witnessed aerial feats. The elephant's presence is an imaginative stroke in itself. Thanks to puppet designers Ray Wetmore, JR Goodman, and Camille LaBarre as well as puppet director Joshua Holden, the elephant is a joy to behold. Several individuals move and manipulate this creation about the stage. Rosie, by name, is an activist elephant who becomes pivotal as the plot turns toward August and his lack of humanity toward animals.

Jacob abandons his plan to attend Cornell for veterinary studies, finds himself totally drawn to Marlena, and becomes part of a love triangle. Zachary Keller projects his vocals with emotion and belief. Marlena, victimized by her relationship with her husband, cannot resist her feelings for Jacob. Helen Krushinski portrays a Marlena who grows stronger as the show evolves. This actress also demonstrates gymnastic skills during second act scenes. Connor Sullivan's August is not quite frightening but intimidating through his intensity. He leads "You've Got Nothing" with power. Then there's Mr. Jankowski and Robert Tully's essential contribution to the production. The character is looking backward, through his memory, at another time and place. Mr. Jankowski is philosophical and old enough to realize that one experiences many journeys during a lifetime. It is fitting that a full company reprise of "I Choose the Ride" is the finale for the performance.

The show is, to some extent, about circus people, and that aspect is eye-catching. Shana Carroll skillfully designed the circus and she and Jesse Robb supply pinpoint choreography throughout. Let's face it: flying through the air is not easy and can become dangerous. Hats off to those souls in a second act scene who maneuver in air with a combination of fortitude and grace.

The musical also centers upon possibility and family/friendship. We learn that Jacob was bereft, ready to give up on everything before he landed, literally, on the circus train. Jacob and Marlene are people with heart, and the young actors (Keller and Krushinski) bring sensitivity and conviction to their roles. We believe in them, root for them.

Takeshi Kata's snappy scenic design assists as one moment transitions to the next. Lighting designer Bradley King maximizes projection designer David Bengali's images as well. All of this adds up to success. This is not a blockbuster musical but it is sincere and sure. Call the cumulative performance, to understate, pretty good.

Water for Elephants runs through June 7, 2026, at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-987-5900 or visit bushnell.org. For information on the tour, visit waterforelephantsthemusical.com.