Water For Elephants.

"Water For Elephants" at the Imperial Theatre will enjoy what I think will be a long run on Broadway. Like "Music Man" and "Back to The Future", this wonderful musical will appeal to people of all ages and all walks of life. The music and lyrics by Pigpen Theatre Co. are not overly memorable, the choreography by Jesse Robb is simple and plain, however, the acting, the book by Rick Elice the direction by Jessica Stone and the circus design and acrobatics by Shana Carroll (Cirque du Soleil's Crystal) are outstanding.

Based on the book by Sara Gruen, "Water" takes us to the depression; the circus, the people and animals in the Benzini Brothers Circus are the story-line. We get to see two Jankowski's, the younger Jacob (Grant Gustin) and Mr. Jankowski (Gregg Edelman). He is a veterinarian from Cornell who never finished his studies. He turns out to be a huge help to the penny pinching owner, August (Paul Alexander Nolan) who bought the circus from Benzini back in 1929. The good Doctor would fall smitten with August's wife, Marlena (Isabelle McCalla). August has a foul temper, he is often ruthless with his employees and worse with the treatment of his animals As the plot goes on, both tension and tempers flair, people are pushed to the brink (both literally and figuratively).

What makes "Water For Elephants" a standout is the star cast, the supporting cast and its ensemble. The sound and the projections too are quite remarkable; the costumes (David Israel Reynoso), the scenic design (Takeshi Kata) and the lighting (Bradley King) all complement what is a great evening of theater.

When this musical opens up full throttle is when the audience becomes most enchanted... songs that do its magic are: "Anywhere/ Another Train", "I Choose the Ride", "I Shouldn't Be Surprised", "You've Got Nothing" and "Go Home". It is these songs that have the actors giving its audience full singing and dancing; the lights and sounds are whirlwind. The audience laps up the circus atmosphere, it loves the protagonist/antagonist part of the show. In Jessica Stone's direction, the animals come to life onstage and they become a big part of the story. In both a simple way and a very visual way, "Water For Elephants" should not be missed!

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I recently went to a performance at AMT called "Gallery". Although it was a run through for a later staged performance in New Hampshire, some of the songs and some of the singers were very talented. It will be very interesting to see how it is staged and directed. The premise of the musical is that famous artists have their work projected on the back of the theater while the different actors sing a song about the work that is presented in front of us. Both catchy and pithy, this new musical may take hold.

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As this very full Spring season is upon us we welcome up "Tommy", "Suffs", "Hells Kitchen" "The Wiz" and "The Great Gatsby". The two shows that most are waiting for is both "Tommy" and "Cabaret". Early word on "Tommy" is that is the best thing right now on Broadway and it is still in previews! "Cabaret" has been running raves with its great lead actor since it played on London's West End.

Other shows that should delight are "The Mother Play", which has a first rate cast," Mary Jane" and "Uncle Vayna" at Lincoln Center with Steve Carrell in the lead. "Stereophonic" will be coming later in the season along with "Heart of Rock and Roll". Stay tuned! Reviews and more reviews to come!

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