Water for Elephants - National Tour Review

[carlisle14]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 11:24am

I was able to catch the launch of the National Tour of Water for Elephants at the Hippodrome in Baltimore.  Some thoughts.

Tours typically run Tuesday-Sunday, but this being the premier launch of the tour they started with a Saturday show.  Despite it being a Saturday and the tour launch, the Hippodrome still had to offer Lucky Seat and discount rush tickets to fill the house.  Rush and Lucky Seat continue to be offered for the week-long run.  Hippodrome has one of the better subscription bases out there, so that means the demand for single-show tickets must've been lagging for this one.

The show is non-equity, and that does become apparent when you see the cast list's lack of experience.  Mostly see regional and small-theater credits for the cast.  Clearly this is a unique show where you need a cast of acrobats, so casting is a tougher deal .. but the point remains that it is a largely untested assembly.  

The show overlaps the Broadway version very much, from my recollection.  Stunning acrobatics mixed with fun puppetry and chorography, it is still a show that is a big departure from the common touring show.  

Javier Garcia, who plays the limping & elderly character named Camel, stood out to me as a excellent singer and actor.  Likewise, Grant Huneycutt as Wade stole every song he was a part of.  Grant commands the stage and sang with heart and passion that makes you feel Wade's torment, power, and pain.  Connor Sullivan is a great antagonist, loved to hate him the whole show ... he is just snarky and flippant enough to grind your gears from the jump. Tyler West has made his career as a clown, but he transitions to the stage impressively with a solid singing voice and some great funny moments with pratfalls, roller skating, a split, and jokes with great expression.

The gymnasts and acrobats left the audience gasping and applauding with delight several times.  Serafina Walker stands out as the most impressive of the bunch, combining stunt and stunt after stunt while on stage.  She is electric.  All of the stunts were on-point and wowed.  Strong man Yves Artieres never skips arm day!  

Young Jacob (Zachary Keller) and old Jacob (Robert Tully) each had moments where they hit their stride and impressed, but at other times both seemed hesitant.  Perhaps after more shows get under their belt they will let themselves out of the cage more. Helen Krushinski is well-cast as Marlena, as you are instantly drawn to her character and are rooting for her throughout. 

Overall, I'd give a very good to excellent score.  Chemistry and comfort is still building, which is to be expected for the debut.  Love the mix of cast, as see some potential in Krushinski, Garcia, and Huneycutt to keep working up in theater.  If it is coming to your town, I would certainly check it out.  A fun night out for sure.