Review: OBCR: Water For Elephants

Cast Recording Review:

Water For Elephants

When I reviewed Water For Elephants, I had this to say about the score: "As good as the score is on one hearing as it is happening, I can't wait to get my hands on the cast recording and dig deeper." Well, I finally got a copy of the CD of the Original Broadway Cast Recording, and I'm glad I did! I was right. The more I hear it, the richer each experience is.

The 19-song score, by Pig Pen Theatre Co., weaves the traditional Broadway style with songs evocative of depression-era folk, jazz and more. And still, it feels very "now." A unique collaborative process (detailed HERE) seems only fitting for an art form that is truly collaborative, about another art form that is gloriously a team effort. I don't think a musical about the circus could have been in better hands in this case. Frankly, I am still baffled as to why it did not earn a Tony Award nomination.

Be that as it may, the score, with its beautiful orchestrations (by Daryl Waters, Benedict Braxton-Smith and August Eriksmoen) and amazing cast of performers, has been lovingly preserved in this album. We are all the better for it.

"Anywhere/Another Train": The recording does not preserve the Overture or Prologue that starts the show in the theater. Instead, the recording starts us off that beginning of young Jacob's perilous, life-changing journey. The urgency of the tempo and the complicated mix of instruments, definitely get the pulse going. What a great introduction to the powerful vocals of Broadway newcomer, Grant Gustin, and an array of characters. Turns out starting here makes perfect sense. A thrill ride of exhilarating harmonies and foreshadowing of what we are about to see/hear.

"The Road Don't Make You Young": I love the gorgeous harmonies and upbeat, down home orchestrations here. Ain't it so that this is a toe-tapping ear worm of the best kind. Just as the previous song introduced us to the hard working rousts and the seedy underbelly of the circus, this number introduces the kinkers and performers of the big top. What an amazing company number!

"Easy": The star of the show, Marlena (Isabelle McCalla) is introduced in this mesmerizing number. By turns exciting and mystical sounding, her easy (no pun intended) delivery does a lot of heavy lifting for a simple song: we know at once of Marlena's star-quality, her horse-whisperer powers, and her ability to captivate an audience (both character and actress).

"The Lion Has Got No Teeth": A showcase for the brilliant performance of Paul Alexander Nolan as the duplicitous August, owner and ringmaster, of the Benzini Brothers' Circus. A truth bomb of a song about the fake nature of the circus, it is genius to put the lies, lies, lies of this business into a show-stopping production, with its jazzy tune, its catchy lyrics, and irresistible dance breaks. As another show tells us, "give 'em the old razzle dazzle." No teeth for sure, but lots of bite.

"I Choose The Ride": Both Gustin and Stan Brown, as the aging worker, get to shine in this rousing ballad. A checkpoint of sorts about where these characters stand, this largely piano driven number, turns into an anthem about life's unpredictable choices.

"Ode To An Elephant": The irony of the lyrics and the fatal outcome is not lost on me here. Tragic.

"Just Our Luck": Another jazzy extravaganza number that serves as a brutal reality check. The vocal arrangements here are stellar.

"I Shouldn't Be Surprised": Here's a song that spans time, with Marlena the past, and the older Mr. Jankowski (Gregg Edelman). Blues-y call and response, the idea here is that rue and regret can happen instantly and upon years of reflection. The song is a reminder that I wish Edelman had more to do, song-wise.

"Silver Stars": The guitar/banjo/strings arrangement here is the perfect accompaniment to such a soul-searching epiphany number captures the simplicity of the character and the exaltation he is feeling at this make or break moment in his life. Gustin really shows what a great singer-actor he can be.

"The Grand Spec": This Act One closer does what all the best of them do - it big, dance-y and visually eye-popping number. Here we are, the crowd in the big top watching the show at last. What a curtain button!

"Funny Angel": Our narrator, Mr. Jankowski, brings us back into the action with a catchy solo jazz number, full of elephant puns. Edelman delivers here - an old school showman.

"Zostań": A song that starts in Polish that only the elephant can understand, is a song that progresses the plot and reveals the sense of optimism and relief that the company is feeling. The woodwinds, percussion and brass really lift this number up. It's as satisfying to listen to as it was to see.

"Squeaky Wheel": A showcase for most experienced circus family, they offer important advice, and a reality check against too much optimism. It is also, in retrospect, an ominous foreshadowing of profound tragedy. What a great musical moment for the great Sara Gettelfinger, Joe De Paul, Brown and Gustin.

"You've Got Nothing (Part 1)": Disguised as a tuneful ballad, this song turns really nasty as August, chief narcissist, groomer and abuser, unleashes his fury on his wife. (Nolan is superb here. I had chills the entire time.) 

"You've Got Nothing (Part 2)": Retribution and violence underscored by an orchestration that recalls the first song on this recording. (Nolan, Brown, and a terrific Wade McCollum are acting their asses off here.) Breathtaking.

"What Do You Do?": Here is Marlena's moment of reflection and realization. The guitars and the ebb and flow of the strings are stunning. McCalla has never sounded better.

"Wild": Throbbing with sexual tension, this duet between Jacob and Marlena, feels both inevitable and surprising. The driving beat here, insists that you pay attention. I particularly love when they sing in harmony. One of the best songs of the entire 2023-2024 season.

"Go Home": Haunting from the first notes, the background vocals are like ethereal ghosts, while Gustin's tortured vocals are simple yet powerful. The lyrics are emotional, evocative and so sorrowful. This one's pretty much an aria.

"Finale (I Choose The Ride)": A quiet ending to a powerful show.

I would have loved this to be a more complete recording - the Overture, prologue and several reprises are missing - but I'm so glad this album was made and that it is so damned good!

Grade: A+