ORLANDO, Fla. – I first read “Water for Elephants,” the 2006 critically-acclaimed bestselling novel, this summer.
I had just finished “Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah and was looking for another highly recommended historical novel based in the Depression-era. When I spotted this book sitting on my parents’ shelf during our annual summer trip to Idaho, my husband reminded me that the musical was coming to the Dr. Phillips Center, and I just knew I had to open it up.
I’m so glad I did. The heart-warming story about a man named Jacob Jankowski takes readers on a thrilling and emotional journey with more twists and turns than a train zipping across the country. From suddenly losing both parents in a car accident, to dropping out of veterinary school at Cornell, to jumping on a circus train, “Water for Elephants” is a story about loss, love, triumph and adventure.
Lisa Bell at “Water for Elephants” at the Dr. Phillips Center (Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
I was excited to see how this story, full of unique circus characters, large animals and high-flying performances could be brought to life on stage. Well, with a mix of Cirque du Soleil-like acrobatics combined with Lion Kingesque puppetry, “Water for Elephants” hits the mark. I was in awe of the multi-talented cast and the physical strength each actor showcased through their beautiful acrobatics, choreography, singing and acting.
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I overheard many people in the packed Walt Disney Theater expressing the same sentiment. While some people said they felt the show was a little slow at times, they were extremely impressed with “Silver Star” the horse, “Rosie” the elephant, the giraffe, orangutan and all the circus performances.
Whether its a movie or a musical adaptation, it’s tough to compete with the emotional depths of the original novel, but “Water for Elephants” truly was able to bring the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth to life in a magical way.
While last year’s Broadway in Orlando season was loaded with jukebox musicals, like “The Cher Show,” “MJ the Musical” and “A Beautiful Noise the Neil Diamond Musical” this year’s season features a slate of musicals with deep literary roots including “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, “& Juliet”, “The Outsiders” and “The Notebook.”
“Water for Elephants” runs at the Dr. Phillips Center through Nov. 9. For more information on showtimes and tickets visit here.
And for more information on the 2025-2026 Broadway in Orlando season, click here.
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Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.