Water For Elephants Stunned Crowd in Minneapolis on Opening Night
The national tour of Water for Elephants rolled into Minneapolis last night for its opening at the historic Orpheum Theatre, and the evening was nothing short of magical. What began as a beloved novel by Sara Gruen in 2006, later adapted into the 2011 film and then a Broadway stage production in 2024, has now found new life on the road, blending classic musical storytelling with breathtaking circus artistry.
Set during the Great Depression, Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a young veterinary hopeful whose life collapses after the sudden death of his parents. With no home and nothing left to lose, he jumps a train heading west, only to discover it’s a circus train. From there, his world expands into one of danger, spectacle, and unexpected connection.
Jacob’s reluctant plunge into circus life eventually draws him into the orbit of the enigmatic ringleader August and his magnetic wife, Marlena. Through the lens of animal care, forbidden romance, and the makeshift family found under the big top, the show treads the line between heartbreak and hope with impressive grace.
Although the lead lady, Marlena, is typically played on tour by Helen Krushinski, opening night brought a rare and electrifying moment: ensemble member and understudy ZaKeyia Lacey stepped into the role for the very first time on the tour. And she soared.
Lacey delivered a performance filled with warmth, strength, and a palpable vulnerability that made her Marlena unforgettable. The emotion of the moment caught up with her during the curtain call; she visibly teared up as her castmates applauded her, and the audience responded with an outpouring of support. It was one of those special opening-night surprises that make live theater feel alive, spontaneous, and deeply human.
Photos by Matthew Murphy
One of the most pleasantly surprising aspects of this production is its daring physicality. This isn’t just a Broadway musical; it’s a full-bodied circus experience woven directly into the storytelling. Acrobatics, aerial work, balancing acts, and ensemble choreography combine to create real, heart-stopping moments. More than once, the audience gasped in unison at especially risky feats occurring just feet from the stage edge.
The ensemble deserves particular praise. Their athleticism and artistry elevate the show to something beyond typical musical theatre, closer to a Cirque du Soleil performance blended with rich narrative and song. The soundtrack, full of original music that evokes the dusty, shabby energy of 1930s America, further immerses the audience in Jacob’s world.
With its blend of romance, spectacle, emotional storytelling, and circus craft, Water for Elephants is a show that surprises even seasoned theatre-goers. Whether you come for the nostalgia of the book, the curiosity of its adaptation, or simply the thrill of great performance, the Minneapolis stop of this tour delivers.
The tour remains at the Orpheum Theatre through Sunday, March 8th, and it’s well worth securing a ticket before the circus packs up and moves to its next town. You can find your tickets here.
Photos by Matthew Murphy
