Peyton VanDerheyden

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Proctors Image WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is dazzling audiences with extraordinary theatrics, creative visual concepts, and emotional moments. Adapted from the New York Times bestselling novel, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS has a book written by Rick Elice, and features a score by PigPen Theatre Co. The show is set during the Great Depression, and follows Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who has lost everything dear to him. With nowhere to go, he hops on the train of a traveling circus. An elderly Mr. Jankowski recalls these memories from the nursing home, with them resurfacing as the circus comes to town. He reminisces on finding a home, and love, on the road with the Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth circus group. WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is a story of forbidden love, the glamour and dark underbelly of the circus, found family, and above all else, imagination. LATEST NEWS BroadwayWorld My Shows is Now Part of the New & Improved App Franklin Stage Company Celebrates 30 Years Of Admission-Free Theater In Historic Catskills Venue Adirondack Theatre Festival Launches ATF For ALL Initiative Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from March 2026 logo 00:01 01:11 Video: Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt Take First Bows... Video: CHICAGO Video: Whitney Leavitt Sets Up a Surprise Proposal... Video: CHICAGO Video: Gilbert Domally Is Crossing the Country as... Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Proctors Image The Cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade Mr. Jankowski is portrayed by Robert Tully, and he does well in this role. He was charming, and made the difference between modern conversations and the recalling of memories clear to the audience. His younger self, Jacob Jankowski, is typically played by Zachary Keller, but was instead played by cast swing, Andrew Meier. He was successful bringing forth that charming quality. His presence was strong throughout the performance, but he was exceptional during the act two number, “Go Home” where he is caught between a dream sequence and reality. This is a huge moment for his character, with a major decision at hand, and Meier executes this flawlessly. Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Proctors Image Zachary Keller, Connor Sullivan, Helen Krushinski, and the Cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade Connor Sullivan doubles as August/Charlie. Sullivan is exceptional as August, the ringmaster. He brings a theatrical and lively performance when the character is performing with the circus, and easily turns into a dark, manipulative individual in some of the more intimate and intense moments. Sullivan’s other character, Charlie is seen in the modern setting with Mr. Jankowski, and he carries a warm, almost nurturing quality. This doubling makes the villainous moments with August even more impactful and demonstrates great range. Sullivan’s theatrical moments as the ringmaster version of August have the same flair as Billy Flynn in CHICAGO, so you can imagine my delight when seeing that role listed in his bio. Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Proctors Image Helen Krushinski as Marlena, Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade The standout vocal performance comes from Helen Krushinski as Marlena/June. Marlena is the wife of August, and Jacob’s forbidden lover. She is a talented equestrian, and the star performer in the circus. Krushinski’s vocal stylings are unmatched. The moment between Marlena and her horse, Silver Star, played by Yves Artières, where she sings “Easy” to calm the animal is tender and heart-filled. Krushinski’s voice is angelic, with a perfect balance between rich, smooth qualities and light, melodic decoration. Her portrayal of Marlena is warm and dazzling, and she is easily a must-see performer.

Lola is brought to the stage by Omari Collins, who is also known as Scarlett D. Von’Du in the drag scene. Collins is exceptional and dynamic as Lola. He has an intoxicating stage quality that oozes out of him, and this role is perfect to play into his strengths as a performer. The show came to life when Lola arrived.