'Water for Elephants' a marriage of heart-lifting drama, heart-stopping acrobatics

The circus and Broadway have proven to be viable partners well before a lavish three-ring dream-sequence extravaganza in 1941's "Lady in the Dark," not to mention big-top Broadway sensations "Pippin" and "Barnum" (literally about the circus showman). But rarely does the circus theme visually and spiritually enhance and propel a musical as well as "Water for Elephants," continuing through March at Playhouse Square's Connor Palace Theater. That's not to say "Water for Elephants" (an allusion to the fallacy that one needs to bring water TO an elephant rather than lead it to water) lacks literary prowess. Rick Elice economically encapsulates all the 1930s nostalgia and humanity, balanced with the gritty and chaotic magic and mystery of circus life, of Sara Gruen's 2006 novel, adapted into an acclaimed film in 2011. But what really distinguishes this musical is the way it incorporates Cirque du Soleil caliber artistry and design. Although the production is non-Equity (non-union), which usually involves a less experienced cast (occasionally evident here) and trimmed production standards, this production seems to have retained all the original Broadway luster, if not extravagance. Takeshi Kata's sets, David I. Reynoso's costumes and Bradley King's lighting evoke Dust Bowl Americana, magically switching on carnival grandiosity when needed. It's ably helmed by Ryan Emons, adapting Jessica Stone's direction for the original Broadway production. More phenomenally, the show's chorus of "kinkers & rousts" muster explosive acrobatic power while proving able dancers under Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll's muscular choreography. These terpsichoreans are part of a company called The 7 Fingers, an internationally acclaimed circus-arts company that also gets credit as "circus design," completing the authenticity of the show's somewhat abstract visual splendor. Everyone sings well, too, giving ample justice to the unique score -- oddly credited to no particular composer or lyricist but a self-described "Band of Storytellers" called the PigPen Theatre Co. -- rekindling the spirit of Woody Guthrie and the echoes of homespun bluegrass jazz. The company also happens to include master puppeteers, which explains the uncanny realism and anthropomorphic charm behind a variety of animals, particularly one of the show's main characters, Rosie, the elephant who responds to commands only in Polish. The subtle styling and nuanced movement and expression of the jovial pachyderm -- with specific credit going to puppet designers Camille LaBarre, Ray Wetmore and JR Goodman -- would steal the show from the cast of "The Lion King." But all this impressive circus prowess never overshadows the heart of this Depression-era fable, a memory play set into motion with the narration, sometimes musical, of an elderly enigmatic gentleman, Mr. Jankowski (a beautifully nuanced portrayal by Robert Tully, who actually served as the Ringmaster for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus). He recounts his younger days as a desperate lad (charmingly assumed by Zachary Keller), trying to escape into the abyss upon the tragic death of his parents. He hops a train, and we behold the story of a reluctant not-quite veterinarian for a ragtag traveling circus ruled by a sadistic boss named August (Connor Sullivan, with the right touch of malice) and operated by colorful outcasts (not the least of which is scene-stealing, height-challenged Tyler West). Also part of the enclave is the wife of the circus boss, Marlena, gracefully conveyed by Helen Krushinski, who negotiates a growing romantic inclination of the young Jankowski. Thus emerges the love triangle, which ably propels the drama and connects the celebratory evocation of life in the circus. The result is a magical evening of heart-lifting drama and heart-stopping acrobatics. Broadway and the Big Top continue a most successful marriage. Contact Howard Gollop at howieeg@gmail.com. IF YOU GO WHAT: "Water for Elephants" WHEN: Through March 29 (times vary) WHERE: Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Playhouse Square TICKETS: $34.80 to $139 INFO: (216) 241-6000 or playhousesquare.org