Water for Elephants National Tour

This was my introduction to Water for Elephants.

I've heard from some people who have seen the movie or read the book that it doesn't necessarily match either, but since I don't have first-hand knowledge, I won't speak to it beyond that.

Instead, I want to talk about the show as I saw it, as well as the interviews that accompany this.

As I mentioned, I'd seen Zachary Keller in And Then There Were None at Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook a few (or a few more than a few) years ago. It was my introduction to Agatha Christie, and, as much as I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the performances even more.

In fact, I had just been talking to a friend about the show right before I got the opportunity to interview Zachary.

Being a straight play, I didn't get a chance to hear his singing, but his acting (as well as that of his castmates) was memorable, and I can say, having finally gotten the chance to hear him sing with this show, his singing was just as great as his acting.

And this was another show where everyone brought a strong, memorable performance, especially the circus performers.

I'd been looking for an excuse to interview a circus artist about that work and lifestyle, especially as it compares to more traditional theatre.

This show, which incorporated both, was a great opportunity to explore that subject, so I, again, jumped at the opportunity when it was presented.

I didn't go in with a specific request or preference for which performer I spoke with, but I was lucky that I got to talk to Serafina.

Between her work on this show and her experience beyond it, she was the perfect guest for that topic.

But while it was one thing to interview her in broad strokes, getting to actually see her (and her fellow performers) work on that stage was really something special.

The circus aspect was used to underscore both the overall scene of the show, as well as very specific (often emotionally heightened) points throughout the show, and I thought it did both quite well.

In lesser hands, it might have dampened or even cheapened the biggest parts of the show, but with these performers and these performances, it did anything but.

At the same time, like Zachary said, it really made the show accessible, as well.

The story is there, and, at times, heavy.

For adults who know that, the puppetry and circus performances are haunting, just as one would expect from a show of this caliber.

For kids, while I'm not one, I can see how some of the symbolism might go over their heads, with the circus artists and puppetry providing a distraction from those moments that they don't fully grasp or understand.

Between the interviews and the show, it was an experience that I more than enjoyed.