This cast recording highlights how well the music captures the era in which the story is set in – but also the fact that some of the songs don’t necessarily push the story forward enough.
Having read and enjoyed the 2006 book by Sara Gruen as well as the 2011 film starring Reese Witherspoon, I would never have imagined that Water for Elephants would necessarily be a good idea for a musical. But listening to the cast soundtrack (and having seen the show for myself on Broadway) the styles and genres of music work in perfect harmony for the story that unfolds.
Set in depression-era America, the story follows that of training vet Jacob Jankowski who runs away to join a circus following a tragedy and is story of love, struggles and friendship. Given the time period in which the story is set, it is of no surprise that PigPen Theatre’s music draws very much on the jazz, blues and folk genres for inspiration.
This can be particularly noticed on songs such ‘The Road Don’t Make You Young’ which is filled with plenty of soul and great harmonies that ensure that the listener is completely drawn into this era. On this song as on many, there is a vibrant energy to it that keeps the listener thoroughly engaged – but even this song early on on the album does leave the question lyrically how the many of the songs are truly used to push the story forward?
While perhaps the majority don’t there are some, particularly the menacing sounding ‘You’ve Got Nothing’ that helps to ramp up the tension as to where the story is at helping the show to build up to an intense climax. Perhaps it would have been a good idea to include some of the dialogue to help place the song in context a bit more, as the story has been softened a little from the original novel.
This being said, while musically and lyrically perhaps Water for Elephants is slightly more subtle than what many Broadway musicals are, there is no denying that as a score there is still plenty to admire in the way in which it draws on the circus and animals to tie in with the story perfectly. One strong example of this is the duet between Jacob and Marlena titled ‘Wild’ in which they compare themselves to the animals of the circus being trapped in cages, feels particularly profound.
Other highlights from the score include ‘zostań’ a beautiful song in Polish and English that is delightfully playful and joyful to listen to musically while highlighting the importance of communication. Meanwhile ‘Just Our Luck’ has a 1920’s speakeasy vibe to it that is hard not to tap your toes along to.
The score is at its best musically with its incorporation of jazz elements, along with the animal references that tie in nicely with the circus background to the story – just listen to ‘Funny Angel’ for example.
But the only niggle of that can truly be found is that the songs don’t drive the story forward hard enough to make a strong impact on someone listening to it without having seen the show. This being said, its subtlety is beautiful and reflects the era perfectly.
By Emma Clarendon
The original Broadway cast recording for Water for Elephants is available now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐