Grant Gustin to Shine Under the Big Top: ‘The Flash’ Star Makes Broadway Debut in ‘Water for Elephants’ Musical
Broadway is poised to welcome a fresh face as Grant Gustin, renowned for his electrifying role as The Flash and his memorable appearances on Glee, gears up to take center stage in his Broadway debut. The actor will illuminate the spotlight in the role of Jacob Jankowski, the intrepid veterinary student whose life takes a spectacular turn as he joins a circus, in the much-anticipated musical ‘Water for Elephants.’
The show, which is springing to life from the pages of Sara Gruen’s beloved novel, is no solo act. Joining Gustin is a stellar ensemble, including Isabelle McCalla, known for her performances in ‘The Prom’ and ‘Shucked,’ and Gregg Edelman, a veteran of the stage with four Tony nominations to his name. Paul Alexander Nolan, Stan Brown, Joe De Paul, Sara Gettelfinger, and Wade McCollum round out this dazzling principal cast, ensuring that the show’s premiere will be nothing short of extraordinary.
Audiences at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta already had a taste of the magic in June with the show’s world premiere. Now, the production is ready to transport Broadway audiences with its evocative tale of love, destiny, and spectacle. The show’s backbone is a creative team that reads like a who’s who of theatre. From Rick Elice’s book, a stirring score by PigPen Theatre Company, to the visionary direction of Jessica Stone, ‘Water for Elephants’ is primed to be a sensory feast.
The show also boasts a creative team that’s a veritable dream team of theatrical talent. Shana Carroll brings her circus design expertise, alongside Jesse Robb’s choreographic prowess. Takeshi Kata’s scenic design and David Israel Reynoso’s costumes will create a visual splendor, while Bradley King and Walter Trarbach ensure the lighting and sound are Broadway-worthy. From David Bengali’s projections to Campbell Young Associates’ hair and makeup artistry, and Camille Labarre’s puppetry design, every detail is meticulously crafted.
Music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Benedict Braxton-Smith, with Daryl Waters’ Tony-winning orchestrations, sets the stage for aural brilliance. Under the musical direction of Elizabeth Doran and with the physicality of the performance honed by Cha Ramos’ fight direction, the stage is set for an unmissable show.
The curtains will rise for previews at the Imperial Theatre on February 24, 2024, with an official opening night that’s set to spark imaginations on March 21. Grant Gustin is on the threshold of another genre-defying role, and Broadway is abuzz with anticipation for what’s touted as the season’s must-see event. ‘Water for Elephants’ promises a spectacle of narrative and performance that’s as unpredictable and thrilling as the circus it portrays.
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