Broadway has long been a stage where a wide array of narratives come to life, encompassing everything from the human condition to the extraordinary world of animals. Numerous stage productions have incorporated animal characters, whether through puppetry or creative costumes. These productions not only offer a fun viewing experience but also often carry impactful messages about our relationship with the natural world.
Let's dive into some of the most prominent animal-centric shows currently on Broadway and examine how they captivate audiences, champion animal welfare, and push the boundaries of theatrical innovation.
The Lion King: A Broadway Classic
“Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” – these phrases immediately bring to mind a Broadway classic, The Lion King. With its iconic musical score by Elton John and Tim Rice and groundbreaking puppetry and costume design, The Lion King has been a cornerstone of Broadway since its premiere in 1997.
The show, inspired by the 1994 Disney animated film, revolves around the life of Simba, a young lion prince who must navigate the trials and tribulations of the animal kingdom to claim his rightful place as king. Set against the backdrop of Africa's landscapes, the story explores themes of responsibility, redemption, and the circle of life, giving it a universal appeal that resonates with audiences of all ages.
What sets The Lion King apart from other Broadway productions, however, is its portrayal of a wide array of animal species. From towering giraffes to sprightly meerkats, the animal characters are brought to life through a blend of acting, masks, and intricate puppetry, created by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry. Each character is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the animal they portray, from the graceful movements of the gazelles to the power of the lions. For instance, the actors playing Mufasa and Simba wear headpieces that can be raised and lowered to switch between a human and a lion persona. The ensemble members, who portray various animals of the Pride Lands, don costumes that subtly suggest the animal they represent, with some also manipulating larger-scale puppets. Gazelles, for instance, are represented by small, elegant puppets attached to the dancers' arms, creating a graceful visual display during the ensemble numbers.
The Lion King's unique approach to portraying animals has been met with widespread acclaim, contributing to the show's success. Not only did it win six Tony Awards® in 1998, including Best Musical, but its popularity has endured over the years, making it one of the longest-running shows on Broadway. Its impact goes beyond accolades and box office returns; it has also resonated deeply with audiences who appreciate its message of unity, responsibility, and respect for all living things.
Water for Elephants: A Tale of Love and Friendship
Let's shift our focus from the African savannah to the world of a 1930s American circus with Water for Elephants, another Broadway production that incorporates animal elements. Like The Lion King, Water for Elephants is an adaptation, this time of the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, which has also been turned into a popular film.
The story of Water for Elephants is centered around Jacob Jankowski, a young veterinary student who—after a tragic family event—finds himself working as a vet for a traveling circus. Here, he encounters Marlena, the star performer, and Rosie, an apparently stubborn elephant who becomes central to the plot.
Rosie, the elephant, is an important part of the show. Instead of using a live elephant, the musical employs a puppet to portray Rosie, ensuring that the production remains respectful and considerate of animal welfare. This puppet, operated by multiple puppeteers, is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into bringing such a complex character to life on stage. Rosie, despite being a puppet, is portrayed with such warmth and expressiveness that she becomes as much a character as her human counterparts. The relationships between her, Jacob, and Marlena create a tale of love and friendship that transcends species. The story of Water for Elephants is a reminder to extend empathy and compassion not just toward fellow humans but to animals as well. Its portrayal of Rosie's intelligence and emotional depth challenges the audience to rethink their perceptions of animals, demonstrating that they, too, have stories worth telling.
The show also sparks conversations about animal welfare, particularly in industries like the circus, which have a complex history in this regard. By presenting an animal-centric narrative that does not use live animals as props, Water for Elephants encourages viewers to consider their relationships with animals and to reflect on the importance of empathy and respect for all living creatures.
The Importance of Animal-Centric Shows on Broadway
The significance of these shows cannot be overstated; by incorporating animal characters and narratives into their productions, they offer a viewing experience that broadens the scope of traditional theatre. But their importance extends beyond entertainment value. They also serve as platforms for raising awareness about animal rights and promoting empathy toward non-human creatures.
Recognizing the importance of animal-centric productions, organizations like PETA have even created awards to honor shows that promote animal rights. The PETA's Pony Awards, for instance, acknowledge productions that "use innovative and cruelty-free methods to tell stories involving animals." These awards not only celebrate the creativity and compassion of these productions but also highlight the role that the theatre industry can play in promoting animal-friendly practices.
Broadway's Water for Elephants has been honored with PETA's Pony Award, a recognition of the show's innovative use of puppetry and special effects to depict animals on stage. This award acknowledges the efforts made by the production to avoid using live animals, instead opting for creative theatrical techniques. PETA praised Water for Elephants not just for its ethical choices but also for the awareness it brings about animal cruelty often associated with circuses. The organization urges others in the entertainment industry to follow suit, stating, “PETA encourages everyone in the entertainment industry to follow [Water for Elephants’] example by bringing animals to the stage and screen through creativity, not cruelty.”
Broadway's animal-centric shows offer a blend of entertainment, education, and inspiration. By taking audiences on journeys through the animal kingdom, they offer fresh perspectives and provoke thoughtful conversations. If you've never experienced one of these shows, consider adding them to your must-see list.