Former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Stars in 'Water for Elephants' Musical

Robert Tully, who has 'run away with the circus' before, plays the narrator in the touring production coming to Playhouse Square.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Robert Tully, a Cincinnati native, is starring as Mr. Jankowski, the narrator and older version of the protagonist Jacob, in the touring production of the circus-themed Broadway musical 'Water for Elephants.' Tully has previous experience with the circus, having worked as a ringmaster with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in the 1990s. The musical, which combines high-flying acrobatics, dazzling puppetry, and a genre-bending score, tells a story about love, loss, and second chances during the Great Depression.

Why it matters

Tully's real-life experience with the circus lends authenticity to his portrayal of Mr. Jankowski, a character who is reflecting on his exciting life. The musical's themes of inclusion and healthy living at any age also resonate with Tully, who is an avid runner and former personal trainer.

The details

In the musical, Tully's character Mr. Jankowski is the older version of the protagonist Jacob, who joins a struggling circus in the 1930s and falls for the star performer Marlena. The production features Cirque du Soleil-caliber acrobats and a team of puppeteers who bring the circus animals, including a life-size elephant named Rosie, to life. Tully says the music, which blends Broadway, folk, jazz, and bluegrass influences, powers the show's emotion.

  • Tully first 'ran away with the circus' in 1993 when he was cast to play a ringmaster in a circus-themed show aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.
  • In 1998, Tully spent a year as an actual ringmaster with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.
  • 'Water for Elephants' is playing at Playhouse Square in Cleveland from March 10-29, 2026.

The players

Robert Tully

A Cincinnati native who is starring as Mr. Jankowski, the narrator and older version of the protagonist Jacob, in the touring production of the circus-themed Broadway musical 'Water for Elephants.' Tully has previous experience with the circus, having worked as a ringmaster with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in the 1990s.

Zachary Keller

The actor who plays the younger version of the protagonist Jacob in 'Water for Elephants.'

Helen Krushinski

The actress who plays Marlena, the star performer and the ringmaster's wife, in 'Water for Elephants.'

PigPen Theatre Co.

The group that composed the unique blend of Broadway, folk, jazz, and bluegrass music that powers the emotion in 'Water for Elephants.'

Playhouse Square

The venue in Cleveland, Ohio where 'Water for Elephants' is playing from March 10-29, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The most amazing thing about it was sitting down and talking to people from Spain, Mexico, South America and Asia and getting their perspective on life.”

— Robert Tully (Cleveland.com)

“Mr. Jankowski is working through his frustration living in a nursing home after having this exciting life. Then by the end, he's offered a chance for another adventure. Being somebody who is 65 years old, I can identify with that.”

— Robert Tully (Cleveland.com)

“You see bits and pieces of the elephant throughout the first act: a leg, an ear, a trunk. Then, all of a sudden, the full-size Rosie appears. It's one of the big 'ooh-ahh' moments for the audience.”

— Robert Tully (Cleveland.com)

“These days, the message of inclusion is more important than it's ever been.”

— Robert Tully (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

The musical 'Water for Elephants' will continue its tour, with upcoming performances scheduled at other venues across the country.

The takeaway

Robert Tully's real-life experience with the circus lends authenticity to his portrayal of Mr. Jankowski in the 'Water for Elephants' musical, which combines spectacle and a compelling human story to deliver a message of inclusion and healthy living at any age.