Sara Gruen

Interview: Paige Parkhill, Associate Choreographer of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Jun 21, 2026

Paige Parkhill, who hails from Kelowna, B.C., serves as Associate Choreographer on the Tony Award-nominated musical Water For Elephants, coming to Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre next month.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The Overture Center
by Scott Rawson - Jun 17, 2026

I truly enjoyed Water for Elephants far more than I thought I would. I came to the theater fearing the puppetry of the elephant would over shadow the actors. While it was spectacular, it did not over shadow the actors and for that I am grateful. And in an effort of full disclosure, admittedly, I also really hate the circus. No need to judge, just offering a little vulnerability here. Still, in spite of that I enjoyed the performance a great deal.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Ohio Theatre - A Spectacle in Search of a Soul
by Christina Mancuso - Jun 10, 2026

Based on Sara Gruen’s beloved 1932 novel - and its 2011 film adaptation, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is a technical triumph wrapped around a dramatically uneven musical.  Directed by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), and score by PigPen Theatre Co., WATER FOR ELEPHANTS leans heavily into spectacle over storytelling: aerial silks, acrobatics, puppetry, and constant physical motion that dominate the stage.  However, this spectacle overwhelms the story rather than serving it, resulting unfortunately in a flop under the big top.

Interview: Costume Designer David I. Reynoso of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Ohio Theatre
by Paul Batterson - Jun 8, 2026

Set and costume designer David I. Reynoso thought his chances for making it on Broadway greatly diminished after moving 2,400 miles away from New York City.

CATCH AS A CAN & More Lead Chicago's June 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Jun 3, 2026

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for June 2026 include Catch as a Can and more

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS to Make Wisconsin Debut at Madison's Overture Center
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026

The North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, the Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel, will make its Wisconsin premiere at Overture Hall in Madison.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at TPAC'S Jackson Hall
by Catherine Burford - May 14, 2026

All I knew about Water For Elephants was that it is a romantic drama set in a traveling circus during the Great Depression. I expected a circus with a rich color palette, beautiful costumes, acrobatics, and an elephant.

Tickets to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS National Tour in Chicago on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 16, 2026

Individual tickets for the North American Tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS in Chicago are going on sale! Individual tickets range from $30.00 to $130.00, with a limited number of premium seats available.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Apr 15, 2026

Sometimes people really do run away and join the circus. Author Sara Gruen had great success with that idea in her award winning novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, and Hollywood soon after took the story to the silver screen. Now a Broadway musical has hopped on the bandwagon and the result is often a often a captivating three ring circus of intrigue.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS National Tour is Coming to Shea's Buffalo Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2026

The North American tour of Water for Elephants will arrive at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre this April, bringing Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel to life with a Tony-nominated creative team and an award-winning Broadway production. Tickets are on sale now.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and More Set for Shea's Performing Arts Center April Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2026

Shea’s Performing Arts Center has revealed its April schedule of productions and special events. The lineup includes spectacle-filled new musical Water for Elephants, a performance by John Legend, and more.

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, DEATH BECOMES HER, and More Set For Fabulous Fox Theatre's 2026-2027 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2026

The Fabulous Fox Theatre has announced its 2026-2027 Broadway season, featuring a lineup of iconic stories and dazzling new musicals. Scheduled to commence in the fall of 2026, the season promises to bring a variety of performances that cater to diverse audiences. This announcement highlights the theatre's commitment to enriching the cultural landscape with high-quality theatrical productions. The season's specific show titles and opening dates will be revealed closer to the season launch.

THE OUTSIDERS, DEATH BECOMES HER, and More Set For Broadway in Hollywood 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2026

The 2026-27 season has been announced for Broadway in Hollywood, which will feature seven Los Angeles premieres direct from Broadway, a rock theatrical  classic, and the return of two Broadway blockbusters.

DEATH BECOMES HER, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For ASU Gammage 2026-2027 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026

ASU Gammage has announced its 2026–2027 Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona Broadway season with a dynamic blend of Tempe premieres, beloved classics, and acclaimed new hits.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Reveals 2026-27 Broadway Season - THE GREAT GATSBY and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2026

As Segerstrom Center for the Arts celebrates its 40th anniversary season, the Center has revealed its 2026–2027 Broadway season. This landmark season features 11 productions, including six Orange County premieres.

Review: High-Flying Feats in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at the Denver Center
by Jon Bee - Feb 12, 2026

The national tour of Water for Elephants is the latest show to stop at DCPA as it makes its way across the country. I only just last year read the novel by Sara Gruen followed quickly by the feature film starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson.

13 GOING ON 30 THE MUSICAL Will Make North American Premiere in Toronto
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026

The 2026/27 Operation Mirvish Theatre Season has been announced at the Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, including the North American premiere of 13 Going on 30 - The Musical. Learn more here!

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Musical Set for June Debut at Madison's Overture Center
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

The North American tour of Water for Elephants will play Overture Hall in Madison from June 16–21. Based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, the Broadway musical features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Co.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION Set for February Run at Rhinebeck
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck will present WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION, a vibrant adaptation of Sara Gruen's novel, featuring young talents in a circus-themed musical.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Horace High Theatre
by Brian Michaels - Feb 1, 2026

Horace High Theatre took on an ambitious and visually demanding musical with Water for Elephants, and the result was a production filled with heart, imagination, and an impressive level of artistic maturity. Blending music, movement, puppetry, and storytelling, this show leaned fully into the theatrical possibilities of the piece, and the students rose to the challenge beautifully.