Meet the Cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!

Water For Elephants begins previews tonight, Saturday, February 24, 2024, and opens on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street). Meet the cast of Water for Elephants below!

The new musical is based on the critically acclaimed and New York Times Bestselling novel by Sara Gruen. The new musical has a book by three-time Tony Award nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. (The Tale of Despereaux) and is directed by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo).

The musical features Grant Gustin (“The Flash”, “Glee”) in his Broadway debut starring alongside Isabelle McCalla (The Prom, Shucked), four-time Tony Award nominee Gregg Edelman (City of Angels), Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle Award nominee Paul Alexander Nolan (Slave Play), Stan Brown, Joe De Paul, Sara Gettelfinger and Wade McCollum.

The ensemble includes Brandon Block, Antoine Boissereau, Rachael Boyd, Paul Castree, Ken Wulf Clark, Taylor Colleton, Gabriel Olivera de Paula Costa, Isabella Luisa Diaz, Samantha Gershman, Keaton Hentoff-Killian, Nicolas Jelmoni, Caroline Kane, Harley Ross Beckwith McLeish, Michael Mendez, Samuel Renaud, Marissa Rosen, Alexandra Gaelle Royer, Asa Somers, Charles South, Sean Stack, Matthew Varvar and Michelle West

Grant Gustin (Jacob Jankowski)

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Grant always enjoyed performing. While attending Granby High School, he attended the prestigious Governor’s School for the Arts program to focus on musical theatre and appeared in Cabaret, All Shook Up, and Little Shop of Horrors.  After graduation, Gustin was admitted into the BFA Music Theatre Program at Elon University in North Carolina.  It was during his sophomore year that he decided to audition for the Broadway revival tour of West Side Story and was awarded the role of Baby John and toured across the country with over 400 performances. After wrapping the tour, Grant joined the third season of the popular musical series, “Glee” in which he played Sebastian Smythe, the lead of Dalton Academy's Warblers singing group. On the film side, Grant was seen in the independent film Krystal, directed by William H. Macy. The cast included Felicity Huffman, Rosario Dawson, Nick Robinson, and Kathy Bates. Grant was also part of the ensemble cast of the indie drama Affluenza, directed by Kevin Asch. Grant starred for nine seasons on the globally successful series, “The Flash.”  His role as Barry Allen brought Grant widespread acclaim as well as several awards. Grant has also made several crossover appearances on “Arrow," "Legends of Tomorrow," and "Supergirl," as well as having guested on such series as “90210” and “CSI: Miami.”

Isabelle McCalla (Marlena)

is currently starring as Maizy in Shucked on Broadway. She originated the role of Alyssa Greene in The Prom and played Princess Jasmine in Aladdin both on Broadway and the North American Tour. She originated the role of Marlena in the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre this past summer. Other stage credits include Meg in Hercules at Paper Mill Playhouse, Ariel Moore in Footloose (Kennedy Center), and Tink in Fly (La Jolla Playhouse). TV: “Extrapolations” (AppleTV+), “And Just Like That” (HBO), “Law & Order” (NBC), “Bull” (CBS). @izzymccalla

Gregg Edelman (Mr. Jankowski)

has been part of the New York theatre scene for the past forty years. His performances have earned him four TONY nominations, the Drama Desk Award, as well as many other honors. He has starred in such shows as City Of Angels, 1776, Into The Woods, Les Misérables, Wonderful Town, to name a few. Other productions around town include Richard Greenberg’s The Perplexed at MTC, Candide at the New York City Opera and the world premiere of A.R. Gurney’s Black Tie. His filmography includes She Came To Me, She Said, Little Children, Liberal Arts, among many others, and his work on television includes “The Sinner,” “House Of Cards,” all the “Law and Order” programs, among many others. He is an Artistic Associate at the Berkshire Theatre Group and has directed numerous shows there including Constellations, Once, What We May Be, White Christmas, and Arsenic and Old Lace, among others.

Paul Alexander Nolan (August)

Paul Alexander Nolan’s role as August in Water for Elephants will mark his 10th Broadway show. Most recently, he played prosecutor Hugh Dorsey in the 2023 Tony-winning revival of Parade. In 2021, he reprised his role as Jim in the most Tony-nominated play in history, Slave Play, and toured with that production to the Mark Taper Forum in LA. Other Broadway roles include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Guy in Once, Jimmy Ray in Bright Star (Drama Desk nomination), Pasha/Strelnikov in Doctor Zhivago (Outer Critics Circle nomination), Billy Flynn in Chicago, and Tully in Escape to Margaritaville. Off-Broadway: Original casts of Daddy Long Legs and Slave Play. Recent regional: Life After at Chicago's Goodman Theatre and Ahrens and Flaherty’s new musical, Knoxville, at Asolo Rep, directed by the late Frank Galati. Paul can be heard on 6 original cast albums. TV credits include “The Code,” “Madam Secretary” and “Instinct” for CBS.

Stan Brown (Camel)

is grateful to make a Broadway debut at 60-years-old. Favorite credits include Cherry Lane's “Open Heart,” NBC's “Homicide: Life in the Streets,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and the acclaimed series “I’ll Fly Away.” Film credits include Modern Love (dir. Robby Benson) and Getting In (dir. Doug Liman). In the award-winning short film, The Bespoke Tailoring of Mr. Bellamy (dir. Alexander Jeffery), Stan's portrayal won the Louisiana Film Prize's Best Actor award. The film was also shortlisted for the Academy Award ballot. Stan holds the Inaugural W. Rockwell Wirtz Professorship in Acting at Northwestern University. He holds an MFA in Acting from the University of South Carolina, received classical training as an Acting Fellow at Washington D.C.'s Shakespeare Theatre, and did postgraduate research in Contemporary Shakespearean Performance at Warwick University (Coventry, England). Stan's work caught the attention of the late Cicely Berry, former Head of Voice at the Royal Shakespeare Company (England), who became his mentor and personally invited him to continue his research with the Voice Department at the RSC.

Joe De Paul (Walter)

Canadian clown, actor, teacher, director Joe De Paul has performed in various productions across North America and Europe, ranging from classical theatre to new works, receiving the META award for Best Actor for Head À Tëte. Joe has appeared on screen in projects such as Bonnano, A God Father Story, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, Sirens, Space Cases, Sublet, Frankenstein and Me, Are you afraid of the Dark?, Clutch, Indoors, and Vendetta: The New mafia. In 1999 Joe really did run away with the circus and began his career as a clown performing in numerous Cirque du Soleil productions, including his debut in the North American tour and in the Emmy award winning film version of Dralion. Joe’s unique physical comedy has brought him critical acclaim in various circuses and cabarets in North America and Europe including Salto Natale in Zurich, Palazzo in Germany, and Cirque Zanzibar in France. Joe has toured from Spain to Finland with Los Galindos circus. Joe co-founded the “Collectif Clown International de Marseille” for the research and development of new works. He has taught at the Geneva Circus School, National Theatre School of Canada, L’École National du Cirque and Concordia University. He has directed clowns for Cirque du Soleil’s Ama Luna, Ka, Drawn to Life and directed and starred in over 15 productions of Teatro Zinzanni in Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago. Joe has authored and toured internationally two full length productions, Placebo and Thank God for Tim and Joe. Joe was a proud member of the world premiere for Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta in the Spring of 2023.

Sara Gettelfinger (Barbara) 

most recently starred as Barbara in the world premiere of Water for Elephants (directed by Jessica Stone at The Alliance Theatre) and as Star in the regional premiere of The Cher Show (Ogunquit Playhouse). Broadway/National Tours: The Addams Family (Morticia), A Free Man of Color (Dona Athene opposite Jeffrey Wright and Mos Def), The 101 Dalmatians Musical (Cruella de Vil), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Jolene Oakes opposite John Lithgow), Nine (Carla, with Antonio Banderas and John Stamos), The Boys from Syracuse, Seussical, Fosse. Other NYC/Regional: Atomic,Carnival!,Tenderloin, Chicago, Grey Gardens, Anything Goes, Catch Me If You Can, Pippin. TV/Film: “Guiding Light,” “Ed,” “Without a Trace,” Georgetown, “The Big C,” “Forbidden Love,” and Sex and the City.

Wade McCollum (Wade)

Broadway: Wicked (Witch’s Father, Wizard/Dr. Dillamond cover). London’s West End: World Premiere of It Happened in Key West (Carl). Broadway Tours: Lincoln Center Theatre’s My Fair Lady (Karpathy/Higgins cover), Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (Tick/Mitzi), Jersey Boys (Norm). Off-Broadway: Make Me Gorgeous (Kate/Kenneth Marlowe), Triassic Parq (Velociraptor of Faith), Secondary Dominance (The Muse), and McCollum’s Lortel Nominated and Norton Award-winning performance as Ernest in Ernest Shackleton Loves Me. World Premieres: Water for Elephants, Alliance Theatre (Wade); Michael Weller’s A Welcome Guest, CATF (Shimeus); Rob Askins’ The Carpenter, Alley Theatre (Gene); Fly By Night, TheatreWorks Palo Alto (The Narrator). Select Theatre: I Am My Own Wife, PCS (Charlotte/Others); A Lie Of The Mind, PCPA (Jake); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Willamette Rep (Puck); Batboy the Musical, PCS (Batboy); The Rocky Horror Show, Triangle Productions (Frank-N-Furter); The Santaland Diaries, Syracuse Stage (Crumpet); Cabaret, Dallas Theatre Center (Emcee) - Dallas/Fort Worth Theatre Critics Award; Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Triangle Productions and L.A.’s Celebration Theatre (Hedwig) - Drammy, Ovation, Los Angeles Critics Circle, and Garland Awards. Select TV and film: “FBI: MW,” “Madame Secretary,” “The Knick,” “Nightcap,” “At Home with Amy Sedaris,” Options, “Prodigal Son,” Delicate Instruments, “Submissions Only,” and Ernest Shackleton Loves Me on broadwayhd.com.www.wadesong.com

Brandon Block (Swing)

is ecstatic to be making his Broadway Debut in Water for Elephants. Favorite credits include: Swing/Dance Captain/Fight Captain/Assistant Choreographer in the World Premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre. Charles/Miss Higgins’ Servant in Lincoln Center’s My Fair Lady (US Tour), Swing/Dance Captain in Miss Saigon (US Tour), the pre-Broadway tryout of Roman Holiday (Golden Gate Theatre), and onscreen in the feature film Isn’t It Romantic. Special shout out to OU MT, SD Lewis, Ryan, Tiffany, and mom Maria, for helping make his dreams a reality. Instagram: @brandonblock1125

Antoine Boissereau (Ensemble)

French-born, graduate of the national circus school of Montreal. Performing from an early age, from big top tours to intimate cabarets to independent original creations. Awarded at the 42nd Festival Mondial du Cirque de demain. Elated to be making a Broadway Debut. Infinitely grateful to the Water for Elephants family, wonderful cast and crew. Special mention to Shana Carroll/the 7Fingers for trusting me and taking me into this new world. It’s been the most wonderful, unexpected experience. Love to my family, friends, coaches and mentors. x @antoineboissereau

Rachael Boyd (Swing)

The pocket-sized powerhouse started her gymnastics career at age 5 and by day 2 had her heart set on the Olympics. In 2012 Rachael was selected for Australia’s London Olympic Squad prior to injury. Shortly thereafter she discovered her passion for acrobatics and toured globally with the Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths, performing in 25+ countries in the shows Backbone, A Simple Space, and The Pulse. She most recently performed in Les 7 Doigts show “Duel Reality.” A notable achievement is her record of 86 consecutive standing backsaults - a record she refuses to break for fear of becoming permanently horizontal. Rachael is set to make her Broadway debut in the much-anticipated musical Water for Elephants.

Paul Castree (Ensemble)

joined Water for Elephants for its 2019 reading, the 2022 workshop, the 2023 Alliance Theatre production, and he happily continues the ride. Broadway: Original cast member of Disaster!, 9 to 5, Young Frankenstein, High Fidelity, All Shook Up, Saturday Night Fever, Footloose, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Grease!. Lead vocalist stand-by for Movin' Out. National Tour: Joseph...Dreamcoat, Bye Bye Birdie. Off Broadway, Los Angeles and Toronto productions of Forever Plaid - L.A. Ovation award, Canada's Dora award. New York City Opera: The Most Happy Fella. Eight original cast albums, and the grammy nominated Actors Fund concerts of Dreamgirls and Hair. 

Ken Wulf Clark (Swing)

Originally from Miami and thrilled to be joining the circus! BROADWAY: Jagged Little Pill, …Great Comet of 1812. OFF-BROADWAY: ...Great Comet, February House, Titanique. Nat. Tour: La Cage Aux Folles. Regional: Yep. Film: The Irishman, Martin Eden, Lost Nation. TV: “House of Cards,” “Gotham,” “Sneaky Pete,” “The Blacklist,” “For Life,” “L&O.” Repped by Station 3 and Artists and Representatives. Ken's a big golf guy. Hi, mom!

Taylor Colleton (Ensemble)

is thrilled to finally be making her OFFICIAL Broadway debut! Broadway: Hadestown. Off-Broadway: Henry Box Brown: The Musical (Children’s Theater Company). Regional: World Premiere of Water for Elephants (Alliance Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (Ordway Center for the Performing Arts); Oklahoma (Denver Center for the Performing Arts); Drowsy Chaperone (Totem Pole Playhouse); Rock of Ages (Norwegian Cruise Line). National Tour: Beauty and the Beast. Carnegie Hall: Harmonic Convergence Guest Artist. Proud UArts alumni. Endless thanks and love to God, family, and friends, the W4E creative team, and Tara Ruben casting! IG: @taylorcolleton

Gabriel Olivera de Paula Costa (Ensemble)

is an artist from Brazil. He studied Circus Arts in the National Circus School in Rio de Janeiro (ENCLO). He performed around the world with shows like: Paramour (Cirque du Soleil), Duel Reality (7 Fingers) and the premiere of Water for Elephants in Atlanta. His disciplines are Chinese Pole and Floor Acrobatics.

Isabella Luisa Diaz (Ensemble)

grew up in Chicago and has a passion for collecting hobbies. From a baby gymnast (16yrs, lvl 10) to marching band (2nd chair, can’t win them all…), they devoted their life to the arts and went on to study dance at Western Michigan University. When they moved to NY, they were slinging pizzas up until they joined Pilobolus Dance Theatre, touring from 2016-2020. In 2021, they joined The 7 Fingers and got swept into the world of circus— original cast of Dear San Francisco and co-composer of their song Coming West. Performer and choreographer for Midnight Circus. And now, they are so jazzed to be making their Broadway debut! Shoutout to my parents for endlessly supporting me and to my wife for keeping me grounded and giggling.

Samantha Gershman (Swing)

is incredibly grateful to join the cast of Water for Elephants. Broadway: A Beautiful Noise. Broadway Tours: Jersey Boys (Mary Delgado) and Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy standby). Other favorite credits: A Chorus Line (Helen Hayes Award winner for Diana Morales), Evita (Eva Perón), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van DeGraaff) and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Shimmy Girl). Endless gratitude for DGRW, Tara Rubin Casting and the entire creative team at W4E. So much love and appreciation for her family and, as always, Sam dedicates this to her dad. 

Keaton Hentoff-Killian (Ensemble)

Broadway Debut and still trying to understand how they ended up here. Featured Acrobat/Artistic Secondment with C!RCA (Humans, Humans2.0, Leviathan, En Masse, What Will Have Been, Carnival of the Animals) Artistic Lead with Midnight Circus! Featured Performer and Head Acrobat with Strut n Fret (The Party). Aspiring Ceramicist, Scrapbooker Extraordinaire and slightly above average baker. Can do birthday parties for the right price. Thanks to my family, the W4E team and the first circus I was ever part of, Circus Harmony!  You can find me online @KeatonHK or dining on cheese and wine with the squirrels in Central Park.

Nicolas Jelmoni (Ensemble)

Born and raised in Monaco, Nicolas is a proud graduate of the National Circus School in Montreal. Kicking off his career and Broadway journey with Pippin, Nicolas has since then been fortunate to tour globally, performing in cities like London, Paris, Tokyo, Montreal, Amsterdam, Berlin, and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Award winning performer continuously seeking growth and thriving on challenges, Nicolas recently crafted and produced his own circus cabaret show: Delirious, a celebration of the Art of the party. With an infectious zest for life, Nicolas brings his positive, outgoing spirit, and a touch of whimsy to every performance.

Caroline Kane (Ensemble) (She/her)

Broadway debut! Regional: The Alliance Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Goodspeed Opera House, Sacramento Music Circus, Walnut Street Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival. TV/Film: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Seasons 4 and 5), “I am Wrath,” “Holidaysburgh,” and“Better With You” (music video, Ella Baez). All my love to mom, dad, and sisters, thanks to Marc and Dustin at Daniel Hoff Agency and W4E team, Otterbein BFA. Honored to be a part of this incredible company! @carolinekane7

HARLEY ROSS BECKWITH McLEISH (Swing)

Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Harley began his circus journey at the age of 10 with Flipside Youth Circus. At 17, he was accepted into the Beijing International Arts School and went on to train at the renowned Ecole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal. He has since performed his craft and created acts with major international companies including Cirque du Soleil and Les 7 Doigts de la Main, and shows including Traces, Crystal, Pippin, The Last Chapter - Sharjah World Book Capital, opening performances for Florence and The Machine and Enrique Iglesias, and worked in international film productions. He looks forward to continuing this journey for many years to come.

Michael Mendez (Ensemble)

recently appeared in the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre.  Broadway: Chaplin (Original Broadway Cast recording). New York: Hey, Look Me Over! (City Center Encores!), Fat Camp the Musical (Off-Broadway). Regional: Shrek (Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre), Man of La Mancha (Westport Country Playhouse), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe), Damn Yankees (Goodspeed Opera House), Peter and the Starcatcher (Weston Theatre Company), and Billy Elliot (North Carolina Theatre).  Michael is currently an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College.  @mendezzzz

Samuel Renaud (Ensemble)

Coming from Montreal, Quebec, Sam never thought he would end up a circus artist. After graduating high school, he began the journey into his plumbing career. He thought he had it all figured out—that is, until “he chose the ride." Running away to the circus, he attended the national circus school in Montreal, graduating in 2017 specializing in Russian Cradle and Hand to Hand. Since then, Sam has contributed his talents to many companies, such as the 7 Fingers, Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, Circus Flora, and Palazzo. He hopes to keep this dream a reality for years to come. INY

Marissa Rosen (Ensemble)

feels so lucky to be making her Broadway Debut with this beautiful show after originating the role of Sue in Atlanta this summer. She can be seen touring the country singing with Kristin Chenoweth & Jessica Vosk and on this season’s musical episode of “Doom Patrol” on HBO Max. Broadway: For the Girls w/ Kristin Chenoweth. Off-Broadway: R.R.R.E.D., The Marvelous Wonderettes, My Big Gay Italian Wedding, BedBugs the Musical. Favorites Credits: Jawbreaker, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Bare, Into the Woods. TV: “Modern Love” (Amazon Prime), “Law & Order SVU” (NBC), “Doom Patrol” (HBO). Her debut album, “The Award-Winning Holiday Album” with Marty Thomas, is on all platforms! Follow along @themarissarosen!

Alexandra Gaelle Royer (Ensemble)

Flying through the skies, sipping tea in every corner of the world and traveling vast distances to embrace friends, perform, or just follow the wind that takes her.

Alexandra Royer has toured the world with the circus since 2011. She is excited to make her Broadway debut in Water for Elephants.

#975forever

Asa Somers (u/s Mr. Jankowski, u/s Camel)

Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, Grey Gardens, Taboo, Dance of the Vampires, The Rocky Horror Show. Off-Broadway and regional: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (NYC’s Jane Street Theatre and SF’s Victoria Theatre); Fly By Night (Dallas); Elvis: A Musical Revolution (Philly); Once Around the Sun (Zipper Theatre, NYC). TV credits include: “Billions,” “The Good Wife,” “Mr. Robot,” and “Gossip Girl.” Asa also wrote the libretto for the Duck Dynasty musical (Rio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas) and Everyone Comes to Elaine’s (in development), both directed by Tony-nominee Jeff Calhoun, as well as the short play that sweet D, which premiered in 2023 at LA’s Towne Street Theatre. Insta: @asasomers.

Charles South (Ensemble)

is honored to be joining the circus at the iconic Imperial Theatre!  Charles recently finished his run at the Shubert Theatre in the Tony-award winning musical Some Like it Hot. He was also recently seen dancing in Disney's Christmas Day Parade (2023). Broadway: Some Like it Hot(OBC), Aladdin. Tours: West Side Story (international), Aladdin (OTC), Carmen la Cubana (Theatre de Chatelet). Charles has also choreographed and directed productions of West Side Story regionally and for Symphony's across the country. He is delighted to be back hitting it on Broadway! Nothing but love to my fam and mis amigos- Hartt School Grad- Take 3 Talent Agency-Vamos!!!

Sean Stack (Ensemble)

is a Miami-raised actor. He is thrilled and grateful to be making his Broadway debut in Water for Elephants, alongside some beloved best friends. Off-Broadway: Between the Lines. Regional: ROW (Williamstown Theater Festival/Audible). He would like to acknowledge and thank all his current and past teachers for their dedication and guidance. A very, very special thank you to his homies at DGRW, to the folks at Tara Rubin Casting, and to the W4E creative team for believing in him. Sean is a graduate of the UNCSA School of Drama and NWSA. Mom, Dad, Ali, xo. @miamisunshineboy

Matthew Varvar (Ensemble)

is over the moon to be making his Broadway Debut with the Water for Elephants family! He was most recently seen in the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre. Credits include: Tour: Joseph…Dreamcoat, Elf: The Musical. Regional: The Who’s Tommy(Kennedy Center), Kinky Boots (Hollywood Bowl), Cinderella/Matilda/Prince of Egypt (Tuacahn), Mamma Mia (Fulton Theatre). TV/Film: Dispatches from Elsewhere (AMC). Concert Dance: MM2 Modern Dance Company. Big thanks to all the magical humans in his life, CESD, Tara Rubin, W4E Team, and his little Reggie Man. @matthewvarvar

Michelle West (Swing)

is excited to choose the ride! Broadway: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, NY/Tours: Aladdin (1st Nat'l), West Side Story (Carnegie Hall), Memphis, Sid the Science Kid Live!, Regional: Water for Elephants, The Prom, Legally Blonde, The Wiz, Hello, Dolly!, Avenue Q, The Wizard of Oz.

Endless love to the W4E Team, My Husband, Family, Kobe (RIP), The BIA Community, Tim English, and Hudson Artists Agency. Follow me on insta @chelleywest

Photo Credit: Polk PR