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Water for Elephants Broadway

Water for Elephants 2024 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission
Ages: 11+
Opened: March 21, 2024
Closing: December 08, 2024

Water for Elephants - 2024 Broadway History , Info & More


Step right up and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Water for Elephants, the spellbinding Broadway musical that brings Sara Gruen's beloved novel to life. Since its debut at the Imperial Theatre in March 2024, this production has captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of circus magic.



What’s the show about? Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a young man who, after a personal tragedy, finds himself aboard a traveling circus train. As the show's new veterinarian, Jacob becomes entwined in a world of wonder and danger, forming deep connections with Marlena, the star equestrian, and Rosie, the enigmatic elephant who transforms their lives. The narrative weaves themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of belonging, all under the big top's dazzling lights.



The musical features an evocative score by PigPen Theatre Co., blending folk and Americana influences to create melodies that resonate with the era's spirit. Rick Elice's book adapts Gruen's novel with sensitivity and depth, capturing the essence of the original story while adding new dimensions for the stage. Directed by Jessica Stone, the production seamlessly integrates acrobatics, puppetry, and traditional theater, offering a truly immersive experience.



The original Broadway cast included Grant Gustin as Jacob Jankowski, Isabelle McCalla as Marlena, and Paul Alexander Nolan as August. Kyle Selig took over for Gustin in fall 2024.



Water for Elephants has garnered critical acclaim, receiving seven nominations at the 77th Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its innovative staging and heartfelt performances have solidified its place as a must-see production in the current Broadway season.


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PREVIEW Water for Elephants - 2024 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Water for Elephants

In Broadway’s ‘Water for Elephants,’ circus parts are good, songs are meh
6 / 10

Not everything works in Jessica Stone’s production — there’s a reason the words “dream sequence” tend to set off alarm bells — but at least it summons a coherent theatrical universe. And more often than not, the show (whose world premiere was this past June in Atlanta) captures the unabashed mix of romance and pathos that made its source material, a bestseller by Sara Gruen, so wildly popular.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: A THRILLING THROWBACK TO THE HEYDAY OF THE BIG TOP
9 / 10

Circus sagas so easily lend themselves to bathos: “Ridi, pagliaccio” and all that. Director Jessica Stone’s stage rendition of Water for Elephants – adapted by book writer Rick Elice from the best-selling novel (2006) and film (2011) – captures all the drama, but it’s clean-cut and concise, propulsive with passion and action. Unlike some other literary adaptations in the works or already on the boards, this production stands on its own merits as theatre. You could walk in with no prior knowledge, no expectations, and be transported.

Kyle Selig Will Replace Grant Gustin in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Nicole Rosky - August 15, 2024


BroadwayWorld has just learned that WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will welcome Kyle Selig (Mean Girls) to the role of Jacob Jankowski beginning Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Watch: 'The Road Don't Make You Young' Music Video From WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 14, 2024


Watch the official music video for 'The Road Don't Make You Young' from Water for Elephants on Broadway.

Video: A Declassified Understudy Survival Guide from Marissa Rosen
by Joey Mervis - August 14, 2024


In this video, Water For Elephants understudy extraordinaire Marissa Rosen, who is usually onstage eight times a week as Sue, breaks down how she manages her gender-bent understudy track of Walter Wallis the clown.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Will Launch National Tour in 2025
by Nicole Rosky - August 13, 2024


WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will launch its First National Tour in Baltimore, MD at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in the Fall of 2025.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS to Launch Tent Talkback Series This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 8, 2024


WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is launching the Tent Talkback Series. Learn more about the series and see how to attend.

Video: Isabelle McCalla and Antoine Boissereau Perform 'Easy' from WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Blair Ingenthron - July 26, 2024


Watch Isabelle McCalla and Antoine Boissereau perform 'Easy' from Water for Elephants in the video here.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Cast Recording To Be Released On CD In August
by A.A. Cristi - July 11, 2024


The circus comes home! The Water for Elephants: Original Broadway Cast Recording will be released on CD this month.

Video: Isabelle McCalla & Gregg Edelman Sing 'Shouldn't Be Surprised' in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Nicole Rosky - July 9, 2024


Catch a clip of 'Shouldn't Be Surprised' performed by Isabelle McCalla and Gregg Edelman in Broadway's Water For Elephants. Watch the video here!

Grant Gustin Will Depart WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on September 1
by Stephi Wild - June 27, 2024


Grant Gustin will play his final performance as 'Jacob Jankowski' in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.

Photos: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Celebrates 100th Broadway Performance
by Chloe Rabinowitz - June 20, 2024


See photos of Water for Elephants celebrating its 100 Broadway performance!

Photos: Go Inside WATER FOR ELEPHANTS' Tony Party
by Chloe Rabinowitz - June 17, 2024


See photos from Water for Elephants' Tony party!

Video: Ben Joins the Circus with Choreo from WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Joey Mervis - May 30, 2024


In this video, Ben breaks down Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll's Tony-nominated choreography for Broadway's Water for Elephants with the help of dance captain Brandon Block. Can you keep up?

Video: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Composers Perform 'The Road Don't Make You Young'
by A.A. Cristi - May 20, 2024


Check out video of Pigpen Theatre Company, composers of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway, perform ‘The Road Don’t Make You Young’.

Listen: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Original Broadway Cast Recording is Available Now
by Stephi Wild - May 17, 2024


The Original Broadway Cast Recording of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is now available in streaming and digital formats. A physical CD will be available later this summer.

Exclusive: Get a First Listen to 'Anywhere/Another Train' From WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2024


BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen to 'Anywhere/Another Train from Water for Elephants!

Photos: See Steven Spielberg and Mike Faist at WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2024


Check out photos of Mike Faist and Steven Spielberg visiting Water for Elephants on Broadway! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Listen: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Releases 'The Road Don't Make You Young'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 10, 2024


Water for Elephants: Original Broadway Cast Recording has released its third single – “The Road Don’t Make You Young'. Listen here!

Broadway By Design: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2024


we continue with the creatives from Water for Elephants- Scenic Designer Takeshi Kata, Lighting Designer Bradley King, Projection Designer David Bengali, Sound Designer Walter Trarbach, and Costume Designer David Israel Reynoso.

Video: Watch the Cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Perform 'The Lion Has Got No Teeth'
by Blair Ingenthron - May 4, 2024


Watch Paul Alexander Nolan and the cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS perform 'The Lion Has Got No Teeth' in the video here.

Video: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS' Isabelle McCalla Shares Why Audiences Have Connected With This Timeless Story
by Survival Jobs - May 2, 2024


On the latest episode of Survival Jobs, as they chat with the incredibly talented and charming Isabelle McCalla, who is currently starring as ‘Marlena’ in the hit Broadway production of Water for Elephants, which received seven Tony Award nominations including Best Musical this week! Watch the full video interview here!

Video: Get a First Look at WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 29, 2024


Get a first look at footage of Water for Elephants on Broadway!

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Will Release Original Broadway Cast Recording; Listen to the First Two Songs!
by Stephi Wild - April 26, 2024


The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Water for Elephants will be released on Friday, May 17. The first two singles, “Wild” and “Silver Stars,” are available today, Friday, April 26.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Releases New Block of Tickets Through February 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 22, 2024


A new block of tickets is now on sale for the new Broadway musical WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Water for Elephants FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get Rush Tickets for Water for Elephants on Broadway?

Rush Tickets:

Price: $49
Where: Imperial Theatre box office (249 West 45th Street) box office. The box office is open 10AM-8:30PM Monday through Saturday and 12-6PM on Sunday.
Limit: Two per customer.
Restrictions: Locations and number of tickets based on availability; seats may be partial view. 

Does Water for Elephants on Broadway have a daily lottery?

Lottery Tickets:

Price: $40
Where: The Imperial Theatre box office (249 West 45th Street).
When: Entry begins two hours prior to the curtain with the drawing 90 minutes prior to curtain. 
Limit: Two per customer.
Restrictions: Locations and number of tickets based on availability; seats may be partial view. 

How long has Water for Elephants been running on Broadway?
Water for Elephants opened at the Imperial Theatre (Broadway) on Thursday Mar 21, 2024 and has now been running for 1 month.

Water for Elephants History

Other Productions of Water for Elephants

2024   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2025   US Tour North American Tour
US Tour

Water for Elephants - 2024 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Jesse Robb
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical David Israel Reynoso
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Direction of a Musical Jessica Stone
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Fight Choreography Cha Ramos
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical Bradley King
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Puppetry Ray Wetmore
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical Walter Trarbach
2024 Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a Musical Water for Elephants
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Choreography (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Jesse Robb
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Jessica Stone
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Lighting Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Bradley King
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Musical Water for Elephants
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Video/Projections (Broadway or Off-Broadway) David Bengali
2024 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Rick Elice
2024 Tony Awards Best Choreography Jesse Robb
2024 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Musical David Israel Reynoso
2024 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Jessica Stone
2024 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design of a Musical Bradley King
2024 Tony Awards Best Musical Water for Elephants
2024 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design of a Musical Takeshi Kata

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