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