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.
Stone shares credit with Shana Carroll, “circus director” and co-choreographer with Jesse Robb for the show. I don’t know who did precisely what, but the result is one of the most authentic circus-themed shows to make it to Broadway. There’s almost none of the sparkly smiles found in “Pippin” or “Barnum,” but the piece is a richer accounting of why many Americans fell in love with a world constantly in motion and filled with equal measures of pain and joy.
Their performances, Stone’s direction, and Takeshi Kata’s ever-moving set are enough to keep the production on its track, though Rick Elice’s book often steers itself away. Each circus member has a backstory that’s hinted at during their introductions, then largely discarded. An interesting thread about animal cruelty is left undisturbed and, if I haven’t mentioned a plot yet, it’s because its wispy existence only materializes in the final moments of the first act, when the love triangle between Jacob, August, and Marlena musters up some drama. A frame story about Jacob in his senior years (Gregg Edelman), visiting a more modern circus, is tender but useless. But PigPen’s score, period appropriate with strumming ukuleles and happy-go-lucky lyrics, creates a strong thread to tie together the production’s tendency to roam. And the ensemble — by far the best arms on Broadway — provides endless visual richness. You’re never supposed to look too closely at the circus but, here, there’s more than enough to keep you staring.
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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