The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to vivid life on Broadway in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical.
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Directed by Tony Award®️ nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co., WATER FOR ELEPHANTS unites innovative stagecraft with the very best of Broadway talent in an authentic and deeply moving new musical that invites us all to give ourselves to the unknown.
There’s a lot to take in at the new musical based on Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel (which has already inspired a 2011 film). The show features a melodramatic storyline set amidst a Depression-era traveling circus, puppetry, and numerous circus acts including aerial work, juggling, acrobatics, knife throwing, and even a clown routine. It would be nice to report that all of these elements have blended together to create a magical musical theater experience, but Water for Elephants feels more clunky than transporting. There are many things about it to enjoy, but it falls far short of being the greatest show on earth.
A life raft in this troubled “Water” is the production's elastic ensemble, which jolts you awake with their spring-loaded flips and death-defying stunts, ranging from aerial hoops to tightrope walks to trapeze swings. A sequence of the cast pitching a big top is wondrous to behold, as is the effortless athleticism they bring to numbers like 'Zostan.' In these moments, the show feels like a divine celebration of those restless spirits who run off to join the circus. But the magic is fleeting, and by the final curtain, those in the audience may wish they'd just stayed at home.
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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