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Water for Elephants Broadway

Water for Elephants

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

Upcoming Schedule:

Tuesdays at 7pm
Wednedays at 2pm and 8pm
Thursdays at 7pm
Fridays at 7pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm
Sundays at 3pm

Buy Tickets from: $65

Water for Elephants - Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More


Buy Tickets to Water for Elephants


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.


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PREVIEW Water for Elephants - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Water for Elephants

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: HEAVY LIFTING FOR A MUSICAL
6 / 10

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.

Review: ‘Water for Elephants’ on Broadway is a three-ring circus with zero intrigue
4 / 10

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.

Photos: Kyle Selig Joins WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 5, 2024


WATER FOR ELEPHANTS welcomed Broadway’s Kyle Selig to the role of Jacob Jankowski on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. See photos here!

Video: Kyle Selig Joins WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - September 4, 2024


Water For Elephants officially welcomed Kyle Selig in the role of Jacob Jankowski beginning Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Check out a behind the scenes video as well as Selig's first curtain call!

Video: Grant Gustin Takes Final Bow in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Stephi Wild - September 4, 2024


Grant Gustin played his final performance as 'Jacob Jankowski' in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.  Check out a video of his final curtain call here!

Photos: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Cast Signs Albums at Barnes & Noble
by Nicole Rosky - August 28, 2024


Just yesterday, New York's Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue hosted a CD signing for the Water for Elephants: Original Broadway Cast Recording. Check out photos here!

Grant Gustin & More to Join WATER FOR ELEPHANTS CD Signing at Barnes & Noble
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 26, 2024


New York's Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue will host a CD signing for the Water for Elephants: Original Broadway Cast Recording. Learn how to attend.

Notes on a Score: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Joey Mervis - August 18, 2024


We continue the series with the three of the seven composers of Water For Elephants: Pigpen Theatre Co.'s Alex Falberg, Matt Nuernberger, and Ryan Melia. Watch as they unpack Jacob's emotional Act 1 ballad, 'Silver Stars.' Watch in this video!

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Cast Recording is Available Now on CD
by Stephi Wild - August 16, 2024


The Original Broadway Cast Recording of the Broadway musical Water for Elephants, featuring a score by PigPen Theatre Co., is now available on CD! The album is also available in streaming and digital formats. Learn how to stream or purchase the album here!

Video: Meet New WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Star, Kyle Selig
by Nicole Rosky - August 15, 2024


Water for Elephants will soon welcome Kyle Selig to the role of Jacob Jankowski beginning Tuesday, September 3, taking over for Grant Gustin. How will he fare in the role? Recap just a few of our favorite Kyle performances in these videos!

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!

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 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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