Water for Elephants at Overture Center
Dates: 6/16/2026 - 6/21/2026
📍 Theatre: Overture Center
201 State Street
Madison, WI 53703
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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.
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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News About Water for Elephants at Overture Center
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The Overture Center
June 17, 2026 I truly enjoyed Water for Elephants far more than I thought I would. I came to the theater fearing the puppetry of the elephant would over shadow the actors. While it was spectacular, it did not over shadow the actors and for that I am grateful. And in an effort of full disclosure, admittedly, I also really hate the circus. No need to judge, just offering a little vulnerability here. Still, in spite of that I enjoyed the performance a great deal.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS to Make Wisconsin Debut at Madison's Overture Center
June 01, 2026 The North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, the Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel, will make its Wisconsin premiere at Overture Hall in Madison.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Musical Set for June Debut at Madison's Overture Center
February 03, 2026 The North American tour of Water for Elephants will play Overture Hall in Madison from June 16–21. Based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, the Broadway musical features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Co.About the Theatre
Overture Center Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Overture Center?
The Great Gatsby: A New Musical (07/28/26-08/02/26)
Maybe Happy Ending (11/24/26-11/29/26)
SIX (Boleyn Tour) (01/19/27-01/24/27)
Death Becomes Her (03/16/27-03/21/27)
Hell's Kitchen (05/18/27-05/23/27)
Hadestown (Non-Equity) (06/04/27-06/06/27)
The Outsiders (07/06/27-07/11/27)
Maybe Happy Ending (11/24/26-11/29/26)
SIX (Boleyn Tour) (01/19/27-01/24/27)
Death Becomes Her (03/16/27-03/21/27)
Hell's Kitchen (05/18/27-05/23/27)
Hadestown (Non-Equity) (06/04/27-06/06/27)
The Outsiders (07/06/27-07/11/27)
Where is Overture Center located?
Overture Center is at 201 State Street, Madison, WI.
What shows have played recently at Overture Center?
Beauty and the Beast (05/12/26-05/17/26)
Dixie's Tupperware Party (06/27/25-06/27/25)
2025 Jerry Awards (06/08/25-06/08/25)
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert (10/25/24-10/25/24)
Kids in the Rotunda (10/01/24-04/30/25)
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 2024 (08/01/24-08/01/24)
Worldwide Revival Nights Tour (04/27/24-04/27/24)
Dixie's Tupperware Party (06/27/25-06/27/25)
2025 Jerry Awards (06/08/25-06/08/25)
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert (10/25/24-10/25/24)
Kids in the Rotunda (10/01/24-04/30/25)
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 2024 (08/01/24-08/01/24)
Worldwide Revival Nights Tour (04/27/24-04/27/24)
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Death Becomes Her Overture Center for the Arts (3/16-3/21) |
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The Wiz Overture Center for the Arts (10/06-10/11) |
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Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed Comedy Tour 2026 Barrymore Theatre (9/11-9/11) |
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Disney's Aladdin Jr Cambridge-Deerfield Players (8/20-8/23) |
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SIX Overture Center for the Arts (1/19-1/24) |
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SIX (Boleyn Tour) Overture Center (1/19-1/24) |
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Footloose Cambridge-Deerfield Players (7/16-7/19) PHOTOS |
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Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen Overture Center for the Arts (5/18-5/23) |
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CINDERELLA by The United European Ballet Company Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts (11/01-11/01) |
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Hadestown (Non-Equity) Overture Center (6/04-6/06) |