PigPen Theatre Co.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Tour at Broadway In Chicago
by Rachel Weinberg - Jun 25, 2026

The Water for Elephants tour transports audiences to the circus — and has some dazzling aerial tricks up its sleeve. Based on the popular 2006 novel by Sara Gruen, Rick Elice’s book and PigPen Theatre Co.’s score comprise a memory musical: The elderly Mr. Jankowski (Robert Tully) looks back on his days as a member of a traveling circus back in 1931.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is Now Playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2026

Water for Elephants is now playing a limited engagement at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. Water for Elephants is based on the critically acclaimed and New York Times Bestselling novel by Sara Gruen.

Interview: Paige Parkhill, Associate Choreographer of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Jun 22, 2026

Paige Parkhill, who hails from Kelowna, B.C., serves as Associate Choreographer on the Tony Award-nominated musical Water For Elephants, coming to Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre next month.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Ohio Theatre - A Spectacle in Search of a Soul
by Christina Mancuso - Jun 10, 2026

Based on Sara Gruen’s beloved 1932 novel - and its 2011 film adaptation, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is a technical triumph wrapped around a dramatically uneven musical.  Directed by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), and score by PigPen Theatre Co., WATER FOR ELEPHANTS leans heavily into spectacle over storytelling: aerial silks, acrobatics, puppetry, and constant physical motion that dominate the stage.  However, this spectacle overwhelms the story rather than serving it, resulting unfortunately in a flop under the big top.

CATCH AS A CAN & More Lead Chicago's June 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Jun 3, 2026

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for June 2026 include Catch as a Can and more

Broadway Beyond Louisville Review: Broadway in Cincinnati presents WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The Aronoff Center
by Taylor Clemons - Apr 30, 2026

Having first seen Water for Elephants: The Musical on an early tour stop in Louisville, KY, I came to the Arnoff Center with a sense of familiarity for the show. But also, very curious about how it might resonate a second time.

Tickets to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS National Tour in Chicago on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 16, 2026

Individual tickets for the North American Tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS in Chicago are going on sale! Individual tickets range from $30.00 to $130.00, with a limited number of premium seats available.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Proctors
by Peyton VanDerheyden - Apr 9, 2026

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is dazzling audiences with extraordinary theatrics, creative visual concepts, and emotional moments. Adapted from the New York Times bestselling novel, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS has a book written by Rick Elice, and features a score by PigPen Theatre Co.

WILD WORKS: PUPPETRY ON THE EDGE Series Launches at wild project in May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 9, 2026

wild project will present WILD WORKS: PUPPETRY ON THE EDGE, a new puppetry series curated by Amanda Card, on May 6th in New York City, featuring performances from Nick Lehane, Maiko Kikuchi, Marcella Murray, and Purser & Amanda Card.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Runs Away with the Circus at Benedum Center
by Greg Kerestan - Apr 7, 2026

If I told you I spent an evening last week watching a surrealist dramedy about performers in a circus run by a needy, codependent and violent ringmaster with bipolar disorder, you'd have two options to choose from.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and More Set for Shea's Performing Arts Center April Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2026

Shea’s Performing Arts Center has revealed its April schedule of productions and special events. The lineup includes spectacle-filled new musical Water for Elephants, a performance by John Legend, and more.

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, DEATH BECOMES HER, and More Set For Fabulous Fox Theatre's 2026-2027 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2026

The Fabulous Fox Theatre has announced its 2026-2027 Broadway season, featuring a lineup of iconic stories and dazzling new musicals. Scheduled to commence in the fall of 2026, the season promises to bring a variety of performances that cater to diverse audiences. This announcement highlights the theatre's commitment to enriching the cultural landscape with high-quality theatrical productions. The season's specific show titles and opening dates will be revealed closer to the season launch.

THE OUTSIDERS, DEATH BECOMES HER, and More Set For Broadway in Hollywood 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2026

The 2026-27 season has been announced for Broadway in Hollywood, which will feature seven Los Angeles premieres direct from Broadway, a rock theatrical  classic, and the return of two Broadway blockbusters.

DEATH BECOMES HER, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For ASU Gammage 2026-2027 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026

ASU Gammage has announced its 2026–2027 Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona Broadway season with a dynamic blend of Tempe premieres, beloved classics, and acclaimed new hits.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Reveals 2026-27 Broadway Season - THE GREAT GATSBY and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2026

As Segerstrom Center for the Arts celebrates its 40th anniversary season, the Center has revealed its 2026–2027 Broadway season. This landmark season features 11 productions, including six Orange County premieres.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Will Make Canadian Premiere in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026

Mirvish Productions will present the Canadian premiere of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS in 2026, bringing the beloved novel to the stage in a highly anticipated theatrical adaptation.

13 GOING ON 30 THE MUSICAL Will Make North American Premiere in Toronto
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026

The 2026/27 Operation Mirvish Theatre Season has been announced at the Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, including the North American premiere of 13 Going on 30 - The Musical. Learn more here!

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Musical Set for June Debut at Madison's Overture Center
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 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.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION Set for February Run at Rhinebeck
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026

The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck will present WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION, a vibrant adaptation of Sara Gruen's novel, featuring young talents in a circus-themed musical.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Horace High Theatre
by Brian Michaels - Feb 1, 2026

Horace High Theatre took on an ambitious and visually demanding musical with Water for Elephants, and the result was a production filled with heart, imagination, and an impressive level of artistic maturity. Blending music, movement, puppetry, and storytelling, this show leaned fully into the theatrical possibilities of the piece, and the students rose to the challenge beautifully.