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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
A true circus act, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS has it all.
