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 everything we want and more in a dramatic story: compelling characters, lively action, all kinds of complications and strong desires, romance, violence, and comic relief—with fantastic movement and sometimes stark contrasts between the world of performance, in the circus tent, and the dramas playing out behind the scenes.
Under the direction of Ryan Emmons, who was an associate to Jessica Stone on the Broadway production, he pulls off such imaginative staging. The circus work designed by Shana Carroll comes off as stunning as does her choreography with Jesse Robb. Bradley King’s lighting is incredible. There’s very colorful costumes designed by David I. Reynoso. Although the puppets for all the animals are so impressive to behold. Designers Camille Labarre, Rat Wetmore, & JR Goodman truly deserve all the credit for that. Several members of the cast happen to have background working in the circus or in some cases, Cirque du Soleil. It really shows as their experience is put to good use in all the circus sequences.
| 2024 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
| 2025 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
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