Water for Elephants - 2024 Broadway History , Info & More
Step right up and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Water for Elephants, the spellbinding Broadway musical that brings Sara Gruen's beloved novel to life. Since its debut at the Imperial Theatre in March 2024, this production has captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of circus magic.
What’s the show about? Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a young man who, after a personal tragedy, finds himself aboard a traveling circus train. As the show's new veterinarian, Jacob becomes entwined in a world of wonder and danger, forming deep connections with Marlena, the star equestrian, and Rosie, the enigmatic elephant who transforms their lives. The narrative weaves themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of belonging, all under the big top's dazzling lights.
The musical features an evocative score by PigPen Theatre Co., blending folk and Americana influences to create melodies that resonate with the era's spirit. Rick Elice's book adapts Gruen's novel with sensitivity and depth, capturing the essence of the original story while adding new dimensions for the stage. Directed by Jessica Stone, the production seamlessly integrates acrobatics, puppetry, and traditional theater, offering a truly immersive experience.
The original Broadway cast included Grant Gustin as Jacob Jankowski, Isabelle McCalla as Marlena, and Paul Alexander Nolan as August. Kyle Selig took over for Gustin in fall 2024.
Water for Elephants has garnered critical acclaim, receiving seven nominations at the 77th Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its innovative staging and heartfelt performances have solidified its place as a must-see production in the current Broadway season.
Water for Elephants - 2024 - Broadway Cast
PREVIEW Water for Elephants - 2024 - Broadway
Photos
Videos
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Water for Elephants
From: Cititour
By: Brian Scott Lipton
Date: 2024-03-21
4 / 10
It’s all quite entertaining, but also a bit vexing, since these activities keep getting in the way of the show’s main plot. But eventually you realize that there’s not of lot a plot here, nor is it all that original (even if Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel which forms the basis for the musical, was a number one best seller, and the show’s book is by three-time Tony Award nominee Rick Elice). In fact, all the diversions simply add up to a major cause of coitus interruptus.
From: New York Stage Review
By: Frank Scheck
Date: 2024-03-21
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.
Broadway Licensing Acquires Rights to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Stephi Wild - September 30, 2024
Broadway Licensing has acquired rights to the musical, Water For Elephants With music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co. and book by Rick Elice, the company has secured worldwide licensing rights to the title.
Video: Go Behind the Trapeze Work in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Michael Major - September 10, 2024
Watch a video of an inside look at the trapeze work in Water For Elephants on Broadway! See cast member Sam Renaud control the rigs for the trapezes while Isabelle McCalla sings 'Easy.' While singing along, Renaud controlled the rigging that supports the intricate fly system used in the production.
Kyle Selig Has Hopped a Train Back to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - September 16, 2024
Kyle Selig has joined the circus. Or rather, he has joined a kind of circus. The Broadway veteran (Mean Girls, The Book of Mormon) just stepped into Jacob Jankowski's shoes in Water for Elephants, which is currently enjoying its seventh month on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre. In this interview he discusses taking on the new role!
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!
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!
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
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2025 |
US Tour |
North American Tour
US Tour
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Water for Elephants - 2024 Broadway Awards and Nominations
Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Water for Elephants awards and nominations
| 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 |