“Many wonders await audiences at the Imperial Theatre.” - The New York Times
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical with "one of the more remarkable ensembles ever seen on Broadway” (New York Daily News)! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional and gorgeously imaginative.”
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.
Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling" production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.
So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at Water for Elephants, “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania).
"Such a creative, beautiful, fast moving, tribute to Sarah Gruell’s book. Absolutely loved everything about it."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2024
"Incredible story adapted to live theater! All of the movement, music, puppeteering and incredible acting make this a five star show! Loved it!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2024
"I read this book and was not sure what the musical adaptation would look like. However, I was blown away by this musical. Not only was the singing and dancing, fantastic, but the acrobatics blooming out of the water. I would absolutely recommend this show!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 8, 2024
"As I watched this show with both critical and appreciative eyes I couldn’t help conclude that the director, cast and crew produced and executed a 10/10 result.
Both the lady sitting beside me and I agreed that this was the ultimate Broadway show.
Additionally I thought the lead voices were angelic and transported me to euphoric place."
...
Read more
William H from North Vancouver on Dec 8, 2024
"Water for Elephants is stunning. The leads were perfect for their roles. The circus performers were amazing and the puppets - fantastic. A very moving and beautiful story."
...
Read more
MARY W from Palos Heights on Dec 8, 2024
"I loved the story, circus performers, and actors. Music was sung well and words were clear, but not very memorable. Story is not appropriate for young children."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 5, 2024
"Loved the music, loved the voices. The acrobatics and dancing were spectacular. We have seen many, many, many broadway shows and this by far ranks up there with the best of them. They also kept very close to the storyline which was important and wonderful. "
...
Read more
Arthur L from Sharon on Dec 5, 2024
"I am a retired circus performer and watching the show brought back cherished memories as well as the familiarity of days gone by.
The emotions felt for Rosie reminded me of a closeness I had with my elephant. Thank you for adapting the book to the stage. Bravo "
...
Read more
Patricia L from Ridgefield on Dec 4, 2024
"Beautiful music. Astounding artistic performances. All delightfully performed by humans performing as one team at a human scale telling a real human story. A must see show when in New York. "
...
Read more
Matthias W from minocqua on Dec 2, 2024
"I absolutely loved this show. The talent is top notch, I enjoyed every second of this show....I recommend this show to everyone!!! I am so sad to learn the show is closing..... there is a lot of competition on Broadway right now, with some fantastic shows, this one is GREAT..."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 2, 2024
"This shows is invigorating! Fantastic singing and dancing and with a cohesive story line. The props, actors, staging are all outstanding! Must see!! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 28, 2024
"This show was absolutely incredible. The cast was outstanding. The performances were extraordinary. Isabelle McCalla brought me to tears. Hoping there will be a Christmas miracle to keep this show on Broadway. Thankful it will be hitting the road as I would definitely see it again. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 27, 2024
"The artistic way they went about the animal costumes and scenes was my absolute favorite but overall the show was fantastic all around!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 26, 2024
"This show is a hidden gem! Such creative staging and costuming. Phenomenal casting. Enthralling movement and voice. Those leads!!! Take your breath away. Loved every minute! "
...
Read more
James G from Mertzon on Nov 18, 2024
"I loved this production! Such a great story, and so much energy. I was so glad this was one of the shows that I chose to go to whole visiting NYC."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 18, 2024
"Not only was this play well written, well directed, produced and acted, it was a hit with the entire family. Wel done!!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 17, 2024
"Water for Elephants is amazing. It's a love story set in a circus, with acrobats, knife throwers and all the amazing animals, esp Rosie! Where did they find so many highly skilled and athletic performers who could also sing and dance?! Definitely glad I saw it, and can highly recommend it!"
...
Read more
karen r from philadelphia on Nov 17, 2024
"The creativity to bring the "animals" to life was impressive. I had read the book and hesitated to view the play but I am so glad I did. The story is still very sad but the clever adaptation of the character styling was so impressive it would be a shame to miss this performance! "
...
Read more
Mary B from Hilo on Nov 14, 2024
"The singing, dancing, as well as the acrobatics was tremendous! A standing ovation!! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 14, 2024
"Musicals usually have great singing and dancing. W4E adds fantastic gymnastics! The show is not only a splendid performance but the story is captivating and moving. I was almost in tears at the climax. A great show with a wonderful cast!"
...
Read more
Glen T from Columbus on Nov 14, 2024
"I've seen many musicals, plays, and even some circuses, including Cirque du Soleil: 'Water for Elephants' combines the very best of every genre, with beautiful animal puppetry instead of live animal cruelty, dynamic dancing, acrobatics, and haunting songs and story. A lovely & imaginative use of moving scaffolds and a changing backlit sky transports viewers wherever the story goes. Every actor was well cast and captivating. Go see this show before it closes on December 8th!
"
...
Read more
Mimi P from Shaker Hts. on Nov 11, 2024
"water for elephants hit the trifecta they nailed it with their singing, dancing, and the extremely talented acrobatics. It was like literally going to the circus. The story was heartfelt and enjoyable."
...
Read more
Roseann C from haddonfield on Nov 9, 2024
"This show recreates a circus in the 1930s. The performers provides a visual recreation of someone who jumps a train and joins the circus. All the performances were incredible. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 9, 2024
"Very trepidious of show because of book(which I love)BUT animal cruelty a big part of story. This production handled this so great, u got the general idea but not like the book. A truly amazing feel good story. Go see it. Well worth it"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 3, 2024
"Excellent performances by all main characters - especially young/old Jacob and August the ringmaster. Acrobatics were dazzling. Interesting story. Interesting time of US history. Creative sets. "
