Water for Elephants Show Poster

Water for Elephants Customer Reviews

The new musical based on Sara Gruen's best-selling novel of the same name arrives on Broadway.

4.6
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About Water for Elephants

“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).

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Water for Elephants Reviews

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (246)

4.6
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Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Fabulous play which followed the book!
"Such a creative, beautiful, fast moving, tribute to Sarah Gruell’s book. Absolutely loved everything about it."
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2024
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Amazing, Thought-provoking Show
"Incredible story adapted to live theater! All of the movement, music, puppeteering and incredible acting make this a five star show! Loved it!"
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2024
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Entertaining throughout the entire show
"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!"
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 8, 2024
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The Ultimate in Creativity and Performance
"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."
William H from North Vancouver on Dec 8, 2024
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Stunning Play
"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."
MARY W from Palos Heights on Dec 8, 2024
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Wow!!
"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."
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 5, 2024
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We loved the show!! It was heart warming and immensely creative.
"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. "
Arthur L from Sharon on Dec 5, 2024
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Circus reminiscing
"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 "
Patricia L from Ridgefield on Dec 4, 2024
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Delightful
"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. "
Matthias W from minocqua on Dec 2, 2024
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Love, Circus and Elephants!
"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..."
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 2, 2024
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Exciting!
"This shows is invigorating! Fantastic singing and dancing and with a cohesive story line. The props, actors, staging are all outstanding! Must see!! "
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 28, 2024
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Phenomenal Performances
"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. "
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 27, 2024
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Spectacular show.
"The artistic way they went about the animal costumes and scenes was my absolute favorite but overall the show was fantastic all around!"
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 26, 2024
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Magically Unexpected
"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! "
James G from Mertzon on Nov 18, 2024
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Great show!
"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."
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 18, 2024
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A delight for all senses
"Not only was this play well written, well directed, produced and acted, it was a hit with the entire family. Wel done!!"
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 17, 2024
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Outstanding!
"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!"
karen r from philadelphia on Nov 17, 2024
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Clever talent applied
"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! "
Mary B from Hilo on Nov 14, 2024
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Great singing, dancing and acrobatics
"The singing, dancing, as well as the acrobatics was tremendous! A standing ovation!! "
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 14, 2024
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Fantastic performance
"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!"
Glen T from Columbus on Nov 14, 2024
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Lovely, magical & moving: Don't miss it!
"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! "
Mimi P from Shaker Hts. on Nov 11, 2024
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WFE hit the trifecta!!
"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."
Roseann C from haddonfield on Nov 9, 2024
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Amazing Performances!
"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. "
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 9, 2024
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OMG
"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"
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 3, 2024
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Strong performances - unique story!
"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. "
Dorothy J from Williamsburg on Oct 31, 2024
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