“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).
"Water for Elephants was truly a spectacular show. After enjoying the book several years ago, I was doubtful that a stage play could meet my expectations. I was wrong! The story was retold as a visual masterpiece. The innovative staging and costumes were incredible. The music and lyrics told the story precisely and beautifully. The dancer/acrobats and singers were breathtaking and wondrous. I Loved every minute of this mind blowing experience. It must be seen to be believed. "
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Dianne G from Madison on Oct 20, 2024
"Water for Elephants was not only a great musical experience but made you feel like a kid a the circus with wonderful colorful acts portrayed on the stage!"
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Kim W from Springfield on Oct 18, 2024
"I had no expectations for this show…I was along for the ride. It was a great story with very talented performers. I rooted for the heroes, I disliked the villains, and I sat in awe of the aerobatic performers. A very fun evening!!"
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Collette G from SARATOGA SPRINGS on Oct 18, 2024
"Very talented performers, satisfying story and beautifully imaginative stagecraft. Highly enjoyable!"
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Helen B from Basking Ridge on Oct 18, 2024
"The dancing and acrobatics are mesmerizing. The music enhances the story beautifully. The acting is impeccable, and the energy is infectious. The show is a tour de force. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
"The lead was an understudy and he was fabulous! The actors and actresses had excellent voices. There was so much joy and positive energy in the performance. The acrobatics were impressive- better than Cirque de Soleil! I loved the creative way they depicted the animals and the stage special effects. Excellent show! Loved it!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
"A beautifully executed show with great music and extraordinary gymnasts. It's Cirque du Soleil meets Broadway!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 16, 2024
"The show story was very true to the book of the same name by Sara Gruen and also the movie starring Reese Witherspoon. The acting was excellent, the singing beautiful with some soaring arias and foot tapping melodies and the acrobatics absolutely fantastic!. The sets and props were very creative with use of amazing puppetry to portray the menagerie of animals similar to The Lion King. I loved this show and would highly recommend...superb entertainment."
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Rosemary B from San Jose on Oct 15, 2024
"I loved Water for Elephants! I hadn’t seen the movie, so I came into the show without any expectations and I was blown away by the fun circus atmosphere as these performers are dealing with the reality of a depression behind the scenes. The inclusion of Rosie the elephant was a delight and added magic to all the acrobatics of the circus. Intensely touching in moments, I found myself gasping with surprise as the story progressed. So settle in and just let the storytelling take you to an imperfect, beautiful place!"
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Cynthia S from Sandy on Oct 14, 2024
"Very imaginative with a true “circus feel”. Accurate and fun interpretation of one of my favorite novels. Superb cast! "
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John B from Charlotte on Oct 13, 2024
"This show was amazing!! I'd definitely see again and highly recommend!! The cirque du soliel aspect was simply spectacular!! The story well told and easy to follow. The singing and music were fun. Go see this!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 13, 2024
"This show was great. The music & costumes were beautiful, all the performers were incredible, and I would have watched two hours of the acrobats alone. I loved every minute of it. "
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Molly L from Ann Arbor on Oct 11, 2024
"The performance was fantastic! Loved the acrobatics & the singing. Always something going on. Drew you right in."
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 10, 2024
"Loved this show from start to finish! I laughed and even teared up a bit! The stunts were amazing!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 7, 2024
"This show surprised me in a good way. It had a great story line, a great cast and evoked a lot of emotion. I am glad I went to see this! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 7, 2024
"Talent wonderful and enjoyed everything.. loved combo dancing and aerials.. especially having a gymnast with us 👍"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 5, 2024
"There is a mixture of reality and fantasy in this tribute to another time. Acrobatics, blue grass music, and puppetry blend into a hybrid production that I can not remove from my mind. For two hours and forty minutes I was transported. "
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Steven A from Columbus on Oct 3, 2024
"The acting, singing, sets, and creative use of depicting events and animals was absolutely awesome. Likely one of the best Broadway shows we’ve seen in a while. It’s a Must See show!"
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SONNY R from REDMOND on Oct 2, 2024
"Really enjoyed how well the show matched the book. Great choreography, creative set design and excellent overall. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 29, 2024
"Excellent show. Felt like I was at the circus. I guess I would have taken my 11 year old granddaughter. Think she would have enjoyed it. Bravo to the actors ! They worked hard but made it seem so easy. 👍👍👍👍👍"
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 28, 2024
"Exceeded expectations. Great Story, voices, and athletic skills. Pure enjoyment in such challenging times. Put this play on your calendar."
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Barbara W from Marriottsville on Sep 25, 2024
"I read the book so had high expectations for the musical. It did not disappoint. The circus performances were amazing. The interpretation of the animals was fascinating. The music was lively and lovely. The cast performances were spot on. I ended standing, clapping, with tears in my eyes. "
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Roxanne H from Wishek on Sep 18, 2024
"If the reading the book, I was dubious that the Broadway play could capture the spirit of the story. Was I ever wrong. Not only did it capture it it elevated it and Provided so much entertainment with the acrobatics and the choreography that I would see the play again. I’ve only seen a few shows more than once."
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Francis S from North Haledon on Sep 16, 2024
"This show is exciting and fun from beginning to end! There is so much going on, I think I could watch it multiple times and still see new things. The artists gave a superb performance. Excellent! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 16, 2024
"I am a huge fan of the book and this musical encapsulated everything I loved about it!! 10/10 recommend for everyone!"
