“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).
"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! "
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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."
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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!!"
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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!"
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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! "
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Mary B from Hilo on Nov 14, 2024
"The singing, dancing, as well as the acrobatics was tremendous! A standing ovation!! "
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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!"
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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!
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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."
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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. "
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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"
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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. "
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Dorothy J from Williamsburg on Oct 31, 2024
"Very pretty show with a great message! Really enjoyed the performance of all actors and dancers. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 27, 2024
"This was a favorite novel of mine and the show did not disappoint. Cirque de Soleil- level gymnasts, seasoned skilled actors. An old man in nursing care, recalls his youth with a traveling circus during the 1920s depression. It closes December 8th, but I'm not sure why. I and my friend were blown away. Also fabulous puppet/marionette skills in creating the circus animals. The pacing was great and I enjoyed my 2 1/2 hours at this show immensely. "
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Judith B from ANN ARBOR on Oct 27, 2024
"From the first moment, I was mesmerized by the story, the characters, the costumes and the versatile set that was train, ring, etc. The puppetry was amazingly deft and emotionally heart wrenching.
The cast swirled back and forth in different times so smoothly. The supporting cast every bit as masterful and riveting as the leads, who were incredible. "
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Janine C from Butler on Oct 27, 2024
"It was such a fantastical and visual musical. Stunning and breathtaking. I think everyone would love this."
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 24, 2024
"An absolutely entrancing and wonderful musical filled with amazing acrobatics and choreography. One of my top ten theater experiences in the last 20 years. "
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Robert C from Athens on Oct 23, 2024
"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."
