“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 was awesome! The performers were awe inspiring on the silk ropes and with the tumbling! Great music and a touching story. I read the book and watched the movie too. I did t know if this would be too predictable. It was GREAT!"
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Holly M from Rosemount on Oct 19, 2024
"What a spectacular show! We were blown away by the ingenuity of this production, from the amazing acrobatic skills of the circus performers, to the touching lyrics and music of the songs, to the wonderful voices and the magical performance of the orchestra with its ingenious sound effects, not to mention the touching story itself, unfolding in such a riveting way by the skillful actors who excelled in their roles. An absolutely wonderful show, highly recommended! Get ready to laugh, cry and be awed by the cast, the music, the orchestra, the set and the touching story. A gem in every way! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 16, 2024
"I’ve been a fan of the Pig Pen Theatre group since I saw their Old Man show at City Theatre in Pittsburgh. This show did not disappoint. The music and choreography was spectacular!"
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Laura D from Pittsburgh on Oct 6, 2024
"12/10!! We were completely blown away by this show! It’s an incredible story. The set worked really well for it. The animals were designed and integrated so cleverly, particularly the elephant!! The acrobatics were thrilling. We loved the music! The songs were just great and the voices beautiful. We were enthralled from start to finish. It went by far too fast! The icing on the cake was that the actors came out to see the fans after the show. Our daughters were thrilled that they got to talk with them. They were all so kind. We highly recommend seeing Water For Elephants on Broadway. We will never forget the experience!"
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Shawn C from Kitchener on Oct 6, 2024
"The set design and costuming was so clever and absolutely did justice to the story telling. I cried several times, as did others with me. The acting was top notch and very engaging. I wasn’t necessarily blown away by the music, but, it was nonetheless performed beautifully by all. "
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Kerrie J from Eugene on Sep 29, 2024
"Just felt the performers were not only talented but fully invested. Music was gorgeous and every scene was engaging for adults and children alike . So nice to see a beautiful love story which didn’t seem politically motivated on stage. Loved the show!! "
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Lynelle M S from NEW YORK on Sep 26, 2024
"A wonderful show start to finish. Great story. Extremely will acted. Excellent stage energy and dynamics. A delight in every respect. Don’t miss seeing this!"
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Ronda M from Coeur d Alene on Sep 24, 2024
"This show is fantastic! The acrobatics were incredible, the music and dance beautiful. A “must see”!"
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Brenda R from Austin on Sep 15, 2024
"We loved the puppetry of the elephant, the interpretation of the horse with the acrobat performer, the dancers with the unique skilled acrobats, the way they did the train cars and acting and singing was impressive. Pleasantly surprised on how they put together a great show, some parts were a little slow, but loved it!!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 6, 2024
"We loved the set, the music, the characters. I wished it had gone on longer (it wasn’t short)! The acrobatics were excellent. Compelling story. The emergence of the elephant throughout the first act was awesome "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 1, 2024
"I’ve never been a fan of musicals but I have to say this show was exceptional. The actors were great as was the singing and acrobatics. Kudos to the orchestra and to the sound/light crew as well."
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Harrison C from Plano on Aug 29, 2024
"I enjoyed every moment. Kept me wanting to see more. I just wanted to hug Rosie! Fantastic performance from everyone!"
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Nannette T from Port Washington on Aug 28, 2024
"The original music and creative interpretation was incredible! A must see. "
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elizabeth m from Montclair on Aug 25, 2024
"No spoilers here, but Water for Elephants reaches inside and touches your heart from the onset. Perfect collaboration and tremendous performances highlight a show that is truly amazing, inspiring and the next big hit of Broadway. Definitely a must see!!!!"
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Joseph G from Fords on Aug 19, 2024
"I am not a Broadway musical fan by nature. I visit New York once a year, and typically try hard to see the best PLAY that i can find. The last one i saw a year or so ago was the one about the Lehman Brothers. Starring four actora who each played several different characters in the legendary story of the rise and downfall of this dynasty--i would say it was the BEST play I have ever seen on Broadway. Truly remarkable performances and story!
We were in town this week for only a few days and--as older adults--we prefer afternoon performances. "Water for Elephants" was offering Sunday at 3:00 pm--a perfect time for us. I read the positive reviews, realized it was a musical, but was intrigued by the rather enthusiastic support from a NY Times reviewer.
This is the BEST musical I have ever seen--maybe next to Hamilton? Creative, musically genius, the choreography/acrobatics was astounding, original, flawless. I was on the edge of my seat much of the show. The lead singers (don' have program with me)--Isabell? and Graham? both were terrific singers, actors, dancers. The whole prodution was just a delight from beginning to end.
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Cathleen L from Bryan on Aug 19, 2024
"So brilliant how you put the book to life and adapted the animals. Great casting and phenomenal choreography. We loved every minute of the show"
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Wendy B from WESTON on Aug 16, 2024
"Well done musical worthy of the awards/ accolades. How the “animals” were Portrayed was genius. Great storyline. Highly recommended. Tragedy may be tough for children "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 12, 2024
"The Imperial Theater was so cozy and the show was a delight!"
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Cydney G from Kilmarnock on Aug 12, 2024
"I absolutely adored this show. The acrobats and puppetry were unique and the level of immersion achieved with relatively simple sets and props was amazing. The music was fun and represented the era well. A fantastic adaptation of an excellent book. Bravo!"
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Ellie M from Victoria on Aug 7, 2024
"So much to take in. Although songs were wonderful, it was top-heavy with ballads. Circus performers were amazing to watch. The elephant was impressive and actress who was the trunk was versatile in her differing roles. She has energy throughout. Grant G. Was impressive and enjoyed seeing him up close."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"Songs and the entire cast was really good and perfectly chosen.
History was very well told."
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Pedro R from Bayamon on Aug 2, 2024
"Multiple cast members gave great performances. Loved that it was a Broadway debut for many."
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David S from Durham on Jul 27, 2024
"My daughter and I saw the show for her 14th birthday present. We both loved it. The entire cast was incredible!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 25, 2024
"Loved the story, the imagination of the circus animals , the singing . Loved it!!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 24, 2024
"The show had amazing acting and singing, but also world class tumbling, acrobatics, and high trapeze work. And fantastic animal puppets - the show was simply incredible. "
