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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Saved by the circus
"Loved the circus setting. Acrobatics and tricks really made the show. The musical numbers were fine, “road don’t make you young” was memorable, had some great characters."
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 16, 2024
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Good, not great
"While we enjoyed the show, it was not as memorable as others we have seen in NY. The actors and talent were outstanding, but perhaps the storyline could have been more impactful. After reading the overview and selecting this show, I was somehow left feeling that I didn’t connect with the story as much as I had expected. "
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 12, 2024
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Fast moving high energy.
"Great acrobatics. Enjoyed singing and story."
Robert D from SPRING LAKE on Jul 14, 2024
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A Must Watch
"The show is fast paced, exciting, and such a pleasure to watch. The actors and performances were great and some heart stopping. Definitely a must watch1"
Dency R from elizabeth on Jul 13, 2024
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Boring second Act
"The first act of the show was entertaining with very good performances, particularly the acrobatic cast members. The staging was creative and interesting. All the memorable songs are in Act I. Act II is a bore and I couldn’t wait for it to be over."
Patrick M from Alexandria on Nov 29, 2024
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Disappointing
"Loved the book and movie, but just felt like the stage show was lacking. Impressive staging and lighting and acting excellent but we didn't leave the theater thinking wow, "what a great Broadway show!""
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
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An ok for Broadway !
"I felt the story was a bit convoluted.The book was far more intense and interesting. The circus acts were fun but the love scenes were dull and music was nothing to remember! "
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 30, 2024
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Mixed bag
"I wanted to love this show. The cast and their performances were phenomenal. The acrobatics were exciting and fun. I loved the book on which the screenplay was based. Unfortunately, the story and timeline in the musical are confusing at times. Some of the effects are abstract and weird (e.g. the depiction of a horse with a head, puppetry, and an acrobat on silks). And perhaps saddest of all, the music is lackluster and unbearable, with no show-stopping tune. I don’t regret seeing it, but it has so much lost potential. "
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 1, 2024
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Loved the acrobatics and choreography! Plot line a little thin.
"Loved the staging; acrobatic numbers and choreography. While ensemble generally talented some musical numbers better than others. Plot a bit thin; doesn’t really compare to the brilliant story in the book."
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 18, 2024
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Very talented actors
"We loved the circus aspect of the show but the songs fell short of having that “Wow” factor."
Jenny Love and C from Lafayette on Aug 18, 2024
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A little underwhelmed
"The show had 3 obvious technical difficulties. The actors were great and parts of the show were fun but nothing really blew our minds. "
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
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gorgeous puppetry
"The performers and puppetry were perfect."
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 24, 2024
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