“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).
"Very pretty show with a great message! Really enjoyed the performance of all actors and dancers. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 27, 2024
Acrobatics, charm, great vocals
"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. "
...
Read more
Judith B from ANN ARBOR on Oct 27, 2024
Achingly beautiful story. Powerful cast!!
"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. "
...
Read more
Janine C from Butler on Oct 27, 2024
A must see! Such an original set and choreography.
"It was such a fantastical and visual musical. Stunning and breathtaking. I think everyone would love this."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 24, 2024
Run Away to the Circus
"An absolutely entrancing and wonderful musical filled with amazing acrobatics and choreography. One of my top ten theater experiences in the last 20 years. "
...
Read more
Robert C from Athens on Oct 23, 2024
Big Apple meets The Big Top
"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. "
...
Read more
Dianne G from Madison on Oct 20, 2024
A true big top adventure
"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!"
...
Read more
Kim W from Springfield on Oct 18, 2024
Very interesting…dare I say magical??
"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!!"
...
Read more
Collette G from SARATOGA SPRINGS on Oct 18, 2024
Amazing
"Very talented performers, satisfying story and beautifully imaginative stagecraft. Highly enjoyable!"
...
Read more
Helen B from Basking Ridge on Oct 18, 2024
Magnificent Musical
"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. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
Outstanding musical Water for Elephants!
"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!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
Sights and Sounds to Behold
"A beautifully executed show with great music and extraordinary gymnasts. It's Cirque du Soleil meets Broadway!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 16, 2024
Fabulous Show!
"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."
...
Read more
Rosemary B from San Jose on Oct 15, 2024
Beautiful, fun experience
"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!"
...
Read more
Cynthia S from Sandy on Oct 14, 2024
Great show!
"Very imaginative with a true “circus feel”. Accurate and fun interpretation of one of my favorite novels. Superb cast! "
...
Read more
John B from Charlotte on Oct 13, 2024
Must See!!
"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!! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 13, 2024
Beautiful & WIldly Entertaining
"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. "
...
Read more
Molly L from Ann Arbor on Oct 11, 2024
A must see!
"The performance was fantastic! Loved the acrobatics & the singing. Always something going on. Drew you right in."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 10, 2024
Spectacular
"Loved this show from start to finish! I laughed and even teared up a bit! The stunts were amazing!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 7, 2024
A real "Wow"
"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! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 7, 2024
Amazing!!!!
"Talent wonderful and enjoyed everything.. loved combo dancing and aerials.. especially having a gymnast with us 👍"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 5, 2024
Water for Elephants
"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. "
...
Read more
Steven A from Columbus on Oct 3, 2024
Beautifully Rendered
"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!"
...
Read more
SONNY R from REDMOND on Oct 2, 2024
Fabulous
"Really enjoyed how well the show matched the book. Great choreography, creative set design and excellent overall. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 29, 2024
Bravo!!!
"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. 👍👍👍👍👍"
