“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 magnificent show and aligned closely with the book. The performance and props were incredible and highly entertaining. The book was too mature for kids but I felt the broadway show is any age appropriate. The acrobatics were stelllar. I’d watch this again if it came to my hometown. "
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Stephen N from San Francisco on Sep 8, 2024
"Fantastic talent: singers, dancers, actors, puppeteers, and especially acrobats. And in most cases the cast was all of the above. Stellar staging. Perfect night at the theater..."
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Daniel B from Vicksburg on Sep 6, 2024
"i have seen this show twice now, and of all of the shows i have ever seen, this one is the best. fiercely underrated. great up close, and far away!! it's perfectly cast, the animals are done in a tasteful and original way. i will be coming back every chance i get! see this show!!!"
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mack f from Richmond on Sep 4, 2024
"Fantastic full size puppetry and overwhelming acrobats. Great drama. Made me good cry at points. Loved the older Jacob. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 4, 2024
"We took a seven year old. She loved the movement, the circus numbers, Rosie, and the clown. She “got” the abstractions. Had to explain the period references such as what a raid was, why the police were coming, and the beginning “train” scene. Once she understood, she bought into the style and loved it."
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 3, 2024
"The acrobatics of the show were amazing. I loved the songs and all the performances were beautiful. Grant Gustin was adorable. A right amount of action, romance and comedy was blended together. Loved it. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 2, 2024
"This is my first ever Broadway show. The story telling and athleticism performed by the cast transformed my idea of what is to be experienced when following the written story to a stage. I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity and it was even more amazing to have met some of the cast. All very kind even after an amazing performance because I sure they must have been exhausted. "
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Jairo D from Bakersfield on Sep 2, 2024
"You pay for a musical, get a great one, and get a circus as a bonus. It’s a really good show!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 30, 2024
"I read the wonderful book 2 times, the last after securing tickets for myself and 3 others; I had serious misgivings about how it could possibly be produced as a musical. It was magical--the animal representations, the strong actors, most with great athletic prowess and the compelling music combined to entertain the 4 of us --meeting and exceeding our expectations for a great show!"
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Andrea H from St Petersburg on Aug 30, 2024
"This is one of the best plays I have ever seen! The performers were exceptional from the singing, dancing and certainly their acrobatics! Beautiful production of a wonderful story!! Highly recommend! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 29, 2024
"Beautiful job presenting a really challenging story for the stage. My only regret is being reminded that I can't run away to the circus when I retire."
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Gretchen F from Brunswick on Aug 26, 2024
"Song, dance, amazing acrobatics, color and music spring to life in presenting a familiar theme with no need for a barker to entice us into its big tent. Who can not help but love the characters and the menagerie. The show has multiple stars ; it will have you leave with a twinkle in your eye. . "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 26, 2024
"I thought it was done so well. The technical and acting sides became one, thanks to the talented cast and crew. I was holding my breath during stunts performed by the cast, and also holding back tears when the actors brought to life their characters"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 26, 2024
"Absolutely loved it. Music, dancing and gymnastics were superb! Great performances and would watch again!"
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Lorrie E from Millbury on Aug 25, 2024
"Acrobats! Singers! Dancers! Giant puppets! And a very affecting story. Go. You’ll thank me."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 25, 2024
"A herd of elephants is called a Memory.
Excellent show!
A herd of Memories to relish."
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Carl M from Lynchburg on Aug 24, 2024
"I was blown away by the circus acts, emotional story and characters! Special shoutout to all of the puppeteers who stayed after the show to answer questions and interact with the audience. I would highly recommend this show! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 21, 2024
"If you LOVE acrobats, LOVE the circus, LOVE good music and a SWEET STORY . . .GO SEE WATER FOR ELEPHANTS"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 21, 2024
"Amazing show with breathtaking performances. I loved every minute of it."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 20, 2024
"Great performance!! Brings back to childhood memories!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 18, 2024
"The cast was wonderful. Voices and choreography were outstanding. It was fun to see how representing the animals was accomplished. The show was so well done and ultimately a bittersweet feel good story."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 18, 2024
"Liked everything, performance was awesome stage was done perfectly"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 18, 2024
"Very different. Singing, acting, dancing and gymnastics all together. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 18, 2024
"From the beginning it grabbed me , the songs the props , the puppetry . Acrobatics brought it to a new level . Every scene made me wanting to see more "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 16, 2024
"The production, acrobatics, acting and singing were excellent."