“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).
"Exceeded expectations. Great Story, voices, and athletic skills. Pure enjoyment in such challenging times. Put this play on your calendar."
...
Read more
Barbara W from Marriottsville on Sep 25, 2024
A circus spectacular
"I read the book so had high expectations for the musical. It did not disappoint. The circus performances were amazing. The interpretation of the animals was fascinating. The music was lively and lovely. The cast performances were spot on. I ended standing, clapping, with tears in my eyes. "
...
Read more
Roxanne H from Wishek on Sep 18, 2024
Water for elephants a must see
"If the reading the book, I was dubious that the Broadway play could capture the spirit of the story. Was I ever wrong. Not only did it capture it it elevated it and Provided so much entertainment with the acrobatics and the choreography that I would see the play again. I’ve only seen a few shows more than once."
...
Read more
Francis S from North Haledon on Sep 16, 2024
Excellent!
"This show is exciting and fun from beginning to end! There is so much going on, I think I could watch it multiple times and still see new things. The artists gave a superb performance. Excellent! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 16, 2024
Mesmerizing!!
"I am a huge fan of the book and this musical encapsulated everything I loved about it!! 10/10 recommend for everyone!"
...
Read more
Jennifer S from COLUMBUS on Sep 15, 2024
Rosey is the best
"Who doesn’t love elephants??? The story is wonderful and heartfelt but the voices and the acrobatics are outstanding!!! I’d love to see it again."
...
Read more
Pamela S from Pittsboro on Sep 13, 2024
Beautifully done!
"I thought the play was amazing. It was funny, sentimental, and romantic, and the props were so creative. I loved the acrobatics and dances. It's a must see! "
...
Read more
Lisa D from King on Sep 13, 2024
Entertaining
"4 seniors went to see Water for Elephants. We were all extremely pleased with the production. The performers were amazing and did a fantastic performance. Highly recommend the show to all ages."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 12, 2024
Spectacular and Special
"Such a creative performance telling the touching story of Water for Elephants- loved this show from start to finale! "
...
Read more
Claudia d from Atlanta on Sep 12, 2024
Amazing!
"The show was better than expected. Not only the signing and the acting was amazing, but it was more like the circus with music! "
...
Read more
Kenneth B from Fort Lauderdale on Sep 10, 2024
Circus meets broadway!
"Amazing stunts, incredible cast, catchy songs—this show was fun for the whole family!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 9, 2024
Water for Elephants
"We were so excited to see this show. It was at the Imperial theatre, which is beautiful. The show was full of talent, great vocals and a wonderful story. I will say that the storytelling was easy to follow. Thanks to all involved for this production. Absolutely worth seeing."
...
Read more
Patricia C from Lafayette on Sep 9, 2024
Show of the decade !
"Endless talent - acting, singing and acrobatics. Relatable content, heart-warming and endearing! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 8, 2024
A masterpiece
"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. "
...
Read more
Stephen N from San Francisco on Sep 8, 2024
A fantastic musical and a trip to the circus in one...
"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..."
...
Read more
Daniel B from Vicksburg on Sep 6, 2024
BEST SHOW ON BROADWAY
"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!!!"
...
Read more
mack f from Richmond on Sep 4, 2024
Puppetry and Acrobatics
"Fantastic full size puppetry and overwhelming acrobats. Great drama. Made me good cry at points. Loved the older Jacob. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 4, 2024
Great story telling
"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."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 3, 2024
Beautiful performances, adorable characters
"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. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 2, 2024
Beautiful from start to finish
"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. "
...
Read more
Jairo D from Bakersfield on Sep 2, 2024
Musical and circus in one
"You pay for a musical, get a great one, and get a circus as a bonus. It’s a really good show!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 30, 2024
Water for Elephants is the best play I've seen on Broadway or anywhere!
"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!"
...
Read more
Andrea H from St Petersburg on Aug 30, 2024
Incredible creativity!
"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! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 29, 2024
Amazing
"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."
...
Read more
Gretchen F from Brunswick on Aug 26, 2024
For Children Of All Ages
"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. . "
