“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).
"Being a trained musician I loved the singing. Was delighted with the creativity of animals as well as the wonderful acrobatics. Really creative."
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Mary C from Towson on Aug 5, 2024
"Thrilling acrobatics, sentimental beauty, smooth transitions in storytelling between past and present characters. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"I enjoyed the song selections, acrobatic performances and stage scenery.
My 14 year old granddaughter had a memorable experience. She loved it. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"Saw it in Atlanta before it opened on broadway Such a great story. Very high energy The music and cast are outstanding. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"As someone with a deep love for backstage and crew work, this show blew me away with how much it did with minimal set pieces and costume changes. The cast is incredibly talented vocally, physically, and emotionally. I came in with no context, expecting a simple love story, but was wowed by how much the story made me feel and how dark it could get."
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Gabriella S from Brooklyn on Aug 5, 2024
"The elephant technology was fantastic! The acting was excellent. After having read the book, I loved the story. The scene sets were also done very well."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"I loved the interpretation and the execution of the set design. The story telling was engaging and a beautiful adaptation. "
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Stacy H from Broken Arrow on Aug 5, 2024
"This show has something for everyone! The story has a romantic side while not being explicitly sexual. The costumes were amazing. The acrobatics, juggling, high wire acts, etc took my breath away. I was sad when the show was over. "
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Jeri D from Naples on Aug 4, 2024
"I enjoyed the acrobatics and animal interpretations . The performer that brought the lame circus horse to the audience was a crowd pleaser. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 4, 2024
"Grant Gustin was incredible in his Broadway Debut. Speaking of debuts, this show was chock full of first time broadway performers but you wouldn't know it unless you read their bios. The seamless spectacles of the circus performers and the actors, and the puppy was a scene stealer. I highly recommend this show, however there are some very heavy story lines so I wouldn't recommend for young children, it but it is definitely a PT Barnum meets the Lion for adults. "
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Amy F from Harrisburg on Aug 4, 2024
"Audiences will marvel at the acrobatic energy of these Broadway players! Such great staging! The animal puppets will bring you to tears and you'll find yourself rooting for an elephant and mourning a horse! Great entertainment for the entire family! "
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Leslie H from Naples on Aug 4, 2024
"The imagination that was put into this stage production was wonderful. I enjoyed the acting and fast pace. I took a friend and we both had such an enjoyable time!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 2, 2024
"I knew very little about the show but was interested after watching the Tony’s performance. The performance was well done. The music was great. The story was intriguing. And I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the puppetry and acrobatics."
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David M from Tucson on Aug 2, 2024
"Loved the circus acts and the story line!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 2, 2024
"First 20 min was hard to listen too
Guys sounded like sopranos.
Worked up to an unbelievable circus
Dance to close first act
Great story, acrobatics and dancing supure
Well casted
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Craig P from Mount Kisco on Aug 2, 2024
"The story is complex and moving beautifully demonstrated with the combination of beautiful puppetry, breathtaking circus feats, singing and dancing. Loved it!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 1, 2024
"I loved the gymnast aspect to this show. The performers were very talented. The lead woman had an amazing voice. Very entertaining. They had some funny jokes throughout the show too, the clown was hilarious!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 1, 2024
"Amazing combination of great acting, beautiful singing and stunning acrobatics. Very very well done!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 31, 2024
"The cast of performers were excellent! All had great chemistry with one another. Those that were vocalists were great. Music wasn’t to loud(we were 3 rows back). At times some of the cast responded to comments from the crowd. A 5-7yr old sitting behind me spoke out and the clown actor spoke to her. That was pretty funny. I read the book several years ago and I thought this Play reenactment was pretty close. Horse and elephant were well done."
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Daniel W L from Venice on Jul 30, 2024
"would attend again in a heartbeat"
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Anita C from Millswood on Jul 30, 2024
"I loved the way the story was told. The acrobatics and puppetry was amazing! The entire cast works so hard - you can tell they love what they are doing! Extremely well done! Go see it!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 30, 2024
"Visiting NYC and decided to buy a ticket for this show. It blew me away. I have seen only half of dozen shows on Broadway and this is honestly one of the best shows ever. It was beautifully done with great talent. I am shocked that it didn't win a Tony or I hope that it has a Tony is in its future. The entire production was stunning and this show is not to be missed"
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Nicki P from Golden on Jul 29, 2024
"A spectacular extravaganza! A must see when you’re in New York City! "
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Janine F from Otego on Jul 29, 2024
"We loved the whole show: extraordinary acting, acrobatic movement, choreography, plot, remarkable performances of everyone on stage. It was really remarkably conceived and enacted. No critique, really."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 28, 2024
"One of the better musicals my wife and I have seen. It had all one could ask for: romance, drama, good song and dance, breathtaking acrobatics, impressive puppeteering, meaningful story. BRAVO!!!!"
