“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).
"Having not read the book before I saw the show, I was both surprised and moved by the ending, given the dark Depression Era circus theme. Before that, the show seemed to me to build slowly, with fine, cinematic direction; wonderful acrobatics; serviceable but atmospheric songs; and fine singing and acting (with a special shout-out to veteran performer Greg Edelman and Paul Alexander Nolan as the heavy). My advice to those who have already read the book: You'll be satisfied with this rendition. My advice to those who haven't read the book: Stick with this show to the very end."
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Peter H from New York on Sep 9, 2024
"Wonderful story line and well-acted. Very creative set design. My daughter, 9 years old granddaughter, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story."
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James S from Piedmont on Sep 3, 2024
"I would recommend this show for the amazing acrobatics, special effects and the scenery. Beautiful storyline yet at times the chemistry was a little disappointing between the main characters. Overall, the show was very entertaining and would recommend this show."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 27, 2024
"Three of us attended this show. I loved it and might even be willing to see it again. I was really taken by the gorgeous puppet tree and dance, in particular by the actor who played the horse. However, I was disappointed in the songs, and the story is a bit bumpy, I think the show was unique enough to be worth seeing, maybe just don’t pay for the absolute best seats in the house "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 23, 2024
"I thought this production was very well done. Simple sets, so as not to detract from the action. The energy and quality of the performers was phenomenal. If you didn’t know the story coming in there are parts that might have been confusing. Still, a great show!"
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Jeffrey P from Chestertown on Aug 11, 2024
"The acrobatics were incredible. Story very much like the book. Great tale t and overall show is a hit?!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 8, 2024
"Great acrobatics. Good story. First half is a little long. Really good ending. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"Excellent adaptation of the novel. A compelling story and dazzling showmanship culminate in a very entertaining experience.
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Carla V from N Potomac on Jul 27, 2024
"The cast was great, The supporting cast did some incredible Cirque du Soleil type of performances. The energy was very high."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 25, 2024
"I liked the staging, choreography, acting.
The male lead was fantastic!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 7, 2024
"Great acting and especially acrobatics!"
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Warren S from East Brunswick on Jul 5, 2024
"Excellent performances by actors, great acrobatics, outstanding visuals. Audio a little low at times. I would see it again."
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James M from Frankfort on Jul 4, 2024
"I liked the acrobats, the singing, and the puppet. I really liked how the stampede was depicted. It wasn’t gruesome but there was killing, an affair, and a little bad language. This show was great for a family with teens and young adults. We all enjoyed it!"
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Monica C from High Point on Jul 2, 2024
"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. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 12, 2024
"Great acrobatics. Enjoyed singing and story."
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Robert D from SPRING LAKE on Jul 14, 2024
"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"
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Dency R from elizabeth on Jul 13, 2024
"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!""
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
"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! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 30, 2024
"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. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 1, 2024
"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."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 18, 2024
"We loved the circus aspect of the show but the songs fell short of having that “Wow” factor."
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Jenny Love and C from Lafayette on Aug 18, 2024
"The show had 3 obvious technical difficulties. The actors were great and parts of the show were fun but nothing really blew our minds. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"The performers and puppetry were perfect."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 24, 2024
"Acrobatics were amazing, performances were good, but the music and lyrics were not memorable. The musical did not capture the emotion of the book. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 15, 2024
"Overall it was okay, costuming and animals seems low budget. "
