“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).
"I am not a Broadway musical fan by nature. I visit New York once a year, and typically try hard to see the best PLAY that i can find. The last one i saw a year or so ago was the one about the Lehman Brothers. Starring four actora who each played several different characters in the legendary story of the rise and downfall of this dynasty--i would say it was the BEST play I have ever seen on Broadway. Truly remarkable performances and story!
We were in town this week for only a few days and--as older adults--we prefer afternoon performances. "Water for Elephants" was offering Sunday at 3:00 pm--a perfect time for us. I read the positive reviews, realized it was a musical, but was intrigued by the rather enthusiastic support from a NY Times reviewer.
This is the BEST musical I have ever seen--maybe next to Hamilton? Creative, musically genius, the choreography/acrobatics was astounding, original, flawless. I was on the edge of my seat much of the show. The lead singers (don' have program with me)--Isabell? and Graham? both were terrific singers, actors, dancers. The whole prodution was just a delight from beginning to end.
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Cathleen L from Bryan on Aug 19, 2024
"So brilliant how you put the book to life and adapted the animals. Great casting and phenomenal choreography. We loved every minute of the show"
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Wendy B from WESTON on Aug 16, 2024
"Well done musical worthy of the awards/ accolades. How the “animals” were Portrayed was genius. Great storyline. Highly recommended. Tragedy may be tough for children "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 12, 2024
"The Imperial Theater was so cozy and the show was a delight!"
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Cydney G from Kilmarnock on Aug 12, 2024
"I absolutely adored this show. The acrobats and puppetry were unique and the level of immersion achieved with relatively simple sets and props was amazing. The music was fun and represented the era well. A fantastic adaptation of an excellent book. Bravo!"
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Ellie M from Victoria on Aug 7, 2024
"So much to take in. Although songs were wonderful, it was top-heavy with ballads. Circus performers were amazing to watch. The elephant was impressive and actress who was the trunk was versatile in her differing roles. She has energy throughout. Grant G. Was impressive and enjoyed seeing him up close."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
"Songs and the entire cast was really good and perfectly chosen.
History was very well told."
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Pedro R from Bayamon on Aug 2, 2024
"Multiple cast members gave great performances. Loved that it was a Broadway debut for many."
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David S from Durham on Jul 27, 2024
"My daughter and I saw the show for her 14th birthday present. We both loved it. The entire cast was incredible!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 25, 2024
"Loved the story, the imagination of the circus animals , the singing . Loved it!!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 24, 2024
"The show had amazing acting and singing, but also world class tumbling, acrobatics, and high trapeze work. And fantastic animal puppets - the show was simply incredible. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 12, 2024
"So much to see on the stage. The acrobatic work was incredible, the singing and dancing fabulous. Booked this from Australia and not disappointed "
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Kaye P from Lower Plenty on Jul 6, 2024
"Charming, old-fashioned plot with some very creative physical movement. I highly recommend Water for Elephants! "
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Marvin H from New York on Jul 2, 2024
"The performing arts is about creativity that captures the imagination. Water for Elephants takes one on a journey of imagination. From the puppets to the interplay between older Jacob and younger Jacob, you are on a stunning journey to imagine. Not a lot of typical broadway theatrics, but who needs a bunch of lights, cameras, music, and moving sets when the acting is award winning. "
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C Darnell S from Jacksonville on Nov 17, 2024
"I loved the creativity with which this story was told. The dual timeline allowed it to be of even greater relevance to a modern audience. The puppetry and acrobatics were so visually stunning that I couldn’t look away. And the songs were the glue that brought it all together. Masterful! "
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Donna M from CHALFONT on Nov 10, 2024
"The case was terrific, strong musically and athletically evoking themes of love lost, ambition, passion, and a mix of lives lived on the edge. Very compelling too the shift of time. Wonderfully enjoyable! "
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Gerald B from WEST HARTFORD on Oct 29, 2024
"The acrobatics are phenomenal, the animation so creative, but the 2nd act is too dark and too long. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 27, 2024
"Having read the book many years ago, I had some idea of what was to come when the curtain lifted. While there are no live creatures on the stage the technology used to give them life was wonderful. The cast was superb and it truly felt as though we were attending a three ring Circus with all the activity on stage. The voices were enjoyable and the story line was well told.
A fabulous afternoon at the theater! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 27, 2024
"Loved Rosie. Read the book and was wondering how they were going to have an elephant on stage. Didn’t disappoint.
The acrobatics were amazing. Was like being at a Cirque de Soleil.
The actors played their roles well.
Reading the book first left me wanting more interaction between Jacob and Rosie but I realize there is only so much time in a show.
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
"I’m glad I read the book first. I got hints and minutia that others in the audience probably missed. A very, very enjoyable show. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 13, 2024
"This show was so well produced, and the singing and acting was terrific. The story didn't follow the book, particularly with Walter and Camel, so it didn't pack the same punch. The acrobatics were wonderful, and the puppets were outstanding!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 8, 2024
"I liked everything about the show! More to the point, my 12 year-old-granddaughter, who doesn’t like ANYTHING, never once said,
“When will it be over?”!
It was colorful, poignant, acrobatic, musical and the characters were appealing, well-acted and believable. And the animal “characters” stole our hearts!
See it and love it!!"
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Joy L from Delray Beach on Sep 17, 2024
"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."
