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Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants at James M. Nederlander Theatre

Why see Water for Elephants?

Roll Up, Roll up!

Nominated for seven 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical!

Get ready - the circus is rolling into town! The Tony-nominated musical Water for Elephants, which earned an impressive seven 2024 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, is now bringing the show to you! 

Adapted by Rick Elice from Sara Gruen's original novel, Water For Elephants features folk and Americana-infused music and lyrics by the PigPen Theatre Co. and is directed by Tony-nominee Jessica Stone. The stunning spectacle comes complete with all the wonders of the circus, including clowns, breathtaking aerialists, jugglers, and more. Equal parts thrilling cirque and heart-rending romantic drama, this musical might not be the loudest in the season, but it's certainly a rewarding and exciting experience that brings a tear to the eye and a sense of nostalgia that'll stick with you long after the final curtain.

What Is The Story?

Water for Elephants follows Veterinarian Jacob Jankowski, whose story is told through the reflections of his older self as he looks back on a defining chapter of his life. In the depths of the Great Depression, Jacob's world collapses when his parents are suddenly killed, leaving him orphaned just short of completing his veterinary degree. With no money and no clear future, he makes a reckless, life-altering choice: leaping onto a passing train. The train turns out to be part of the Benzini Brothers' Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a fading traveling circus struggling to survive, and Jacob is unexpectedly swept into its harsh yet magical world.

Key Information

Run Time

Two hours and 40 minutes with one interval

Dates

Jun 23 - Jul 5

Upcoming Performances

Cast

  • Zachary Keller as Jacob
  • Helen Krushinski as Marlena
  • Robert Tully as Mr. Jankowski
  • Connor Sullivan as August
  • Javier Garcia as Camel
  • Ruby Gibbs as Barbara
  • Grant Huneycutt as Wade
  • Tyler West as Walter

Further cast

Fran Alvarez Jara, Yves Artieres, Chris Carsten, Adam Fullick, Nancy Gutierrez, Ella Huestis, Sam Kellar-Long, ZaKeyia Lacey, Andrew Meier, Marina Mendoza, John Neurohr, Bradley Parrish, Carl Robinett, Summer Severin, Serafina Walker and Yemie Woo.

Please note: The producers can't guarantee the appearance of any performers on any specific date.

Creative

  • Based on Sara Gruen's novel
  • Book by Rick Elice
  • Music and Lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co
  • Directed by Ryan Emmons
  • Circus design by Shana Carroll
  • Choreographed by Shana Carroll and Jessee Robb
  • Scenic design by Takeshi Kata
  • Costume design by David Israel Reynoso
  • Lighting design by Bradley King
  • Sound design by Walter Trarbach
  • Projection design by David Bengali
  • Hair and Makeup designed by Luc Vershuren
  • Music supervised and arranged by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Benedict Braxton-Smith
  • Orchestrations by Daryl Waters, Benedict Braxton-Smith and August Eriksmoen

Awards

Tony Awards Nominations 2024
Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Best Choreography
Best Direction of a Musical - Jessica Stone

Reviews

Customer reviews

4 reviews, average rating: (4.8 Stars)

Diane Bowden

Loved this Show!

This is one of my all time favorite plays. The way they brought the circus to the stage was absolutely incredible. The acrobatics, dancing, and aerobics was so magical. I would highly recommend.! ... Read more

Mike James

A Great Show Don't Miss it

This is an amazing show that combines talented actors/singers, skilled acrobats and very creative staging. There is just enough of the book to make the story line work. You will be overwhelmed by the singing and acting of Grant Gustin. My only criticism is: the play is a little long. It can be trimmed by 20-30 minutes. ... Read more

Phil Cohen

Breath of Freshness

When you are watching a show with such newness and watching the aerobatics, the singing, and the choreography was just magnificent. It just brings a show together and you can see the family dynamics of the showm ... Read more
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