Grant Gustin to star in 'Water for Elephants' on Broadway; casting set
The Flash actor will make his Broadway debut alongside two other actors newly joining the company, and five reprising their roles from the musical's world premiere.
UPDATE: The ensemble members have been announced, completing the Water for Elephants cast. The below article has been updated with the names of the full cast.
Meet your circus performers! Water for Elephants on Broadway has set initial casting. The musical adaptation of Sara Gruen's bestselling book begins performances at the Imperial Theatre on February 24 ahead of a March 21 opening.
Grant Gustin, known for playing the title role in the CW show The Flash, will make his Broadway debut in the lead role of Jacob. The Water for Elephants Broadway cast also includes Isabelle McCalla as Marlena, Gregg Edelman as Mr. Jankowski, Paul Alexander Nolan as August, Stan Brown as Camel, Joe De Paul as Walter, Sara Gettelfinger as Barbara, and Wade McCollum as Wade.
McCalla, Brown, De Paul, Gettelfinger, and McCollum all reprise their roles from the show's world-premiere production in Atlanta earlier this year.
The ensemble includes Brandon Block, Antoine Boissereau, Rachael Boyd, Paul Castree, Ken Wulf Clark, Taylor Colleton, Gabriel Olivera de Paula Costa, Isabella Luisa Diaz, Samantha Gershman, Keaton Hentoff-Killian, Nicolas Jelmoni, Caroline Kane, Harley Ross Beckwith McLeish, Michael Mendez, Samuel Renaud, Marissa Rosen, Alexandra Gaelle Royer, Asa Somers, Charles South, Sean Stack, Matthew Varvar, and Michelle West.
Water for Elephants falls Jacob Jankowski, who starts his life over after a family tragedy by leaving veterinary school and joining a traveling circus. There, he gets a new family, but also more than he bargained for when he falls for the lead acrobat, Marlena — the jealous ringmaster's wife.
Rick Elice (Jersey Boys) adapts Gruen's novel for the stage, and the original score is by PigPen Theatre Co. Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) directs the production.
Photo credit: Grant Gustin, Isabelle McCalla, Gregg Edelman, Joe De Paul, Paul Alexander Nolan, Sara Gettelfinger, Stan Brown, and Wade McCollum. (Photos courtesy of production; Gustin photo by Storm Santos)
Frequently asked questions
What is Water For Elephants about?
Sara Gruen's bestselling novel is now a high-flying musical-meets-circus spectacular. After tragedy strikes, Jacob quits vet school and stows away with a traveling circus — and ends up in a secret love affair with the ringmaster's wife that causes tension under the big top.
Where is Water For Elephants playing?
Water For Elephants is playing at Imperial Theatre. The theatre is located at 249 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is Water For Elephants?
The running time of Water For Elephants is 2hr 40min. Incl. 15min intermission.
What's the age requirement for Water For Elephants?
The recommended age for Water For Elephants is Ages 8+. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater..
How do you book tickets for Water For Elephants?
Book tickets for Water For Elephants on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Water For Elephants?
Rick Elice wrote the book for the Water for Elephants musical, based on Sara Gruen's original novel. He’s known for his Tony-nominated writing on Jersey Boys and Peter and the Starcatcher. The musical collective PigPen Theatre Co. wrote the songs.
Who directed Water For Elephants?
Jessica Stone directs Water For Elephants. She was nominated for a Tony Award for directing Kimberly Akimbo in 2023.
What are the songs in Water For Elephants?
PigPen Theatre Co. wrote the original music and lyrics for this show. The songs include “The Lion Has Got No Teeth,” “Just Our Luck,” and “Squeaky Wheel.”
Is Water For Elephants appropriate for kids?
Water For Elephants is recommended for ages 8 and older. The show contains some adult themes, acts of violence, and strong language, but the circus acts and spectacles will dazzle young audiences.
Is Water For Elephants good?
Water For Elephants is based on the critically acclaimed book and film of the same name, and the stage version is a uniquely exciting, larger-than-life spectacle with lots of talent involved. The show offers a rare opportunity to get the entertainment of a circus and a musical in one.
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