Kyle Selig to star in 'Water for Elephants' on Broadway
He will replace Grant Gustin in the lead role of the critically acclaimed musical adaptation of Sara Gruen's bestselling circus-inspired romance novel.
He's running away with the circus! Kyle Selig will join the cast of Water for Elephants on Broadway beginning September 3 at the Imperial Theatre.
Selig is best known for playing Aaron Samuels in the original Broadway cast of the Mean Girls musical and Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. His screen credits include appearances on Monster High, Madam Secretary, and Evil.
In Water for Elephants, he will play the lead role of Jacob Jankowski, replacing original star Grant Gustin, who departs the production September 1.
Continuing Water for Elephants cast members include 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.
Adapted from Sara Gruen's bestselling 2006 novel, Water for Elephants follows vet school dropout Jacob as he, seeking a fresh start, hops a train carrying a traveling circus. He finds a new calling as well as a forbidden romance with Marlena, a horse whisperer and the jealous ringmaster's wife.
Learn more about Water for Elephants on Broadway.
Photo credit: Kyle Selig. (Photo courtesy of production)
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.
Originally published on