‘Water for Elephants’ musical to open on Broadway this spring
The stage adaptation of Sara Gruen’s circus novel comes to the Imperial Theatre following a world-premiere production with Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.
Run away with the circus! Water for Elephants, a musical adaptation of Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel, will premiere on Broadway this spring. The show will play the Imperial Theatre beginning on February 24, with opening night on March 21.
The novel and musical tell the story of Jacob Jankowski, who finds himself on a train with a traveling circus and starts his life over. The circus becomes his family save for ringmaster August, who threatens to derail Jacob’s life again as Jacob falls for Marlena, an acrobat and August’s wife.
Gruen’s novel was released in 2006, becoming a New York Times bestseller. The novel also received a 2011 film adaptation starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Hal Holbrook, and Christoph Waltz.
The musical adaptation features a book by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter And The Starcatcher), and a score by PigPen Theatre Co. Water for Elephants premiered at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. Jessica Stone, the Tony-nominated director of Kimberly Akimbo, staged the production and returns for the Broadway premiere.
The creative team, also carried over from Atlanta, includes circus designer Shana Carroll, choreographers Jesse Robb and Carroll, scenic designer Takeshi Kata, costume designer David Israel Reynoso, lighting designer Bradley King, sound designer Jessica Paz, projection designer David Bengali, hair and makeup designers Campbell Young Associates, puppet designer Camille Labarre, rigging designer Danny Zen, music supervisors and arrangers Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Benedict Braxton-Smith, and orchestrator Daryl Waters.
The cast of the Atlanta production included Stan Brown as Camel, Joe De Paul as Walter, Bryan Fenkart as August, Sara Gettelfinger as Barbara, Harry Groener as Mr. Jankowski, Isabelle McCalla as Marlena, Wade McCollum as Wade, and Ryan Vasquez as Jacob.
Casting for Water for Elephants on Broadway has yet to be announced.
Photo credit: Water for Elephants in Atlanta. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
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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