Photo credit: Isabelle McCalla and Grant Gustin in Water for Elephants on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

'Water for Elephants' tickets now on sale through February 2025

Q: 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.

Q: Who directed Water For Elephants?

Jessica Stone directs Water For Elephants. She was nominated for a Tony Award for directing Kimberly Akimbo in 2023.

The critically acclaimed, circus-themed Broadway musical, which stars The Flash's Grant Gustin, is based on the bestselling 2006 novel by Sara Gruen.

Gillian RussoApril 22, 2024, 04:00

The circus is staying in town! Water for Elephants on Broadway has released a new block of tickets for performances through February 2, 2025 at the Imperial Theatre. Get Water for Elephants tickets now.

Adapted from the bestselling 2006 book by Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who runs away with the circus after family tragedy. Not only does he find a new family and steady work as the circus's animal medic, but he falls into a forbidden romance with Marlena, a horse whisperer and the wife of the ringmaster.

The musical received critical acclaim; New York Theatre Guide's Water for Elephants review reads, "Director Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) deserves a big shout-out for combining all of the elements – the actors, circus feats, puppetry, song and dance breaks – so beautifully."

The current Water for Elephants cast includes Grant Gustin as Jacob, 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.

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 recommendation 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.”

Originally published on Apr 22, 202420:47