‘Water for Elephants’ to close on Broadway
The musical adaptation of the bestselling 2006 novel by Sara Gruen opened at the Imperial Theatre and received eight Tony Award nominations in 2024.
The circus is leaving town. Water for Elephants has set a Broadway closing date of December 8 at the Imperial Theatre. At the time of closing, the show will have played 326 total performances.
Water for Elephants began as a 2006 bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, telling the story of a young man named Jacob Jankowski who runs away with the circus following a family tragedy. The vet school dropout finds a new career, family, and romance with Marlena, the wife of ringmaster August.
The musical adaptation of Gruen’s story features an adapted script by Rick Elice and songs by PigPen Theatre Co. Water for Elephants premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2023 before transferring to Broadway in spring 2024 under the direction of Jessica Stone (Drama Desk Award winner for Best Direction of a Musical). The show earned critical acclaim and eight Tony Award nominations, including for Best Musical.
“On paper, it’s straightforward rom-dram stuff. On stage at the Imperial Theatre, everything ascends thanks to its energizing and poetic elements,” New York Theatre Guide’s Water for Elephants review reads. Jacob’s story unfurls amid legit acts – acrobats, daredevils, trapeze swingers, and more – that add a different dimension.”
The current Water for Elephants cast includes Kyle Selig as Jacob Jankowski, 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.
Photo credit: Isabelle McCalla and Kyle Selig in Water for Elephants. (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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