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'Water For Elephants' in light green all caps over a green/black background.

Water for Elephants Information

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to vivid life on Broadway in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical.

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.

Directed by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co., WATER FOR ELEPHANTS unites innovative stagecraft with the very best of Broadway talent in an authentic and deeply moving new musical that invites us all to give ourselves to the unknown.


Based on the critically acclaimed and bestselling novel of the same name, Water for Elephants is a story of love, adventure and intrigue within a traveling circus. The story deals with sensitive and mature themes including abuse, neglect, and harm to both animals and people. There are no live animals in the production, but rather they’re portrayed by puppets and the harm they experience is indicated, but not seen onstage.

Know Before You Go

Run Time
Run Time

2 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission

Age Recommendation
Age Recommendation

Ages 8+

Flashing Lights
Flashing Lights

Strobe or flashing lights are used in this production.

Loud Noise
Loud Noise

This production uses a gunshot sound effect.

Haze
Haze

This production uses theatrical haze and smoke.

Ticket Limit
Ticket Limit

Maximum aggregate ticket limit for all performances is 20 tickets.

Photos

Isabelle McCalla and Grant Gustin in Water for Elephants. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The cast of Water for Elephants. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Paul Alexander Nolan, Isabelle McCalla, and Grant Gustin in Water for Elephants. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Grant Gustin and the cast of Water for Elephants. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Marissa Rosen, Gregg Edelman, Taylor Colleton, Sara Gettelfinger, Joe De Paul, and Stan Brown in Water for Elephants. Photo by Matthew Murphy.