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Water for Elephants Show Poster

Water for Elephants Tickets

The new musical based on Sara Gruen's best-selling novel of the same name arrives on Broadway.

4.6

This show is closed.

Performances ended on Dec. 8, 2024.

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About Water for Elephants on Broadway

Everything you need to know about the show.

The Story

“Many wonders await audiences at the Imperial Theatre.” - The New York Times

 

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical with "one of the more remarkable ensembles ever seen on Broadway” (New York Daily News)! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional and gorgeously imaginative.”

 

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.

 

Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling" production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.

 

So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at Water for Elephants, “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania).

Details

duration

Run Time

2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission.
audience

Ages

Recommended for ages 8 and up. All guests must have a ticket.
content advisory

Content Advisory

Smoke, haze and gunshot sound effects are used in this production.
ticket limits

Quantity Limits

Limit 20 tickets per 30-day period.
dates

Show Dates

Previews: Feb 24, 2024 • Opening: Mar 21, 2024 • Closing: Dec 8, 2024
Broadway Musicals 2024 Tony Nominees

Official Tickets

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Theater

Learn more about the theater.

Imperial Theatre

Water Fountain

Water fountain located in the lobby.

Hearing Assistance

Assistive listening devices are available at the theater upon arrival.

Elevators and Escalators

This theater does not have elevators or escalators.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair seating available. Theater is not completely wheelchair accessible. There are no steps to the designated wheelchair seating.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms available.

Accessible Seating

Fifteen row-end seats with folding armrests.

Coat Check

This theater provides coat check.
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249 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
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Water for Elephants Reviews

Reviews from both critics and verified customers.

Critics’ Reviews (3)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
Time Out

"Dazzling and thrilling. A Dang fine show."

Time Out

Adam Feldman

Variety

"Spellbinding entertainment. Water for Elephants could be the greatest show on Broadway."

Variety

Frank Rizzo

The New York Times

"Miracles do happen. A gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical."

The New York Times

Jesse Green

4.6
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
Outstanding show
"The cast of performers were excellent! All had great chemistry with one another. Those that were vocalists were great. Music wasn’t to loud(we were 3 rows back). At times some of the cast responded to comments from the crowd. A 5-7yr old sitting behind me spoke out and the clown actor spoke to her. That was pretty funny. I read the book several years ago and I thought this Play reenactment was pretty close. Horse and elephant were well done."
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Daniel W L from Venice on Jul 30, 2024
I had no idea
"I never read this book, I never saw this movie. This show was beautiful. I absolutely adored it! The cirque aspect of it was so magical and unique. It elevated the entire show and uplifted the entirety of the story. The charters were all delightful and the story was so well told. I was so happy watching it and it also brought me to tears. Truly gorgeous, truly unique and special. I would recommend anyone see this show!"
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Trish F from Staten Island on Jul 11, 2024
Fabulous play which followed the book!
"Such a creative, beautiful, fast moving, tribute to Sarah Gruell’s book. Absolutely loved everything about it."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2024
Amazing, Thought-provoking Show
"Incredible story adapted to live theater! All of the movement, music, puppeteering and incredible acting make this a five star show! Loved it!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2024
Entertaining throughout the entire show
"I read this book and was not sure what the musical adaptation would look like. However, I was blown away by this musical. Not only was the singing and dancing, fantastic, but the acrobatics blooming out of the water. I would absolutely recommend this show!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 8, 2024
The Ultimate in Creativity and Performance
"As I watched this show with both critical and appreciative eyes I couldn’t help conclude that the director, cast and crew produced and executed a 10/10 result. Both the lady sitting beside me and I agreed that this was the ultimate Broadway show. Additionally I thought the lead voices were angelic and transported me to euphoric place."
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William H from North Vancouver on Dec 8, 2024
Stunning Play
"Water for Elephants is stunning. The leads were perfect for their roles. The circus performers were amazing and the puppets - fantastic. A very moving and beautiful story."
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MARY W from Palos Heights on Dec 8, 2024
Wow!!
"I loved the story, circus performers, and actors. Music was sung well and words were clear, but not very memorable. Story is not appropriate for young children."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 5, 2024
We loved the show!! It was heart warming and immensely creative.
"Loved the music, loved the voices. The acrobatics and dancing were spectacular. We have seen many, many, many broadway shows and this by far ranks up there with the best of them. They also kept very close to the storyline which was important and wonderful. "
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Arthur L from Sharon on Dec 5, 2024
Circus reminiscing
"I am a retired circus performer and watching the show brought back cherished memories as well as the familiarity of days gone by. The emotions felt for Rosie reminded me of a closeness I had with my elephant. Thank you for adapting the book to the stage. Bravo "
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Patricia L from Ridgefield on Dec 4, 2024
Read All Reviews (246)
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Cast & Creative

The current cast and creative team of the show.

Cast

Jacob Jankowski
Mr. Jankowski

Creative

Book
Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics
PigPen Theatre Co.
Based on the novel by
Sara Gruen
Director
Jessica Stone
Circus Designer
Shana Carroll
Choreographers
Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll
Set Designer
Takeshi Kata
Costume Designer
David I. Reynoso
Lighting Designer
Bradley King
Sound Designer
Walter Trarbach
Projection Designer
David Bengali
Puppetry Designer
Camille Labarre
Hair & Makeup Designer
Campbell Young Associates
Props and Puppetry Designer
Ray Wetmore and JR Goodman
Music Supervision and Arrangements
Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Benedict Braxton-Smith
Orchestrations
Daryl Waters
Music Director
Elizabeth Doran
Fight Director
Cha Ramos
Production Stage Manger & Production Supervisor
Timothy R. Semon
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