"The show had amazing acting and singing, but also world class tumbling, acrobatics, and high trapeze work. And fantastic animal puppets - the show was simply incredible. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 12, 2024
Brilliant show with amazing cast
"So much to see on the stage. The acrobatic work was incredible, the singing and dancing fabulous. Booked this from Australia and not disappointed "
...
Read more
Kaye P from Lower Plenty on Jul 6, 2024
Great show with dynamic physicality
"Charming, old-fashioned plot with some very creative physical movement. I highly recommend Water for Elephants! "
...
Read more
Marvin H from New York on Jul 2, 2024
Acrobatics +++
"loved the acrobatics and fast paced catchy songs, especially the male ensemble numbers. Puppetry was creative. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2024
The Circus Life For Me
"This musical was a most worthy transformation of novel to stage. Essence remains…imagination soars…as lions roar. "
...
Read more
Donna M from Franklin on Dec 6, 2024
Imagine Shakespere Meeting Broadway
"The performing arts is about creativity that captures the imagination. Water for Elephants takes one on a journey of imagination. From the puppets to the interplay between older Jacob and younger Jacob, you are on a stunning journey to imagine. Not a lot of typical broadway theatrics, but who needs a bunch of lights, cameras, music, and moving sets when the acting is award winning. "
...
Read more
C Darnell S from Jacksonville on Nov 17, 2024
Will never forget the beauty of this story as so uniquely told on Broadway
"I loved the creativity with which this story was told. The dual timeline allowed it to be of even greater relevance to a modern audience. The puppetry and acrobatics were so visually stunning that I couldn’t look away. And the songs were the glue that brought it all together. Masterful! "
...
Read more
Donna M from CHALFONT on Nov 10, 2024
Imaginative and terrifically emotive; theatre, circus and song!
"The case was terrific, strong musically and athletically evoking themes of love lost, ambition, passion, and a mix of lives lived on the edge. Very compelling too the shift of time. Wonderfully enjoyable! "
...
Read more
Gerald B from WEST HARTFORD on Oct 29, 2024
An exhilarating show!
"The acrobatics are phenomenal, the animation so creative, but the 2nd act is too dark and too long. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 27, 2024
More than an Elephant
"Having read the book many years ago, I had some idea of what was to come when the curtain lifted. While there are no live creatures on the stage the technology used to give them life was wonderful. The cast was superb and it truly felt as though we were attending a three ring Circus with all the activity on stage. The voices were enjoyable and the story line was well told.
A fabulous afternoon at the theater! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 27, 2024
Full of energy - loved it!
"Loved Rosie. Read the book and was wondering how they were going to have an elephant on stage. Didn’t disappoint.
The acrobatics were amazing. Was like being at a Cirque de Soleil.
The actors played their roles well.
Reading the book first left me wanting more interaction between Jacob and Rosie but I realize there is only so much time in a show.
"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 17, 2024
Read the book first
"I’m glad I read the book first. I got hints and minutia that others in the audience probably missed. A very, very enjoyable show. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 13, 2024
Fun show!
"This show was so well produced, and the singing and acting was terrific. The story didn't follow the book, particularly with Walter and Camel, so it didn't pack the same punch. The acrobatics were wonderful, and the puppets were outstanding!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Oct 8, 2024
Better than the Circus
"I liked everything about the show! More to the point, my 12 year-old-granddaughter, who doesn’t like ANYTHING, never once said,
“When will it be over?”!
It was colorful, poignant, acrobatic, musical and the characters were appealing, well-acted and believable. And the animal “characters” stole our hearts!
See it and love it!!"
...
Read more
Joy L from Delray Beach on Sep 17, 2024
Humming the plot
"Having not read the book before I saw the show, I was both surprised and moved by the ending, given the dark Depression Era circus theme. Before that, the show seemed to me to build slowly, with fine, cinematic direction; wonderful acrobatics; serviceable but atmospheric songs; and fine singing and acting (with a special shout-out to veteran performer Greg Edelman and Paul Alexander Nolan as the heavy). My advice to those who have already read the book: You'll be satisfied with this rendition. My advice to those who haven't read the book: Stick with this show to the very end."
...
Read more
Peter H from New York on Sep 9, 2024
Had an opportunity to see one Broadway show and selected this.
"Wonderful story line and well-acted. Very creative set design. My daughter, 9 years old granddaughter, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story."
...
Read more
James S from Piedmont on Sep 3, 2024
Very entertaining and amazing special effects and scenery
"I would recommend this show for the amazing acrobatics, special effects and the scenery. Beautiful storyline yet at times the chemistry was a little disappointing between the main characters. Overall, the show was very entertaining and would recommend this show."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 27, 2024
Gorgeous dancing and acrobatics, amazing puppetry, mediocre songs
"Three of us attended this show. I loved it and might even be willing to see it again. I was really taken by the gorgeous puppet tree and dance, in particular by the actor who played the horse. However, I was disappointed in the songs, and the story is a bit bumpy, I think the show was unique enough to be worth seeing, maybe just don’t pay for the absolute best seats in the house "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 23, 2024
Energizing show!
"I thought this production was very well done. Simple sets, so as not to detract from the action. The energy and quality of the performers was phenomenal. If you didn’t know the story coming in there are parts that might have been confusing. Still, a great show!"
...
Read more
Jeffrey P from Chestertown on Aug 11, 2024
A lot to see
"The acrobatics were incredible. Story very much like the book. Great tale t and overall show is a hit?!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 8, 2024
Definitely recommend!
"Great acrobatics. Good story. First half is a little long. Really good ending. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2024
Water for Elephants
"Excellent adaptation of the novel. A compelling story and dazzling showmanship culminate in a very entertaining experience.
"
...
Read more
Carla V from N Potomac on Jul 27, 2024
Great singing, dancing .
"The cast was great, The supporting cast did some incredible Cirque du Soleil type of performances. The energy was very high."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 25, 2024
Great review from me
"I liked the staging, choreography, acting.
The male lead was fantastic!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 7, 2024
We enjoyed it so much that we saw it again with our 15 year old granddaugh!
"Great acting and especially acrobatics!"
...
Read more
Warren S from East Brunswick on Jul 5, 2024
Viewing 201-225 of 246
About
Water for Elephants
“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).
