Water for Elephants Broadway Cast: Who’s in the 2024 Cast?
If you’ve been following Water for Elephants on Broadway, you’ll know it’s been creating quite a buzz at the Imperial Theatre in New York. This stunning musical, adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, is set in a travelling circus during the Great Depression and has been enchanting audiences for a while now.
Whether you’re planning to see it for the first time or catching up on the latest, here’s a look at the current 2024 cast. With a mix of seasoned Broadway pros and fresh talent, this cast is truly making the magic happen on stage.
Let’s take a look at who’s who in this incredible production!
Water for Elephants Broadway Cast 2024
Here’s a look at all the cast members of the 2024 Water for Elephants production, their roles in the musical, and their past work.
Kyle Selig
Role: Jacob Jankowski
Kyle Selig takes on the role of Jacob Jankowski, adding to his impressive Broadway credits, which include originating Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls and Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. He’s also been part of regional productions like October Sky and West Side Story at the Hollywood Bowl.
Selig’s TV appearances include roles in “Welcome to Flatch,” “FBI: International,” and “Madame Secretary.” A 2010 Jimmy Award winner, he is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.
Isabelle McCalla
Role: Marlena
Isabelle McCalla shines as Marlena, building on her Broadway career that includes originating Alyssa Greene in the Tony-nominated The Prom and starring as Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin. McCalla’s additional credits include roles in Shucked, Hercules, and TV appearances on “Law & Order,” “Extrapolations,” and “And Just Like That.”
Gregg Edelman
Role: Mr. Jankowski
Gregg Edelman is a seasoned Broadway performer with four Tony nominations for his roles in shows like City of Angels, Into the Woods, and Les Misérables. His film and TV credits include “She Said,” “Little Children,” and “House of Cards.” Edelman has also directed numerous shows at the Berkshire Theatre Group, where he is an Artistic Associate.
Paul Alexander Nolan
Role: August
Paul Alexander Nolan plays August, marking his 10th Broadway show with Water for Elephants. Nolan’s past roles include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Billy Flynn in Chicago, and Jim in the Tony-winning revival of Parade. He has also been part of off-Broadway shows like Daddy Long Legs and Slave Play. His TV work includes appearances on “The Code” and “Madam Secretary.”
Philippe Aymard
Role: Walter
Philippe Aymard brings his background in physical comedy and clowning to the role of Walter. He has performed globally with Cirque du Soleil in productions like Dralion and ZED and has been involved in various musical and acting projects. Aymard’s versatility extends from the circus ring to the stage, making him a great fit for this musical.
Stan Brown
Role: Camel
Stan Brown makes his Broadway debut at 60 as Camel, with a rich background in acting. His film credits include the award-winning short “The Bespoke Tailoring of Mr. Bellamy,” which won him Best Actor at the Louisiana Film Prize. Brown is also a professor of acting at Northwestern University and has trained with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Sara Gettelfinger
Role: Barbara
Sara Gettelfinger plays Barbara, a role she first performed in the world premiere at the Alliance Theatre. Her Broadway highlights include roles in The Addams Family, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and The 101 Dalmatians Musical. Gettelfinger’s career spans theatre and TV, including appearances in “Guiding Light” and “Sex and the City.”
Wade McCollum
Role: Ensemble
Wade McCollum is a dynamic performer with experience ranging from Broadway’s Wicked to London’s West End premiere of It Happened in Key West. McCollum’s off-Broadway credits include Triassic Parq and the award-winning Ernest Shackleton Loves Me. His versatility as an actor and singer has also seen him in regional productions and international tours.
Brandon Block
Role: Swing
Brandon Block makes his Broadway debut in Water for Elephants. He previously worked as Swing, Dance Captain, and Fight Captain in the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre. Block’s other notable performances include My Fair Lady and Miss Saigon on their US tours.
Antoine Boissereau
Role: Ensemble
Antoine Boissereau, a French-born performer, is making his Broadway debut in Water for Elephants. A graduate of the national circus school of Montreal, Boissereau has performed in various international productions, including shows by Cirque du Soleil and Les 7 Doigts.
Rachael Boyd
Role: Swing
Rachael Boyd, an accomplished gymnast and circus performer, is making her Broadway debut in Water for Elephants. She has toured globally with the Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths and holds the record for 86 consecutive standing backsaults.
Paul Castree
Role: Ensemble
Paul Castree has been involved with Water for Elephants since its 2019 reading. His Broadway credits include original casts of Disaster!, Young Frankenstein, High Fidelity, and Saturday Night Fever. He has also performed in off-Broadway and international productions like Forever Plaid.
Ken Wulf Clark
Role: Swing
Ken Wulf Clark, originally from Miami, is excited to join the Water for Elephants cast. His Broadway credits include Jagged Little Pill and The Great Comet of 1812. Clark’s TV appearances include “House of Cards,” “Gotham,” and “The Blacklist.”
Taylor Colleton
Role: Ensemble
Taylor Colleton is thrilled to be making her official Broadway debut in Water for Elephants. Her previous credits include Hadestown on Broadway, Beauty and the Beast on national tour, and the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre.
Gabriel Olivera De Paula Costa
Role: Ensemble
Gabriel Olivera De Paula Costa, a Brazilian circus artist, brings his skills in Chinese Pole and Floor Acrobatics to Water for Elephants. His performances include Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour and Duel Reality by 7 Fingers.
Samantha Gershman
Role: Swing
Samantha Gershman joins the Water for Elephants cast with previous Broadway appearances in A Beautiful Noise. Her other credits include tours of Jersey Boys and Jekyll & Hyde, as well as regional performances in Evita and A Chorus Line.
Nicolas Jelmoni
Role: Ensemble
Nicolas Jelmoni, a Monaco native, graduated from the National Circus School in Montreal. He began his Broadway journey with Pippin and has since performed globally in cities like London, Paris, and Tokyo. Jelmoni recently produced his own circus cabaret show, Delirious.
Caroline Kane
Role: Ensemble
Caroline Kane makes her Broadway debut in Water for Elephants. She has performed at regional theatres such as the Alliance Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, and Walnut Street Theatre. Her TV credits include appearances on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
Harley McLeish
Role: Swing
Harley McLeish, hailing from Brisbane, Australia, brings his circus expertise to Water for Elephants. He has performed with major companies like Cirque du Soleil and Les 7 Doigts, and in productions like Traces and Crystal.
Michael Mendez
Role: Ensemble
Michael Mendez recently appeared in the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre. His Broadway credits include Chaplin and off-Broadway shows like Fat Camp the Musical. Mendez is also an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College.
Marina Mendoza
Role: Ensemble
Marina Mendoza has toured worldwide with Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, and Les 7 Doigts. Thrilled to make her Broadway debut, Mendoza is excited to bring her extensive circus background to Water for Elephants.
Samuel Renaud
Role: Ensemble
Samuel Renaud, from Quebec, found his passion in circus arts after initially pursuing plumbing. A graduate of the National Circus School of Montreal, Renaud has been part of numerous circus projects, including Passengers by The 7 Fingers.
Marissa Rosen
Role: Ensemble
Marissa Rosen, making her Broadway debut in Water for Elephants, has toured the country singing with Kristin Chenoweth & Jessica Vosk. She has appeared in off-Broadway productions such as The Marvelous Wonderettes and BedBugs the Musical.
Alexandra Gaelle Royer
Role: Ensemble
Alexandra Gaelle Royer has toured the world with circus productions since 2011. Making her Broadway debut in Water for Elephants, Royer is excited to join this new chapter of her performing career.
Christopher Russo
Role: Understudy Mr. Jankowski
Christopher Russo has a broad range of experience from Broadway shows like The Grapes of Wrath to tours of Wicked and Miss Saigon. His TV appearances include “Blue Bloods,” “Succession,” and “Quantico.”
Asa Somers
Role: Understudy Mr. Jankowski, Understudy Camel
Asa Somers’ Broadway credits include Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, and Grey Gardens. Somers also wrote the libretto for the Duck Dynasty musical in Las Vegas and has performed in TV shows like “Billions” and “Gossip Girl.”
Charles South
Role: Ensemble
Charles South joins Water for Elephants fresh off his run in the Tony-award winning Some Like it Hot at the Shubert Theatre. His other Broadway credits include Aladdin, and he has also choreographed productions of West Side Story.
Sean Stack
Role: Ensemble
Sean Stack, originally from Miami, is excited to make his Broadway debut in Water for Elephants. His previous stage experience includes off-Broadway’s Between the Lines and regional performances at the Williamstown Theater Festival.
Matthew Varvar
Role: Ensemble
Matthew Varvar is thrilled to make his Broadway debut with the Water for Elephants cast. He was recently seen in the world premiere of the show at the Alliance Theatre, with additional credits including tours of Joseph and Elf: The Musical.
Michelle West
Role: Swing
Michelle West joins Water for Elephants with a wealth of stage experience, including Tina: The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway and national tours of Aladdin. Her regional credits include roles in The Prom, Legally Blonde, and The Wiz.
Conor Wild
Role: Ensemble
Conor Wild, an acrobat and director, has performed worldwide with companies like Cirque Éloize and Circus Oz. Wild co-founded ROOKE and has spent the last 14 years performing across six continents.
What to Expect from Water for Elephants on Broadway
To get a feel for the show, here’s a video of the original Water for Elephants cast performing “The Lion Has Got No Teeth” on Good Morning America. This performance showcases the vibrant energy and talent you can expect when you see the musical live at the Imperial Theatre.
Overall
The Water for Elephants 2024 Broadway cast is a spectacular blend of experienced Broadway actors, newcomers, and talented circus performers. Each member’s unique background contributes to this new musical, making it a vibrant and unforgettable experience at the Imperial Theatre.
Whether you’re new to Broadway or a regular theatre-goer, Water for Elephants promises to be a show full of heart, spectacle, and incredible performances.
Further Reading: All the Songs in Water for Elephants the Musical.
