Water for Elephants Broadway: Your Ultimate Guide to the New Musical
If you’re looking to enjoy a show that combines the excitement of the circus with a heartfelt story, Water for Elephants Broadway is perfect for you. This musical adaptation of Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel brings the world of a travelling circus to the stage, exploring themes of love, loss, and finding new beginnings.
Playing at the Imperial Theatre, the production features stunning circus acts, a talented Broadway cast, and a memorable theatre experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Water for Elephants Broadway, including the plot of the musical, details about the cast and creative team, how to book your Broadway tickets, and how to choose the best seats to enjoy the show.
Key Takeaways
- Water for Elephants Broadway Plot: Follow a young man who joins a traveling circus and finds unexpected love and adventure. The story is seen through his older self’s eyes, making it a poignant reminder of life’s twists and turns.
- Cast and Creative Team: The musical features talented actors like Paul Alexander Nolan and Stan Brown, with creative input from names like Shana Carroll circus design and Campbell Young Associates for hair and makeup design.
- Booking Broadway Tickets: The Imperial Theatre offers a seating capacity of 1,457, including accessible options. Group rates are available for ten or more tickets, making it a perfect outing for friends, family, or colleagues.
The Plot
Water for Elephants on Broadway tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man who, after a devastating personal loss, leaps onto a moving train, not knowing where it will lead. He finds himself in the midst of a traveling circus, where he encounters a diverse crew, a stubborn elephant, and a love that changes his life.
This stage adaptation by Rick Elice captures the magic of the circus with a heart-warming tale, seen through the eyes of Jacob’s older self. Directed by Jessica Stone, this production brings the circus’s wild energy to Broadway, offering a spectacle filled with acrobatics, drama, and a beautiful musical score by PigPen Theatre Co.
Water for Elephants Songs
The musical features an amazing soundtrack that adds depth to the story, capturing both the excitement and the drama of the circus life.
Here’s all the songs in Water for Elephants the Musical:
Act One
| Song Title | Performed By |
|---|---|
| Overture | Orchestra |
| Prologue | Company |
| Anywhere/Another Train | Jacob, Camel, Wade, Company |
| The Road Don’t Make You Young | Company |
| Easy | Marlena |
| The Lion Has Got No Teeth | August, Jacob, Company |
| I Choose the Ride | Camel, Jacob, Company |
| Ode to an Elephant | Mr. Jankowski, Jacob, Marlena, August |
| Just Our Luck | Mr. Jankowski, Barbara, Camel, Walter |
| I Shouldn’t Be Surprised | Marlena, Mr. Jankowski |
| Silver Stars | Jacob |
| The Grand Spec | August, Company |
Act Two
| Song Title | Performed By |
|---|---|
| Funny Angel | Mr. Jankowski |
| Zostań | Company |
| Squeaky Wheel | Barbara, Walter, Camel, Jacob |
| You’ve Got Nothing | August, Jacob, Marlena, Camel, Walter |
| What Do You Do? | Marlena |
| Wild | Marlena, Jacob |
| The Road Don’t Make You Young (Reprise) | Wade, Company |
| Go Home | Jacob, Company |
| Zostań (Reprise) | Jacob, Mr. Jankowski, Company |
| I Choose the Ride (Reprise) | Company |
Current Broadway Cast
The Broadway cast of Water for Elephants includes a mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces, all coming together to bring the magic of the travelling circus to life.
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Jacob Jankowski | Kyle Selig |
| Marlena | Isabelle McCalla |
| Mr. Jankowski | Greg Edelman |
| August | Paul Alexander Nolan |
| Walter | Philippe Aymard |
| Camel | Stan Brown |
| Barbara | Sara Gettelfinger |
| Wade | Wade McCollum |
| Ensemble | Antoine Boissereau |
| Ensemble | Paul Castree |
| Ensemble | Taylor Colleton |
| Ensemble | Gabriel Olivera de Paula Costa |
| Ensemble | Nicolas Jelmoni |
| Ensemble | Caroline Kane |
| Ensemble | Michael Mendez |
| Ensemble | Marina Mendoza |
| Ensemble | Samuel Renaud |
| Ensemble | Marissa Rosen |
| Ensemble | Alexandra Gaelle Royer |
| Ensemble | Charles South |
| Ensemble | Sean Stack |
| Ensemble | Matthew Varvar |
| Ensemble | Conor Wild |
| Swing | Brandon Block |
| Swing | Rachael Boyd |
| Swing | Ken Wulf Clark |
| Swing | Samantha Gershman |
| Swing | Harley McLeish |
| Swing | Michelle West |
| u/s Mr. Jankowski | Christopher Russo |
| u/s Mr. Jankowski, u/s Camel | Asa Somers |
Creatives
Meet the talented creative team behind Water for Elephants Broadway! Each member brings their unique skills and experience to create this spectacular show.
| Role | Name | Past Work and Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Book Writer | Rick Elice | Known for his work on Jersey Boys and Peter and the Starcatcher, Elice is a three-time Tony Award nominee with a knack for adapting compelling stories to the stage. |
| Music & Lyrics | PigPen Theatre Co. | Renowned for their folk-inspired storytelling and unique blend of music and theatre, celebrated for their work on The Old Man and The Old Moon. |
| Original Novel Author | Sara Gruen | Author of the bestseller “Water for Elephants,” which the new Broadway musical is based on. |
| Director | Jessica Stone | Tony Award-nominated director known for Kimberly Akimbo and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. |
| Co-Choreographer & Circus Designer | Shana Carroll | Co-founder of Les 7 Doigts de la Main, created circus choreography for productions like Pippin on Broadway. |
| Co-Choreographer | Jesse Robb | Known for choreography in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and The Last Ship, bringing dynamic movement to the stage. |
| Scenic Designer | Takeshi Kata | Scenic designs include Macbeth at Lincoln Center and The Great Comet on Broadway, blending innovative visuals with storytelling. |
| Costume Designer | David Israel Reynoso | Award-winning designer recognised for Sleep No More and Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil, known for bold and imaginative designs. |
| Lighting Designer | Bradley King | Two-time Tony Award winner for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and Hadestown, creating mood and atmosphere through lighting. |
| Sound Designer | Walter Trarbach | Designed sound for Broadway shows like Dear Evan Hansen and The Cher Show, known for blending soundscapes seamlessly with music and dialogue. |
| Projection Designer | David Bengali | Projection designs featured in Dear Evan Hansen and The Great Comet, adding a digital layer to enhance visual storytelling. |
| Hair & Makeup Designer | Luc Verschueren for Campbell Young Associates | Known for work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Mean Girls, contributing significantly to character creation and stage aesthetics. |
| Props & Puppetry Designers | Ray Wetmore & JR Goodman | Crafted props and puppetry for productions like War Horse and King Kong, bringing inanimate objects to life on stage. |
| Puppetry Designer | Camille Labarre | Designed puppetry for The Lion King and Avenue Q, creating memorable characters that capture audience imaginations. |
| Co-Music Supervisor & Co-Arranger | Mary-Mitchell Campbell | Broadway credits include The Prom, Mean Girls, and My Fair Lady, overseeing musical arrangements and direction. |
| Co-Music Supervisor, Co-Arranger & Co-Orchestrator | Benedict Braxton-Smith | Contributed to shows like SIX and Company, known for innovative music supervision and orchestration. |
| Co-Orchestrator | Daryl Waters | Orchestrated for Broadway hits like Memphis and Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, blending various musical styles. |
| Co-Orchestrator | August Eriksmoen | Worked on Bright Star and Come From Away, known for creating rich orchestral textures that support the narrative. |
| Music Director | Elizabeth Doran | Directed music for Hamilton and The Book of Mormon, guiding vocal and instrumental elements for cohesive performances. |
| Fight Director | Cha Ramos | Experience from shows like West Side Story and Les Misérables, choreographing realistic and safe stage combat scenes. |
| Production Stage Manager & Supervisor | Timothy R. Semon | Broadway credits include Aladdin and The Phantom of the Opera, managing stage operations to ensure smooth performances. |
| Associate Director | Ryan Emmons | Worked on productions like The Band’s Visit and A Bronx Tale, assisting in maintaining the director’s vision. |
| Associate Choreographer | Paige Parkhill | Contributed choreography to The Lion King and Frozen, refining dance numbers with lead choreographers. |
| Associate Circus Designer | Brin Schoellkopf | Collaborated on circus designs for Cirque du Soleil and other major productions, enhancing the circus elements of the show. |
| Casting Director | Tara Rubin Casting | Cast for numerous Broadway hits including Les Misérables and Jersey Boys, known for finding exceptional talent. |
| General Manager | Foresight Theatrical | Managed Broadway productions like Chicago and The Phantom of the Opera, ensuring operational success. |
| Production Manager | Juniper Street Productions | Known for their work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Kinky Boots, handling logistics and technical details to keep the show running smoothly. |
This incredible creative team combines their skills and experience to bring Water for Elephants to life on the Broadway stage, making every performance an unforgettable experience.
Booking Your Broadway Tickets
To see Water for Elephants Broadway, you can book tickets directly through various official ticketing outlets. The Imperial Theatre, located at 249 West 45th Street, New York, has a seating capacity of approximately 1,457 seats.
The theatre offers a range of seating options including Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Boxes, with partial wheelchair access available. For group bookings of ten or more tickets, discounts may apply, making it a great option for large gatherings.
Seating Plan and Accessibility
The Imperial Theatre provides a comfortable experience with a mix of Orchestra and Mezzanine levels, offering clear views of the stage. Accessible seating is available, ensuring all guests can enjoy the show.
It’s worth noting that seats closer to the stage may offer a more immersive view of the circus acts, while the Mezzanine provides a broader perspective of the entire production.
Water for Elephants Broadway on Social Media
Follow Water for Elephants on social media to stay updated on all the latest news and behind-the-scenes content:
Overall
Water for Elephants Broadway is a spectacular show that blends heart-warming storytelling with the excitement of circus life. Whether you’re a fan of Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel or new to the story, this musical offers something for everyone.
With its remarkable crew, stunning performances, and the enchanting world of a traveling circus, it’s no surprise the show has received numerous accolades and continues to capture audiences’ hearts.
FAQs
What is Water for Elephants Broadway about?
Water for Elephants Broadway is about a young man named Jacob Jankowski who joins a traveling circus during the Great Depression. The story is seen through his older self’s eyes, reflecting on love, loss, and the chance to start anew.
Where is Water for Elephants playing?
Water for Elephants is playing at the Imperial Theatre, located at 249 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036.
How long is Water for Elephants on Broadway?
The running time of Water for Elephants is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
Who stars in Water for Elephants Broadway?
The cast includes Kyle Selig as Jacob Jankowski, Isabelle McCalla as Marlena, and Paul Alexander Nolan as August among others.
What are the best seats at the Imperial Theatre?
The best seats depend on your preference. For a closer view of the circus acts, choose the Orchestra level. For a wider perspective, the Mezzanine offers a great view of the entire stage.
Are there group rates available for Water for Elephants on Broadway?
Yes, group rates are available for bookings of ten or more tickets. It’s a great way to enjoy the show with friends or family at a discounted rate.
Does the Imperial Theatre have accessible seating?
Yes, the Imperial Theatre offers accessible seating options. It’s recommended to contact the box office directly for specific needs.
How do I book tickets for Water for Elephants?
Tickets can be booked through various official outlets online or directly at the Imperial Theatre box office.
What age is Water for Elephants suitable for?
Water for Elephants is recommended for ages 8 and above due to its adult themes. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
