Another core special favorite show of ours from this past 2023-2024 season during our time away from social media is a very powerful, thrilling, spectacular, and moving masterpiece. We are talking about the Tony nominated Water For Elephants. This is an experience like no other still playing to packed houses at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.
For those don’t know, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is based on a best-selling novel by Sara Gruen and later became an acclaimed film. Set under the big top of a traveling circus, it follows a veterinarian in training and the show’s lead performer who fall secretly in love behind the back of the lead performer’s husband….. The Ringmaster…. who turns out to be an abusive monster harming all the circus’ animals notably a newly added Elephant. The secrect lovers take the ultimate leap of faith as they attempt to take The Elephant away and all leave the circus together. It features an original score by the PigPen Theatre Company along with a book by Rick Elice. Notable songs include THE ROAD DON’T MAKE YOU YOUNG, EASY, THE LION HAS GOT NO TEETH, WHAT WOULD YOU DO, and more.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS went through several years of readings and workshops. It had an official world premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA in the Summer of 2023. It got some good early buzz.
A year later, the show transferred to Broadway this past Spring at the Imperial Theatre where it earned mixed to positive reviews. It continues to play to packed houses every night. This production is known for some high energetic daring circus stunts and lots of really cool puppetry.
Under the direction of Broadway performer Jessica Stone along with choreography by Jesse Robb and Shana Caroll, the cast is led by….
Grant Gustin (currently Kyle Selig) as Veterinarian “Jacob Jankowski”,
Tony nominee Greg Edelman as “Older Jacob Janowski”,
Isabelle McCalla as Circus star “Marlena”,
Paul Alexander Nolan as the cruel Ringmaster “August Rackinger”,
Sara Gettelfinger as “Barbara”,
Joe De Paul (currently Phillipe Aymaro) as “Walter”,
& more.
The show was nominated for multiple Awards this past season. It ended up being nominated for 7 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL but lost all the categories. It did however take home several Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards.
A North American Tour will kick off Fall 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.
You have to see this show to believe in the wonder!!!
How amazing is this show
The Road Don’t Make You Young – Official Music Video WATER FOR ELEPHANTS The Musical (youtube.com)
