Come one, come all, to the greatest show on earth ... or, at least, on Broadway! Based on the 2006 New York Times Best Seller of the same name, PigPen Theatre Co.'s "Water for Elephants" opened in March 2024 to rave reviews on the Great White Way. With jaw-dropping circus artistry and beautiful puppets brought to life by an incredibly talented cast, this stunning spectacle of a musical is unlike anything else playing on Broadway this season. Not to mention, it's led by former DC superhero, Grant Gustin (aka The CW's "The Flash") — making his long-awaited Broadway debut.
The breathtaking world of the Benzini Brothers Circus must be seen to be believed. So settle down under the big top, because we're breaking down our top froggy four reasons to see "Water for Elephants" on Broadway!
Top Reasons to See "Water for Elephants" on Broadway
1. High-flying, death-defying acrobatics
Broadway actors and lightning-fast speedsters weren't the only performers cast in this production. Real-life circus veterans litter the cast and bring to this show an element of heart-stopping suspense and astonishing artistry you won't find anywhere else on the Great White Way. The kinkers (i.e. performers) of the Benzini Brothers Circus are constantly up in the air — climbing, tumbling and flying on a variety of aerial apparatuses. Even when they're down on the ground, they're jump roping, juggling and executing an impressive assortment of gymnastic feats. If you find yourself sitting in the lower orchestra right, you may even end up with a performer or two soaring right over your head.
2. Picturesque, powerful puppetry
From the miniature mutt, Queenie, to the sickly stallion, Star, to the effervescent elephant, Rosie, the musical's menagerie of fauna is brilliantly portrayed, both in design and performance. The puppets that make up the circus' four-legged residents are masterfully crafted by Ray Wetmore and JR Goodman of More Good Productions and Camille Labarre of LAB LAB and marvelously handled by a troupe of actors that make you forget where their bodies end and the puppets begin. The way even the most minuscule of movements so effortlessly evoke an array of sympathetic emotions is nothing short of magical.
3. Stunning, imaginative stagecraft
While the acrobatics and puppetry are each magnificent in their own right, it's the way they oftentimes come together that really sets this show apart. There are two heart-shattering moments in the show that utilize these elements phenomenally to connect with the human spirit on a deeper level — one when a horse is withering in pain and dreaming of running free and another when a fatal car crash takes the life of loving parents. Additionally, the set design makes the most with the least as a fast-moving locomotive is depicted with just a series of scaffolding, smart, scenic lighting and actors moving their bodies to the rhythm of the rail.
4. A compelling, captivating story
When Jacob Jankowski suddenly loses everything, he — figuratively and literally — finds himself on a train heading anywhere and nowhere. What follows is a heartwarming tale of courage, hope, loss and love as the young veterinary student falls for the jealous ringmaster's wife, attempts to train an untrainable elephant and finds purpose and family in the one place he never expected. Told from the perspective of Jacob as an old man as he's looking back on his youth, this emotional musical with empowering lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co. is perfect for theatre-goers of all ages and a poignant reminder that it's never too late for your life to begin.
"Water for Elephants" Broadway Tickets
Are you ready to "choose the ride?" Then grab your tickets to this "wild" and whimsical circus spectacular through Undercover Tourist and save up to $33 on red-hot ringside seats! Here are some upcoming showtimes for "Water for Elephants":
Check out our Imperial Theatre page for a full list of dates and times.
Are you planning to step right up and see "Water for Elephants" on Broadway? Let us know in the comments below!
