Water for Elephants (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%

(1385 Ratings)

Positive

91%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Enchanting, Delightful, Absorbing, Clever

About the Show

The bestselling novel becomes a Broadway musical, exploring life's new starts in a spectacular way.

The bestselling novel, Water for Elephants, is brought to life on Broadway in an exceptional musical filled with spectacle and creativity.

Following a profound loss, a young man embarks on a journey by hopping on a moving train, uncertain of his destination. He discovers a new family among the extraordinary circus troupe and a life filled with unexpected love and adventure. Told through the lens of his older self, this tale serves as a poignant reminder that life can restart at any age if you dare to take the journey.

Helmed by Tony Award®️ nominee Jessica Stone and featuring a compelling book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice, adapted from Sara Gruen's novel, and a captivating score by the esteemed PigPen Theatre Co., WATER FOR ELEPHANTS merges inventive stagecraft with top-notch Broadway talent. It presents an authentic and profoundly moving musical that encourages us all to embrace the mysteries of life.

Show-Score Member Reviews (809)

58%

Banal, Slow

See it if you want to see some good acrobatics

Don't see it if you have the opportunity to see something else

93%

Absorbing, Clever, Delightful, Enchanting, Entertaining

See it if You enjoy excellent choreography and circus style acts. Entertaining to watch and good story.

Don't see it if You want a short show (it’s 2hrs 40min). It is a standard NY theater with no really bad view but very small seats. No elevators

100%

Absorbing, Clever, Delightful, Great Acting, Great Singing

See it if You like traditional Broadway shows. This show has a little of everything. I thought it was terrific.

Don't see it if You don’t like shows that deal with anything sad. It’s a story that has adult themes.

98%

Absorbing, Delightful, Enchanting

See it if Creative puppetry of the elephant, Rosie

Don't see it if If you’re the type of person who doesn’t enjoy getting absorbed in a well done story about our dreams of the past and for the future

100%

Clever, Delightful, Enchanting, Energetic, Entertaining

See it if Fantastic show!! A must see! It took all the elements of The Greatest Show on Earth and intertwined it with great singing and dancing.

Don't see it if You want to miss one of the best Broadway shows! Read more

85%

Entertaining, Impressive

See it if You love... -Acrobatic tricks -Incredible lighting -Beautiful singing

Don't see it if You cannot stand... -loud noises -the circus

58%

Excruciating, Fluffy, Insipid, Slow

See it if fan of the source material, want to watch circus tricks, want a family show that isn’t Disney

Don't see it if you enjoy any of the following: coherent character motivations, stories with a plot or songs that are good

97%

Delightful

See it if The acrobats are extraordinary Love that an old guy has a second chance to do what he loves

Don't see it if It was long.

Critic Reviews (17)

CRITIC'S PICK: "...it features an eventful story and compelling characters"
Read more

"The main attraction is the pull of the circus itself."
Read more

"new musical beautifully juggles circus and theatre"
Read more

"...much of 'Water for Elephants' will delight on the basis of spectacle alone"
Read more

"this musical adaptation of the hit novel loses much of its source’s pungency and grit."
Read more

"Water For Elephants is a pleasant, visually beguiling show"
Read more

"...a unique and imaginative creation of the stage and live performance."
Read more

"Everything is so exaggerated and phony that it’s hard to believe"
Read more

Trailer

Creative team