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Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants at Durham Performing Arts Center

Why see Water for Elephants?

The Circus Has Come To Town

Nominated for seven 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical!

Get ready - the circus is rolling into town! The Tony-nominated musical Water for Elephants, which earned an impressive seven 2024 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, is set to embark on its first national tour in fall 2025. After a hugely successful world premiere run in Atlanta, the musical adaptation of Water for Elephants made its Broadway debut in 2024. 

The show utilizes the book by Rick Elice, which in turn is based on Sara Gruen's original novel, and features music and lyrics by the PigPen Theatre Co. Tony-nominated Jessica Stone will be taking the directorial helm. The stunning play comes complete with clowns, aerialists, jugglers, and more to give the true circus experience!

What Is The Story?

Veterinary student Jacob Jankowski runs away after a life-changing tragedy fills his world with grief. He stumbles upon a circus and his reality is transformed in a way he could never imagine.

Key Information

Run Time

Two hours and 40 minutes with one interval

Dates

Dec 16 - 21

Upcoming Performances

Cast

  • Zachary Keller as Jacob
  • Helen Krushinski as Marlena
  • Robert Tully as Mr. Jankowski
  • Connor Sullivan as August
  • Javier Garcia as Camel
  • Ruby Gibbs as Barbara
  • Grant Huneycutt as Wade
  • Tyler West as Walter

Further cast

Fran Alvarez Jara, Yves Artieres, Chris Carsten, Adam Fullick, Nancy Gutierrez, Ella Huestis, Sam Kellar-Long, ZaKeyia Lacey, Andrew Meier, Marina Mendoza, John Neurohr, Bradley Parrish, Carl Robinett, Summer Severin, Serafina Walker and Yemie Woo.

Please note: The producers can't guarantee the appearance of any performers on any specific date.

Creative

  • Based on Sara Gruen's novel
  • Book by Rick Elice
  • Music and Lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co
  • Directed by Ryan Emmons
  • Circus design by Shana Carroll
  • Choreographed by Shana Carroll and Jessee Robb
  • Scenic design by Takeshi Kata
  • Costume design by David Israel Reynoso
  • Lighting design by Bradley King
  • Sound design by Walter Trarbach
  • Projection design by David Bengali
  • Hair and Makeup designed by Luc Vershuren
  • Music supervised and arranged by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Benedict Braxton-Smith
  • Orchestrations by Daryl Waters, Benedict Braxton-Smith and August Eriksmoen

Awards

Tony Awards Nominations 2024
Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Best Choreography
Best Direction of a Musical - Jessica Stone

Reviews

Customer reviews

4 reviews, average rating: (4.8 Stars)

Diane Bowden

Loved this Show!

This is one of my all time favorite plays. The way they brought the circus to the stage was absolutely incredible. The acrobatics, dancing, and aerobics was so magical. I would highly recommend.! ... Read more

Mike James

A Great Show Don't Miss it

This is an amazing show that combines talented actors/singers, skilled acrobats and very creative staging. There is just enough of the book to make the story line work. You will be overwhelmed by the singing and acting of Grant Gustin. My only criticism is: the play is a little long. It can be trimmed by 20-30 minutes. ... Read more

Phil Cohen

Breath of Freshness

When you are watching a show with such newness and watching the aerobatics, the singing, and the choreography was just magnificent. It just brings a show together and you can see the family dynamics of the showm ... Read more
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