A spectacle-filled Broadway musical adaptation of the bestselling novel, following a young man who finds a new home with a travelling circus.
Water for Elephants comes to Bass Concert Hall from April 6 to 11, 2027, bringing the Broadway musical adaptation of Sara Gruen's bestselling novel to Austin. The story is told through the eyes of the protagonist as an older man looking back: a young man who, after losing what matters most, jumps a moving train and finds a new home with the crew of a traveling circus.
The production is directed by Tony nominee Jessica Stone, who also worked on Kimberly Akimbo. The book is by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice, known for Jersey Boys and Peter and the Starcatcher, and the score comes from PigPen Theatre Co. It's a spectacle-filled show that runs 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
Critics have been vocal about it. The New York Times called it "stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative," Variety described it as "spellbinding entertainment," and Time Out New York called it "dazzling and thrilling." Theatermania went as far as naming it the best new musical on Broadway.
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There are plenty of options to catch it over the week. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday all start at 7:30 PM; Friday is at 8:00 PM; Saturday has a 2:00 PM matinee and an 8:00 PM evening show; Sunday runs at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. It's recommended for ages 8 and up, and the production uses smoke, haze, and gunshot sound effects. You can find it at Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712.
