The Paramount Theatre is leaning into its name this week. Water for Elephants, the musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel, is in town for a short run that closes on Sunday, and it's the kind of show that's hard to describe without sounding like you're selling it. It's a family-friendly piece that brings a traveling circus onto a proscenium stage, and it does so with a lot of moving parts.
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The story follows Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who, after a family tragedy, finds himself working for the Benzini Brothers' Most Spectacular Show on Earth during the Great Depression. It's a classic fish-out-of-water setup, but the real draw is how the production fills the stage. Expect circus acrobatics, original music, and a clever use of marionettes to bring the larger-than-life elements to life. The tour direction comes from Ryan Emmons, recreating the work of Tony-nominated Jessica Stone, with Shana Carroll handling the circus design and choreography. The book is by Rick Elice, who wrote Jersey Boys, and the music and lyrics come from PigPen Theatre Co., the same team behind The Tale of Despereaux.
On the cast side, Zachary Keller plays Jacob, with Helen Krushinski as Marlena. Robert Tully, a former host of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, steps in as Mr. Jankowski, which is a nice bit of casting given the subject matter. The ensemble rounds out the circus, and the marionettes handle the animals, including Rosie the elephant. It's a big production with a lot of hands on deck, from the scenic design by Takeshi Kata to the puppet direction of Joshua Holden.
If you're planning to go, there are a few practical things worth knowing. The show is recommended for ages 8 and up, and everyone needs a ticket, so babies in arms aren't really the intended audience. The balcony is accessible by stairs only, so if you need accessible seating or a companion arrangement, it's worth reaching out to accessibility@stgpresents.org or 206-682-1414 ext. 5 ahead of time. There's a nine-ticket limit per person, so groups of ten or more need to go through groups@broadwayattheparamount.com. Mobile tickets are released four days before the show, and sales are final, so there are no refunds or exchanges.
As for the schedule, the run is short. There's a 7:30 pm show tonight, Thursday, October 8, and another at 7:30 pm on Friday, October 9. The weekend shifts to matinees: 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 10, and 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 11, which is the final performance. The box office is at 911 Pine Street and runs Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, taking Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and cash. Will call opens an hour or two before the show with a valid ID, the original credit card, and your confirmation number. Parking is street parking outside the venue and paid lots nearby, and recording devices aren't allowed inside.
It's a limited run, so if you've been wanting to catch it, this week is the window. Between the acrobatics, the music, and the marionettes, it's a full evening, and it's one of those shows that's easier to experience than to explain.
Published Date
9 October 2026
