Water for Elephants at Buell Theatre

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel is coming to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a totally unique new show! Proudly named a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times says it’s “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

After losing what he adores most, a young man (Zachary Keller) hops on a moving train not quite sure of where the journey is going and finds a new home with a quirky roaming circus family, and a life brimming with love. Told through the lens of his older self, his trip becomes a stark reminder that if you’re willing to take the ride, life can begin again at any age.

The Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone puts on a “huge, heart-filling” musical (The New York Times) that has been hailed “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania). Water for Elephants boasts a book by 3x Tony nominee Rick Elice that puts audience members at the forefront of “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety). Grab your tickets now to secure your place! 

Water For Elephants Tickets

“Many wonders await audiences in this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical.” – The New York Times

Water for Elephants at the Buell Theatre

Water for Elephants – The Musical is playing at Buell Theatre from 11th until 22nd February 2026. The 2,839-seat live performance venue is the largest theater in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Opened in 1991, it’s located in the beating heart of Denver on Curtis Street. Buell Theatre has a rich history hosting touring Broadway shows, making it the ideal place to showcase this spectacle. The venue sets the perfect stage to showcase the show’s circus acts, acrobatics, and incredible large-scale set pieces. Having previously hosted major shows like Chicago and the 2019 return of Wicked, it’s no surprise a highly anticipated musical like Water for Elephants is next on the cards. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. 

“Stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative” – New York Times

“Visually beautiful and emotionally expressive” – New York Theater Me

Synopsis

Water for Elephants is based in Depression-era America. The narrative follows Jacob Jankowski, who’s nearly finished with veterinary school when a family tragedy strikes. Overcome with grief and searching for a new beginning, Jacob jumps on a train that is carrying a traveling circus. They happen to need a vet for their animals.

While caring for an unwell horse and a headstrong elephant named Rosie, Jacob grows close to the performer Marlena. Although she’s married to the controlling and brutal ringmaster August, a romance blossoms between Marlena and Jacob. But if they’re discovered, the affair could shatter Jacob’s new home and family.

Creative Team

“The creative team merges circus and musical flawlessly” – Exeuntnyc

Water for Elephants has been adapted from the critically acclaimed and New York Times Bestselling novel by the skillful Sara Gruen. The new show contains a book by three-time Tony Award nominee Rick Elice (from Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), a stunning score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. (from The Tale of Despereaux). The musical is directed by Tony Award nominated visionary Jessica Stone (from Kimberly Akimbo).  

Jacob Jankowski is played by Zachary Keller, Marlena by Helen Krushinski, Mr. Jankowski by Robert Tully, August by Connor Sullivan, Camel by Javier Garcia, Barbara by Ruby Gibbs, Wade by Grant Huneycutt, and Walter by Tyler West.

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

Water for Elephants features circus design by Shana Carroll (from The 7 Fingers), choreography by Jesse Robb (from Miss Saigon) and Shana Carroll, scenic design by Drama Desk Award winner Takeshi Kata (from Clyde’s), costume design by David Israel Reynoso (from Sleep No More), lighting design by 2x Tony Award winner Bradley King (from Hadestown), sound design by Tony Award nominee Walter Trarbach (from Spongebob Squarepants), projections by David Bengali (from The Thanksgiving Play), hair & makeup design by Campbell Young Associates (from A Beautiful Noise), puppetry design by Camille Labarre (from Into the Woods), music supervision and arrangements by Drama Desk Award winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell (from Some Like It Hot) and Benedict Braxton-Smith (from Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls), orchestrations by Tony Award winner Daryl Waters (from New York, New York), music direction by Elizabeth Doran, fight direction by Cha Ramos (from Jagged Little Pill), production stage management by Timothy R. Semon (from Company), and casting by Tara Rubin Casting. 

History and Awards

“The best new musical on Broadway” – Theatermania

Water for Elephants – The Musical premiered at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre on 16 June 2023. It then transferred to Broadway, opening its curtains at the Imperial Theatre from 20 March to 8 December 2024. The same year, the musical earned a staggering seven nominations at the 77th Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It also took home several Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical and Outstanding Puppetry, and Outstanding Direction of a Musical. At the Chita Rivera Awards, Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll impressed judges with their incredible choreography. The musical also snagged Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and wins, including Outstanding Director of a Musical (Jessica Stone) and Outstanding Choreography (Robb & Carroll). A national tour of Water for Elephants is beginning in fall 2025 at the acclaimed Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore Maryland. 

Review

“Ever feel like running away from home to join a musical? Then “Water for Elephants” would be the show of choice that offers escapism, enchantment and heart — and thrills, too. Based on Sara Green’s 2006 bestseller, the show premiered last year at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre and elevates the musical to new and literal heights with its seamless integration of theatrical and cirque artistry. This underdog circus troupe may promote its entertainment as “Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth,” but for this rube’s nickels, “Water for Elephants” could be the greatest show on Broadway.” – By Variety