Water for Elephants at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis

Roll up, roll up… The critically revered bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a one of a kind, spectacle-filled new musical! Named a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times hails it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

After losing what he treasures most, a young man boards a moving train unsure of where the journey will take him and discovers a new home with the amazing crew of a roaming circus, and a life and love which is beyond his wildest dreams. Viewed through the eyes of his older self, his journey becomes a powerful reminder that if you take the ride, life can start again at any age.

The Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone delivers a “huge, heart-filling” production (The New York Times) that has been dubbed “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania). Water for Elephants features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice that puts you at the forefront of “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety). Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment! 

Water For Elephants Tickets

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

Water for Elephants at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis

Water for Elephants – The Musical is playing at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis from 3rd until 8th March 2026. The 2,600-seat live performance venue is one of four restored theaters on Hennepin Avenue. Opened in 1921, it’s located in the beating heart of Minnesota in downtown Minneapolis. Orpheum Theatre has a Beaux-Arts design, making it the perfect place to be transported into the 20th-century setting of the story. The large stage is ideal to showcase the musical’s circus acts, acrobatics, and large-scale set pieces. Having previously hosted huge shows like The Lion King, it’s no wonder a must-see musical like Water for Elephants is next on the roster. Don’t miss out! 

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

Synopsis

Water for Elephants is set in Depression-era America. The story follows Jacob Jankowski, who’s almost finished vet school when a family tragedy happens. Grief-stricken and looking for a fresh start, Jacob boards a train that turns out to be carrying a traveling circus — which requires a vet for the animals.

While looking after a sick horse and a willful elephant named Rosie, Jacob bonds with the performer Marlena. She’s wed to the possessive, cruel ringmaster August, but secret sparks fly. If Jacob and Marlena are caught, the bond will destroy Jacob’s newfound home and family.

Creative Team

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

Water for Elephants is based on the critically revered and New York Times Bestselling novel by the talented Sara Gruen. The new musical features 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

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

Water for Elephants – The Musical opened its curtains at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta in summer 2023. It then moved to Broadway, opening at the Imperial Theatre in March 2024, with previews starting in February 2024. That year, the show received as many as seven nominations at the 77th Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It also won multiple 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 won for their stunning choreography. The production also earned Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and wins, including Outstanding Director of a Musical (Jessica Stone) and Outstanding Choreography (Robb & Carroll). In fall 2025, a national tour of Water for Elephants is launching at the 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