Water For Elephants at Hollywood Pantages Theatre

This brand new epic took Broadway into an exhilarating ride and now it’s your turn! This 2026, seven-time Tony nominated musical, Water for Elephants, continues its thrilling showcases across the US and this fall, it’s finally hitting Los Angeles, California! For a limited time, this amazing period piece from a 2006 novel from Sara Gruen, will be taking over the Hollywood Pantages Theatre! The soul satisfying musical will run for 12 days with a total of 14 performances! Be captivated by this sensational story that brings the wonders of circus life to the big stage! This musical had everyone on Broadway raving and asking for more and here it comes, taking over Los Angeles to make everyone fall in love! So don’t miss out on this incredible new story that’s guaranteed to be both visually and aurally stunning! Tickets to see Water for Elephants are now up for grabs!

The critically acclaimed Broadway epic Water for Elephants conquers Los Angeles, California this fall. The musical had its trial run last 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia followed by a roaring run on Broadway’s Imperial Theatre in 2024. In 2025, it began going on tour and it’s finally making its way to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre! Those who have been waiting for this grand circus spectacle will know what the buzz is all about. Recipient of seven Tony nominations, an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Direction, and winner of three Drama Desk Award, Water for Elephants is here to have theater fans in LA fall in love with its titular characters Jacob, Marlena, and more!

Water For Elephants Tickets

PLOT

In this amazing period piece, Jacob Jankowski is a veterinary student who joins a traveling circus. He’s a 23 year old orphan who grew up poor during the Great Depression. He becomes the official vet for the Benzini Bros. Circus and he falls in love with star performer Marlena Rosenbluth. However, she is married to the cruel and abusive August, who also happens to be a sadistic animal trainer. Jacob also forms a bond with a neglected but intelligent Elephant named Rosie. Jacob now navigates his way through the circus politics, avoiding the wrath of August, and forming incredible moments with the good people and animals that remain. 

BACKGROUND

Water for Elephants is based on the 2006 novel of the same title by Sara Gruen. This stage adaptation was produced by Peter Schneider with  Elisabetta di Mambro, Broadway Across America, and Mehr! Entertainment. Its trial run opened at the Alliance Theatre in New Jesey in 2023. In the initial Broadway run, the cast included Grant Gustin who made his Broadway debut as Jacob Jankowski. The Broadway run in 2024 sold over 300,000 tickets, grossing over $35 million in ticket sales. 

“Nothing else matches the circus artistry for its originality, variety and consistency.” – New York Theater

CREATIVE TEAM

Water for Elephants is based on the book by Rick Elice with music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co. The production is led by director Jessica Stone while touring director Ryan Emmons lead the production on the road. Choreographers Shana Caroll and Jesse Robb give this outstanding epic much life through movement and dance while Benedict Branxton-Smith worked as co-music supervisor, co arranger and co orchestrator. Designers include Takeshi Kata on scenic, David Reynoso on costume, Bradley King on lighting, Walter Trarbach on sound, and David Bengali on projection. For a full list of the musical’s creative team, check Water for Elephants’ official website.

 “A pleasant, visually beguiling show” – Deadline

TOURING CAST 

The role of Jacob Jankowski is played by Zachary Keller, stage and TV actor and musician who appeared in notable roles for Shameless and Chicago Med. Mr. Jankowski is played by actor and singer Robert Tully. Helen Krushinski plays the roles of Marlena Rackinger and June while Connor Sullivan plays August Rackinger and Charlie ‘O Brien. For a complete list of the touring cast, check Water for Elephants’ official website.

“…dazzling effects and high-flying tricks…highly talented ensemble of acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists. – Maryland Theatre Guide

REVIEWS

Water for Elephants received raving reviews from viewers and critics. The musical was acclaimed for its stunning visuals and spectacular circus acrobats. Maryland Theatre Guide was in awe with all the tricks and stunts from the performers in this exhilarating musical, “Breathing extraordinary life into the show is the highly talented ensemble of acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists.” Apparently, the arrival of the circus elephant was also the highlight of the show, “The larger-than-life reveal of the beautifully designed Rosie, the elephant puppet.. was a show stopping moment.”

“The best new musical on Broadway” – Theater Mania

Over at Jonathan Mandell’s New York Theater, the critic expounded, “Much else in “Water for Elephants has its pleasures – the score, the singing, the puppetry, the acting, even the love story —  but nothing else matches the circus artistry for its originality, variety and consistency.” He ended his review praising the elegance of the show’s mid air ballet number, “It’s not just technically impressive; not just beautiful; it’s, somehow, deeply moving. 

The Variety mentioned, “Broadway Musical and Circus Merge for Spellbinding Entertainment,” when describing Water for Elephants. The article continued, “Water for Elephants would be the show of choice that offers escapism, enchantment and heart — and thrills, too.”

Lastly, Deadline called Water For Elephants as  “a pleasant, visually beguiling show.” The review immensley praised the stunts, “Water For Elephants holds our attention with some terrific acrobatics, tumbling and high-flying aerial feats.”

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

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is a premier entertainment facility located on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The establishment was built in 1930 to provide a space for films and vaudeville acts. By the 1940s, the venue became a versatile event space hosting road shows, concerts, and a variety of films. Today, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre stands as a 2,691 capacity state of the art facility with a diverse line up of world class performances. Its state of the art sound and lights technology and flexible stage configuration allows it to host large musical productions. Visitors get to enjoy fantastic accommodations with comfortable plush seating, top tier acoustics, and great accessibility. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Secure your tickets now and enjoy amazing seats! Ticket Squeeze offers access with affordable prices and buyer protection! Scoring guaranteed access is easy with Ticket Squeeze user friendly platform. You can also buy multiple tickets at once so it’s now easier to bring family and friends with you! Hurry and buy your tickets now before it’s too late!