Water for Elephants at Ohio Theatre – Columbus

The incredibly popular bestselling novel is coming to the stage in a completely unique new musical! Proudly called a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times praises its “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative” production.

After losing what he cherishes most, a young man gets on a moving train not sure of where the journey might take him and discovers a new home with the incredible family of a roaming circus, and a life full of love which is beyond his wildest dreams. Viewed through the lens of his older self, his voyage becomes a striking reminder that if you’re ready to take the ride, your life can kickstart again at any age.

The Tony Award-nominated visionary director Jessica Stone presents a “huge, heart-filling” musical (The New York Times) that has been called “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania). Water for Elephants has an incredible book by 3x Tony nominee Rick Elice that places theatergoers at the center of “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety). Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated show – book your tickets today! 

Water For Elephants Tickets

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

Water for Elephants at the Ohio Theatre

Water for Elephants – The Musical is playing at Ohio Theatre from 9th – 14th June 2026. The 2,791-seat live performance venue is a performing arts center and former movie palace on Capitol Square. Opened in 1928, it’s located in the cultural hub of Ohio in Downtown Columbus. Ohio Theatre has a vibrant history playing host to touring Broadway shows, making it the perfect venue to showcase this must-see show. The venue is the perfect backdrop to present the spectacle’s circus acts, acrobatics, and stunning large-scale set pieces. Known as the “Official Theatre of the State of Ohio,” the venue has hosted top shows like Hamilton, Pretty Woman, and Hadestown. No wonder a major new musical like Water for Elephants is on the schedule. Book your places today to avoid disappointment!

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

Synopsis

Water for Elephants takes place in Depression-era America. The tale follows Jacob Jankowski, who’s nearly finished vet school when a family tragedy occurs. Stricken with guilt and on the lookout for a fresh start, Jacob hops a train that turns out to be transporting a traveling circus — who needs a vet for the animals.

While tending to a sick horse and a strong-minded elephant named Rosie, Jacob gets close with the performer Marlena. Even though she’s wed to the possessive and cruel ringmaster August, secret sparks fly between Marlena and Jacob. But if they get caught, the relationship will ruin Jacob’s newfound home and family.

Creative Team

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

Water for Elephants is inspired by the critically acclaimed and New York Times Bestselling novel by the masterful Sara Gruen. The new musical boasts a book by 3x 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

Water for Elephants – The Musical debuted at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre on the 16th of June 2023. It then transferred to the dazzling Broadway stage, premiering at the Imperial Theatre from the 20th of March to 8th December of 2024. In 2024, the musical also earned a whopping 7 nominations at the 77th Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It also snagged a number of Drama Desk Awards, such as 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 audiences with their show-stopping choreography. The show also bagged Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and wins, including Outstanding Director of a Musical (Jessica Stone) and Outstanding Choreography (Robb & Carroll). A national Broadway tour of Water for Elephants is starting this fall (2025) at the stunning 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 

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