News Summary
The musical adaptation of the bestselling novel ‘Water for Elephants’ will be at the Straz Center from October 28 to November 2. Directed by Jessica Stone, this captivating production features a story of love, survival, and resilience set against the backdrop of a traveling circus during the Great Depression. Tickets start at $55, making this enchanting theatrical experience accessible to a wide audience.
Tampa, FL – The musical adaptation of “Water for Elephants” is set to enthrall audiences at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from October 28 to November 2, 2025. This production will take place in Morsani Hall, located at 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets for the musical are available starting at $55, providing an accessible entry point to this captivating theatrical experience.
The musical is based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, which has garnered critical acclaim since its release. It has been described as “thrilling” and “dazzling” by Time Out New York, while the New York Times has labeled it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.” The narrative follows a young man who, after enduring a significant loss, jumps a moving train and joins a traveling circus, exploring themes of survival, love, and the importance of second chances through the perspective of his older self.
This enchanting production is directed by Tony Award-nominated Jessica Stone, complemented by a book written by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice. Adding to the musical’s allure, the score is composed by PigPen Theatre Co., promising an engaging auditory experience to match its visual spectacle. The show will feature rigorous circus acrobatics, intricate puppetry, and original music, heightening the emotional resonance of the storyline while portraying the community and belonging that thrive even in challenging times.
The casting includes notable talent, with Zachary Keller portraying Jacob, Helen Krushinski as Marlena, Robert Tully as Mr. Jankowski, and Connor Sullivan as August. Each performer brings depth to the characters as they navigate the struggles of life in the circus during the Great Depression, providing a lens to reflect on enduring themes of resilience and hope.
The national tour of “Water for Elephants” began at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore, MD, on September 27, 2025, presenting audiences along the tour route with the opportunity to witness this imaginative adaptation of Gruen’s story. The production highlights not just the physical and emotional toll of early 20th-century circus life but also emphasizes the human connections formed within such a unique community.
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will feature this musical as part of an exciting Broadway season, which includes other productions such as “The Wiz,” “Kimberly Akimbo,” “The Outsiders,” “& Juliet,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Stereophonic,” “The Notebook,” and returning favorites like “Les Misérables,” “SIX,” “Beetlejuice,” and “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” This lineup underscores the venue’s commitment to showcasing diverse and compelling performances that resonate with a wide audience.
The programming at the Straz Center is supported by local and state arts organizations, including the City of Tampa and the Florida Department of State, who recognize the importance of the arts in fostering community and cultural engagement. As the excitement builds for “Water for Elephants,” audiences can look forward to an enriching theatrical experience that promises to engage the heart and inspire reflections on the magnificence and trials of life.
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Additional Resources
- Osprey Observer: Water for Elephants at the Straz Center
- Broadway World: Review Roundup Water for Elephants
- Broadway World: Meet the Cast of Water for Elephants
- Broadway World: Tickets on Sale for Water for Elephants
- Broadway World: Water for Elephants in Raleigh
- Wikipedia: Water for Elephants
- Google Search: Water for Elephants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water for Elephants
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