The national tour of Water for Elephants, the acclaimed musical that debuted on Broadway in 2024, will arrive at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio for its first Texas engagement, running Jan. 20–25.
Based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling 2006 novel, Water for Elephants brings to the stage the sweeping, romantic story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man whose life takes an unexpected turn during the Great Depression. After losing everything, Jacob jumps onto a passing freight train and finds himself swept into the chaotic, mesmerizing world of the Benzini Brothers Circus. Amid dazzling performers, perilous animal acts, buried secrets and a forbidden love, Jacob discovers a chance to rebuild his life—if he’s willing to brave the risks that come with starting over.
The tale unfolds through the memory of Jacob as an older man, creating a frame that emphasizes nostalgia, regret and the transformative power of storytelling. This reflective structure is one of the elements that helped distinguish both the novel and the 2011 film adaptation, and it remains central to the musical’s emotional impact.
The stage version features a book by four-time Tony Award nominee Rick Elice and a folk-infused, Americana-leaning score by PigPen Theatre Co., known for its inventive blend of live music and theatricality.
For the national tour, Ryan Emmons recreates the original Broadway direction by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone, whose production was widely praised for its bold physical staging and visually arresting sequences.
A hallmark of Water for Elephants is its immersive design, which combines circus artistry, rope and aerial work, choreography inspired by traditional big-top acts and large-scale puppetry used to portray several of the show’s memorable animal characters.
The touring cast currently features Zachary Keller as Jacob, Helen Krushinski as Marlena, Robert Tully as Mr. Jankowski, Connor Sullivan as August, Javier Garcia as Camel, Ruby Gibbs as Barbara, Grant Huneycutt as Wade and Tyler West as Walter.
For tickets or more information, visit majesticempire.com.
PHOTO: Grant Gustin, Stan Brown and cast in Water for Elephants, coming to San Antonio Jan. 20-25. Photo by Matthew Murphy