Tempe is rolling out the red carpet for a true Broadway sensation! “Water for Elephants,” the acclaimed new musical based on Sara Gruen’s beloved bestselling novel, takes the stage at ASU Gammage from October 27 through November 1 as one of the shining stars of the venue’s 2026–27 Broadway season.
The story whisks audiences back to a Great Depression-era traveling circus, where young Jacob Jankowski leaps aboard a train and lands in a world of glittering lights, breathtaking aerialists, and one very unforgettable elephant. Critics have fallen in love with the show, which earned a Critic’s Pick from The New York Times and praise for its stunning visuals, emotional heart, and rich, gorgeously imaginative storytelling.
It is the kind of night out that reminds you why live theater is pure magic: a real orchestra, acrobats soaring above the stage, and a love story you will be humming about all the way home. With evening performances at 7:30 p.m. plus Saturday and Sunday matinees, it is an easy pick for a date night or a family adventure in the heart of the Valley.
“Water for Elephants” plays eight performances only, October 27 through November 1, at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave. in Tempe. Tickets are available now at asugammage.com. Happy City News readers, do not let this circus leave town without you!
Photo: Benh Lieu Song, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
