REVIEW: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Now Playing Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre Through July 5, 2026

Chi, IL Live Shows on our Radar  

Following a celebrated Broadway run, the highly anticipated North American Tour of

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

A New Musical arrives in Chicago for a limited engagement

at the James M. Nederlander Theatre

The cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

June 23–July 5, 2026

BOOK BY FOUR-TIME TONY AWARD® NOMINEE RICK ELICE

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY PIGPEN THEATRE CO.

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SARA GRUEN

ORIGINAL DIRECTION BY TONY AWARD NOMINEE JESSICA STONE

RUNNING TIME

2 hours and 20 minutes including an intermission 

Age Recommendations: 

The show is suitable for ages 8 and up. All persons entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Zachary Keller, Connor Sullivan, Helen Krushinski, and the cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Zachary Keller and the cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

The big top is rising, but these roustabouts don't just build, they're multi-hyphenate super-humans who hurl sledgehammers across the stage, while performing choreographed dance moves, singing, and executing circus stunts! Some of my favorite productions of all times incorporate circus arts and/or puppetry in the service of storytelling, and Water for Elephants has a plethora of both! 

Zachary Keller, Connor Sullivan, Helen Krushinski, and the cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

All Production Photos by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

We’re sure Water for Elephants will be an elephantine hit of massive proportions! This sordid tale, set in the early 30s, has love, loss, murder, mayhem, giant puppets, and mad circus skills. I loved it so much I bought the tee shirt, and that's only happened three times in 18 years of reviewing shows. 

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar. Highly recommended. Four out of four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 

Helen Krushinski and Zachary Keller

I've been covering the top circus acts in the world for 2 decades from Cirque Eloise to Teatro Zinzanni. I've been behind the scenes at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and numerous Cirque du Soleil shows, and I can attest Water for Elephants is the real deal! 

Yemie Woo, Robert Tully, Tyler West, Javier Garcia, ZaKeyia Lacey and Ruby Gibbs

This production features excellent storytelling with superhuman feats, and so many styles of puppetry from breathtaking shadow puppet scenes to haunting, deconstructed circus animals, and even a life-sized elephant! 

Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski

And what better venue to host this stunning show, surrounded by elephants and mythical beasts? James M. Nederlander Theatre remains our favorite for its stunning architectural flourishes and macabre history of the Iroquois Theater fire of 1903.  

Photos by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

I adored Sara Gruen's 2006 historical novel (first started during the annual NaNoWriMo challenge to write a 50,000 original draft in just 30 days during the month of November.) I've done NaNoWriMo myself 7 times and it's so exciting to see what a draft can become... a best seller, a major motion picture, and a brilliant Broadway production! 

The stage production features a world class cast in a moving celebration of chosen family. This production is a triumph over economic hardship and toxic masculinity. Don’t miss this! ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List. 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and empty nester. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

“STUNNING AND EMOTIONAL.” – The New York Times, Critic’s Pick

“SPELLBINDING ENTERTAINMENT.” – Variety

“★★★★ DAZZLING AND THRILLING.” – Time Out New York

“THE BEST NEW MUSICAL ON BROADWAY!” – Theatermania

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that the hit Broadway musical, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is now playing a limited engagement at the James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) through July 5, 2026.

Helen Krushinski, Robert Tully, Zachary Keller, and Yves Artieres

Individual tickets, priced from $39.00 to $130.00, are available at www.BroadwayInChicago.com, with a select number of premium, lottery, and rush tickets available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. See below for more ticket information and the performance schedule.

Stress free rides are FREE – because the only drama should be on stage. Ride Metra to any Broadway In Chicago show all summer long. 

Zachary Keller as Jacob Jankowski,

The tour will be led by Illinois native Zachary Keller (Jacob), alongside Helen Krushinski (Marlena), Robert Tully (Mr. Jankowski), Connor Sullivan (August), Javier Garcia (Camel), Ruby Gibbs (Barbara), Chris Marth (Wade), and Tyler West (Walter).Additional ensemble includes Fran Alvarez Jara, Yves Artieres, Chris Carsten, Adam Fullick, Meghane Poulet, Ella Huestis, Sam Kellar-Long, ZaKeyia Lacey, Andrew Meier, Marina Mendoza, John Neurohr, Bradley Parrish, Carl Robinett, Summer Severin, Serafina Walker, and Yemie Woo.

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.

Helen Krushinski and Zachary Keller

ABOUT WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is based on the critically acclaimed and New York Times Bestselling novel by Sara Gruen. The Broadway musical has a book by four-time Tony Award® nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. (The Tale of Despereaux), with tour direction by Ryan Emmons, recreating the original direction by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo).

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS features circus design by Tony Award nominee Shana Carroll (The 7 Fingers), choreography by Tony Award nominees Jesse Robb (Miss Saigon) and Shana Carroll, scenic design by Drama Desk Award winner Takeshi Kata (Clyde’s), costume design by David I. Reynoso (Sleep No More), lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Bradley King (Hadestown), sound design by Tony Award nominee Walter Trarbach (Spongebob Squarepants), projections by two-time Tony Award nominee David Bengali (Good Night, and Good Luck), hair & makeup design by Luc Verschueren/Campbell Young Associates (A Beautiful Noise), puppet design by Ray Wetmore & JR Goodman, Camille Labarre (Into the Woods), puppet direction by Joshua Holden, music supervision and arrangements by Drama Desk Award winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Some Like It Hot) and Benedict Braxton-Smith (Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls), orchestrations by Tony Award winner Daryl Waters (New York, New York), Benedict Braxton-Smith and August Eriksmoen, fight direction by Cha Ramos (Jagged Little Pill), associate circus designer by Antoine Boissereau, associate choreography by Paige Parkhill, and casting by The TRC Company, Claire Burke, CSA & Frankie Ramirez, CSA.

The WATER FOR ELEPHANTS tour stage management team is led by production stage manager Kathleen Carragee and is supported by Stage Manager Maris Keller and Circus Stage Manager Stan Barile. The company management team is led by company manager Heather Moss with associate company manager Taylor Parris. The tour music director/conductor is Sarah Wilhelm Pool. Mimi Intagliata serves as the Executive Producer for the production.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS won Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Jessica Stone), Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical (Walter Trarbach), Outstanding Fight Choreography (Cha Ramos) and Outstanding Puppetry (Ray Wetmore, JR Goodman, & Camille Labarre), the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical (Jessica Stone), and the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography (Jesse Robb & Shana Carroll).

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS released the WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: Original Broadway Cast Recording, which preserves the show’s soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co., which is available on CD and all streaming and digital formats. The CD’s full-color booklet features production photography, complete lyrics, synopsis, and liner notes by book writer Rick Elice. The album is produced by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Ian Kagey. Broadway Licensing Global has secured worldwide licensing rights to the critically acclaimed Broadway musical WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. The flagship musical publisher for the world’s fastest growing theatrical licensing company, Broadway Licensing Global, includes Dramatists Play Service and Playscripts.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS had its world premiere in Atlanta on The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre, running from June 7, 2023, through July 9, 2023. The critically acclaimed production had The Atlanta Journal-Constitution raving, “WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is a triumph! Truly dazzles.” WATER FOR ELEPHANTS premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre, running from March 20, 2024, through December 8, 2024. The production was a New York Times Critic’s Pick, with chief NYT theater critic Jesse Green describing the show as “Huge”, “Heart-filling”, and “Emotionally vivid.”

For more information please visit: www.waterforelephantsthemusical.com

Follow us at @w4emusical
#W4EMusical #ChooseTheRide #WaterForElephantsMusical

Connor Sullivan, Helen Krushinski, and Zachary Keller

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

WEEK 1

Tuesday June 23 7:00 PM

Wednesday June 24 7:00 PM

Thursday June 25 7:00 PM

Friday June 26 7:00 PM

Saturday June 27 2:00 PM

Saturday June 27 7:30 PM

Sunday June 28 1:00 PM

Sunday June 28 6:30 PM

WEEK 2

Tuesday June 30 7:00 PM

Wednesday July 1 1:00 PM

Wednesday July 1 7:00 PM

Thursday July 2 7:00 PM

Friday July 3 7:00 PM

Saturday July 4 1:00 PM 4th Of July

Saturday July 4 6:30 PM 4th Of July

Sunday July 5 1:00 PM

TICKET INFORMATION (as of 6/23/26, based on availability and subject to change)

Individual ticket prices range from $39.00—$130.00 and may be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or any Broadway In Chicago box office. A select number of premium seats are available. Additional fees apply for online purchases.

Tickets for groups of 10 or more are available now by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing

GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. Subscribers may add tickets to their subscription by clicking here or by calling (312) 977-1717. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Patrons can participate in a Digital Lottery for a chance to purchase $30 tickets for each performance. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of $49 rush tickets will be offered for each performance—available only in person at the box office on the day of the show. Click here for more information on Digital Lottery and In-Person Rush.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium™

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky #broadwayinchicago

The cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

REVIEW: TINA- THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at the James M. Nederlander Theatre Through April 2, 2023

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

TINA- THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL

Produced in association with Tina Turner

Written by Tony Award nominee, Pulitzer Prize and Olivier Award-winner Katori Hall

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

"This is literally the best show I've ever seen." My friend, Teresa exclaimed as the audience rose en masse, for a rousing standing ovation, at the press opening for TINA- THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre. 

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara, and sisters Catherine and Teresa Hellmann, at the press opening of  TINA- THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre

The energy was palpable and the kudos well deserved. It's no easy feat playing a living legend, particularly one with powerhouse vocals and such a striking presence. Tina Turner's real life story is at once as tragic and triumphant as any Shakespearian masterpiece and Zurin Villanueva and Ari Groover share the role to bring this tale to life in style. We caught Villanueva on opening night and she was stunningly talented in this challenging role.

Zurin Villanueva as ‘Tina Turner’ and the cast of the North American touring production of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. 

All Production Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Ike Turner (Garrett Turner) is also exceptionally well played as the villain we loved to hate. Though his audacious abuse is hard to watch and may be triggering for some, it's a story that can't be glossed over, and a cautionary tale of toxic masculinity that's still all too common an occurrence. 

Garrett Turner as 'Ike Turner' and Roz White as 'Zelma'

In the early years and again at curtain call, accompanying her older self, Young Anna-Mae (Ayvah Johnson) stole the show with her incredible voice and a confidence far beyond her years. Roz White as Zelma Bullock, Lael Van Keuren as Rhonda, and particularly Ann Nesby as Gran Georgeanna are standouts as well. 

Ayvah Johnson as 'Young Anna-Mae' and the cast of the North American touring production of 

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL

Zurin Villanueva as ‘Tina Turner’ and Ann Nesby as 'Gran Georgeanna' 

One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.

It's a joy to see a rags to riches story this empowering, where Anna-Mae/Tina, a child abandoned by both parents, a young woman physically and psychologically abused by her husband, and a single, middle aged mom struggling to make a comeback in a racist, sexist, agest industry, not only survives but thrives. Don't miss this! ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara

"Writer Katori Hall has created A MUSICAL THEATER MASTERPIECE.” 

– Amsterdam News

TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, the electrifying production produced in association with Tina Turner and written by Katori Hall is now playing a limited engagement at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through April 2, 2023. Tickets are on sale at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below. 

The cast is led by Zurin Villanueva (The Lion King, Mean Girls, Shuffle Along, The Book of Mormon) and Ari Groover (TINA Broadway, Head Over Heels, Holler If Ya Hear Me) who will evenly share the role of Tina Turner, each playing four (of eight) performances a week. Groover will play the full run in Chicago, stepping in for Naomi Rodgers who is on a temporary leave from the show. Also starring are Garrett Turner as Ike Turner, Roz White as Zelma Bullock, Ann Nesby as Gran Georgeanna and Lael Van Keuren as Rhonda. 

Ann Nesby as 'Gran Georgeanna' 

All Production Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade 

“MIND BLOWING AND LIFE CHANGING.

A story that needs to be shared, especially today.” 

– ABC News

The ensemble includes Daelyanna Kelly Benson, Antonio Beverly, Taylor A. Blackman, Karen Burthwright, Aliyah Caldwell, Lillian Charles, Max Falls, Zachary Freier-Harrison,  Reyna Guerra, Gordia Hayes,  Andre Hinds, Takia Hopson, Ayvah Johnson, Geoffrey Kidwell, Parris Mone’t Lewis, Nia Nelson-Williams, Gracie Phillips, Nicole Powell, Terance Reddick, Shari Washington Rhone, Jacob Roberts-Miller, Aniya Simone, Chris Stevens, Jeff Sullivan, and Carlton Terrence Taylor. 

“It has been years since I toured the US and I am very excited that my own musical can now bring my music and story to my fans in their home cities across America. It’s a homecoming and that is very special to me,” said Tina Turner.

“We are delighted to begin this next chapter for TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. The North American tour will see the show enjoy its sixth production around the world since opening in the West End in 2018, which is testimony to Tina’s extraordinary legacy. This tour clearly has special resonance for Tina herself, and now more than ever we can’t wait to uplift audiences across America with her joyful and triumphant story," the producers, Tali Pelman from Stage Entertainment and Jimmy Nederlander said. “We can’t wait to introduce America to the two megawatt superstars—Ari Groover and Zurin Villanueva — who will share the role of Tina, Garrett Turner in the role of Ike, and the incredibly talented company who are hitting the road on tour!"

Garrett Turner as 'Ike Turner'

“PREPARE TO BE ECSTATICALLY BLOWN AWAY!” 

– The Daily Beast

Produced by Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL was written by Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is directed by Tony Award nominee Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Tony Award nominee Anthony van Laast, set and costume designs by Tony Award nominee Mark Thompson, musical Music Supervision, Arrangements & Incidental Music by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Tony Award nominee Bruno Poet, sound by Tony Award nominee Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Tony Award nominee Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Tony Award nominee Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Drama Desk Award winner Campbell Young Associates, and casting by The Telsey Office.  

“I’VE RARELY HEARD AN AUDIENCE WITH THIS MIGHTY A ROAR.” 

– NY Times

Zurin Villanueva performing _Higher_ as ‘Tina Turner’ and the cast of the North American touring production of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL.

ABOUT TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL 

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.  

Zurin Villanueva as ‘Tina Turner’ and the cast of the North American touring production of 

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL.

This new musical, based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and presented in association with Tina Turner herself, received its world premiere in April 2018 in London, where it opened to five-star reviews and has broken box office records at the Aldwych Theatre. In March 2019, the German production opened at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, and the Dutch production opened at the Beatrix Theater, Utrecht, in February 2020. A third European production opened in the Fall of 2021 at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid, Spain.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL originally opened on Broadway on November 7, 2019, and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The production reopened at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on October 8, 2021, following the 18-month industry-wide shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Broadway production ended performances Sunday, August 14.

Produced by Stage Entertainment and Ghostlight Records and featuring the original London cast, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical: Original Cast Recording is available worldwide on CD, both online and in stores. The CD features a 20-page booklet, which includes liner notes, synopsis, and production and studio photography. The album was recorded in February 2019 at Angel Studios and RAK Studios, produced by the show’s Music Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck and Kurt Deutsch and co-produced by Tom Kelly. To download or stream the album or order the CD, please visit http://www.ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/riverdeep-tinaturnermusical.

When she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in October 2021, Tina Turner became one of only three women in the institution’s history to be inducted twice (she was initially inducted in 1991 alongside Ike Turner).

Garrett Turner as 'Ike Turner'

Zurin Villanueva performing as ‘Tina Turner’ and Garrett Turner as 'Ike Turner'

The Emmy-nominated feature documentary TINA is now available to stream on HBO Max. A revealing and intimate look at the life and career of musical icon Tina Turner, TINA charts her improbable rise to early fame, her personal and professional struggles throughout her life, and her even more improbable resurgence as a global phenomenon in the 1980s. The feature documentary is from Academy Award-winning directors Dan Lindsay, T.J. Martin, and Lightbox, the production company founded by Academy Award-winning producer Simon Chinn and Emmy-winning producer Jonathan Chinn, together with Emmy-nominated producer Diane Becker.

TICKET INFORMATION

Ticket prices range from $52.50 -$152.50 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com, or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @TinaBroadway on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 22 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District, entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop, including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

@broadwaychicago on Twitter

#broadwayinchicago

 

Zurin Villanueva as ‘Tina Turner’ in the North American touring production of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL.