Water for Elephants Broadway Review: Circus Magic, Captivating Puppetry, & Immersive Music, Now at The Pioneer Center Through October 25, 2026

Water For Elephants

Dates in Reno: October 20-25

Location: The Pioneer Center 

100 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501

TICKETS

 WEBSITE | The Pioneer Center | Water for Elephants

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Upcoming Shows at The Pioneer Center

October 20-25: Water for Elephants Broadway Musical

October 28 & 29: Bluey's Big Play

November 1: Sierra Nevada Ballet presents Dracula

November 5 & 6: WCSD Honor Concerts

November 7: Warren Miller's Days Off

November 9: Reno Phil Youth Orchestras Fall Showcase

November 14 & 15: Reno Phil presents Petrushka

November 17-22: Elf the Musical

November 29: Sierra Nevada Ballet presents Peanutcracker

December 4-6: Reno Phil presents Spirit of the Season

December 11-13: A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker

December 19: Siamsa: A Celtic Christmas

January 12-17, 2027: The Outsiders

January 23 & 24, 2027: Reno Phil presents Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4

February 9-14, 2027: Jersey Boys Broadway Musical

February 20 & 21, 2027: Reno Phil presents The New World Symphony

March 9-14, 2027: The Bodyguard The Musical

March 20 & 21, 2027: Reno Phil presents The Planets

March 20, 2027: Reno Phil presents Adventures in Space

April 6-10, 2027: SIX: The Musical

May 25-30, 2027: Maybe Happy Ending

July 20-25, 2027: Hamilton

Music & Lyrics: PigPen Theatre Co.
Book: Rick Elice
Director: Jessica Stone
Choreography & Circus Design: Shana Carroll
Genre/Type: Broadway musical combining circus artistry, puppetry, acrobatics, romance, and drama, based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel.
Setting: A traveling circus in the United States during the Great Depression in 1931.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one 15 min intermission.
Age Recommendation/Content: Generally recommended for ages 12 and up. Contains mature themes, violence, animal cruelty, strong language, and romantic situations. 
Awards & Accolades: Nominated for 7 Tony Awards in 2024, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Choreography.
Notable Songs: “Easy,” “The Lion Has Got No Teeth,” “Zostan,” “I Choose the Ride,” and “Wild.” The score is a blend of Americana, folk rock, and theatrical storytelling.

Water for Elephants is a musical adaptation of the bestselling 2006 novel by Sara Gruen. The Broadway production opened at the Imperial Theatre in New York on March 21, 2024, with a book by Rick Elice and music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co. It earned seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Direction, and Best Choreography.

Set in 1930s America during the Great Depression, when economic hardship and uncertainty left countless people struggling to survive, Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a young veterinary student whose life is turned upside down by personal tragedy. With nowhere else to turn, he jumps aboard a passing train and discovers it belongs to a traveling circus. As Jacob finds work caring for the animals, he is drawn into the wonder and complexity of life behind the big top, where spectacular performances and unlikely friendships exist alongside cruelty, ambition, and struggles for control. When he grows closer to Marlena, a captivating equestrian performer, Jacob finds himself caught in a complicated love story filled with unexpected challenges. With romance, adventure, & breathtaking circus artistry, Water for Elephants explores compassion, resilience, the bonds between people and animals, and the search for love and belonging in a world where not everything is as magical as it seems.

Are You Ready for Water for Elephants?

Take the Quiz

☐ I've always been fascinated by the magic of the traveling circus.

☐ Acrobatics, aerial performances, and jaw dropping stunts are my kind of entertainment.

☐ I'm fascinated by puppetry and the artistry that goes into bringing characters to life.

☐ I love the nostalgia of the 1930s and the golden age of the big top circus.

☐ Forbidden love and complicated relationships make for compelling storytelling.

☐ Animals and the special connections we share with them always pull at my heartstrings.

☐ I'm open to musical styles that stray from the traditional Broadway sound.

☐ I appreciate music that sets a mood and brings a story's time period to life.

☐ I love discovering theatrical productions that dare to be different.

☐ A beautiful voice and an emotionally moving song can give me goosebumps.

☐ I appreciate the magic of live theater and everything that goes into creating it.

☐ I'm always up for a show that makes me feel like I've stepped into another world for a couple hours.

☐ I'm drawn to stories that explore the difference between the magic people see on the outside and the struggles hidden behind the scenes.

☐ I appreciate stories that remind us that even in difficult circumstances, love and hope can still find a way in.

If you checked at least three, step right up! Water for Elephants might just be your next must see theatrical experience.

Imagine losing the only world you've ever known and the only two people who loved you like no one else could: your parents. Who are you when you lose everything, especially during a time when the world has problems of its own? And how do you go about life when you're suddenly all alone?

While running away from your problems may not seem like the best solution, Jacob takes a leap of faith and finds a new life in the most unexpected place: a traveling circus filled with misfits he would come to love and call family.

While circuses are often associated with bringing happiness and wonder into the world, Water for Elephants reveals a more complicated reality behind the Big Top. Set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, when many Americans were struggling to survive, the story offers a glimpse into a world where traveling circuses provided audiences with an escape from everyday life, even as the people working behind the scenes faced hardships of their own. Although Jacob is fascinated by the magic of the acts and life on the road, he soon discovers that circus life comes with its own demands. Constantly traveling from place to place, living without a permanent home, and spending long periods away from family and loved ones took an emotional toll on those who called the circus their livelihood. August, the circus ringmaster, is driven by ambition and a desire for control, sometimes at the expense of compassion. Amid these challenges, the ensemble members lean on one another for support as they cope with the toll their circumstances take on their dignity, livelihoods, and morale. As Jacob finds his place in this unfamiliar world, he forms unexpected connections and discovers that family can come from the most unlikely places.

The Broadway production brings this world to life through its creative staging, impressive acrobatics, aerial performances, and puppetry. The sets seriously put a big smile on my face the whole show. I appreciate the talent, coordination, and physical strength it takes to pull off these performances, especially when they have to be done so often and consistently. The athletic performers immediately reminded me of Cirque du Soleil, known for its incredible acrobatics and feats of physical artistry. It felt like watching a show within a show, with circus style performances and death defying acts woven into the larger story. The puppetry was especially interesting to me because I have not seen many Broadway productions that use it in this way. I enjoyed seeing how the animals were brought to life through the performers movements and the artistry behind each creation. It takes a great deal of imagination and coordination to make these puppets feel believable, and I thought it was a creative way to bring another layer to the story.

As for the music, I've seen quite a bit of discussion about the score, with some Broadway theatergoers wishing the songs were more memorable. I can understand that perspective. The music and lyrics were written by PigPen Theatre Co., a group who brings a distinctive sound to Water for Elephants, drawing on a range of influences, including folk, bluegrass, jazz, vaudeville, African American spirituals, and other folk traditions (Source). These varied sounds help establish the time period and atmosphere while reflecting the different characters and experiences within the circus.

Rather than relying solely on big, catchy show tunes that often become Broadway hits, the music feels more closely woven into the storytelling. While that approach may not resonate with everyone, I personally loved the score because it immersed me in the world of the show and felt fitting for the era in which the story takes place. “Easy” was a personal highlight for me, especially because of the lead actress's incredible voice. The talent of the entire cast was undeniable, and I also appreciated the passion and skill they brought to each song, helping bring the story and its characters to life.

Ultimately, Water for Elephants is a one of a kind production that takes a chance with its bold storytelling and unique performances, weaving together universal themes of romance, adventure, circus magic, and the human experience. It's a true spectacle that draws you in with its acrobatics, aerial acts, puppetry, and craftsmanship. At the heart of it all, it's a story about resilience, compassion, and the connections that help us find our way through life's hardships. I appreciated how the production brought these elements together and reminded us that sometimes, even when life takes us somewhere we never expected to go, we can find belonging in the most unlikely places.

There's no denying the magic of Broadway and its ability to showcase the best of human creativity and talent. Just as movies and other art forms have their own unique qualities, what resonates with us ultimately comes down to personal taste and subjective perspectives. I can't begin to express how much appreciation I have for those who dare to take a chance on themselves, putting their hearts and passion into bringing their visions and dreams to life, resulting in creations that remind us that there's a world worth being alive in.  

If you enjoy theatrical productions that take creative risks, showcase impressive physical artistry, and tell a story with both wonder and heart, Water for Elephants is for you!

NOTES: I haven’t read the book nor watched the movie, so my review is based solely on my experience watching the stage production.

A special thanks to The Pioneer Center for inviting me and allowing me to help spread the magic of theater.

DID YOU KNOW?

The title has a double meaning. It comes from a scene in which Jacob is asked to carry water for elephants, reflecting the hardships and absurdities of circus life.

A photograph helped inspire the novel. Author Sara Gruen drew inspiration from a vintage photograph of a traveling circus taken by photographer Edward J. Kelty.

The performers bring real circus skills to the stage. 

The story has traveled across three mediums. It began as Sara Gruen’s bestselling 2006 novel, became a 2011 film starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon, and made its Broadway debut in 2024.

The music comes to life through a live orchestra.

The Pioneer Center has been a Reno landmark for decades. Opened in January 1968 as the Pioneer Theater Auditorium, it became a private nonprofit organization in 1988. Its mission is to cultivate exceptional performing arts experiences in its historic venue and throughout the region, connecting, enriching, and inspiring the community through live performance. Today, it continues to preserve Reno’s cultural heritage while bringing Broadway tours, local performing arts, educational programs, and community events to Northern Nevada.

The people welcoming you to the theater are volunteers. Pioneer Center ushers generously donate their time to help guests find their seats, provide assistance, and create a safe, welcoming experience. 

NOTES

*Military Night: Veterans & active duty military members may purchase specially priced $50 tickets in person at the Box Office by showing Military ID for a specific nights. Limit four tickets per person. 

*Free parking is available at the lot across the street from the Pioneer Center. You cannot miss it. Park tail in first next to an exit for convenience. Or, you can hang around The Pioneer Center 10-15 minuets after the show while the parking lot clears out. Street parking is also a great idea if you get there early enough to snag a spot.  More parking options.
*The show includes a 15 minute intermission. Take advantage of both levels of restrooms/concessions.
*Student rush tickets are available to students at discounted pricing (usually $25-$30). Limit 2 per student with a valid ID. Available based on availability in person at the box office 2 hours before the start of the show.  
*Single seat tickets are $40/ticket.  Available online (w/ processing fee) or at the box office.
*Box office opens 2 hours before every show. Purchasing tickets at the box office to avoid online processing fees.
*Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
*Booster seats available
*Lines move swiftly at intermission
*Bring in your reusable Broadway cup to any show and receive $1 off your drink
*Enjoy a specialty cocktail & mocktail at every show
*Coffee available at every show for anyone needing a little pick me up

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Advertise your business in the Pioneer Center’s playbills, distributed free to every patron. Learn more.  More Information

Subscriptions

More Information

Want to secure your seats ahead of time for the Broadway season?  Consider the Pioneer Center subscription bundle. It locks in your preferred seats for all shows in the season, offers discounted pricing compared to buying individual tickets, and gives you early access to additional performances and special events. This subscription option is available every Broadway season, making it a great way to guarantee your spot and enjoy a full lineup of incredible performances.

At the Pioneer Center, Broadway season usually runs from September through May, covering most of the fall, winter, and spring months. This timeframe typically includes 6-8 major Broadway touring productions, plus special concerts or events, giving audiences a full season of shows to enjoy.

PACKAGE PRICING

Price includes one seat for 4 Broadway Comes to Reno season productions:

Price Level 1 - $805

Price Level 2 - $610

Price Level 3 - $450

2026-2027 Broadway Productions at The Pioneer Center

Water for Elephants

October 20 to October 25, 2026

Elf The Musical

November 17 to November 22, 2026

The Outsiders

January 12 to January 17, 2027

Jersey Boys

February 9 to February 14, 2027

The Bodyguard

March 9 to March 14, 2027

SIX (Season Add On)

April 6 to April 10, 2027

Maybe Happy Ending

May 25 to May 30, 2027

Hamilton

July 20 to July 25, 2027

Free Annual Programs at The Pioneer Center

Dog Days of Summer 

 Mid‑August Dance Festival (three nights of free dance performances on the plaza). 

Home Means Nevada

*Free Family Concert.  Explore the great state that we call home – through music! Early fall, held in September. 

 The Orchestra Moves

Free Family Concert.  A free, fun-filled family concert with the Reno Phil! Spring (around May) 

Golden Encore 

Senior Series.  Free performances tailored to older audiences. Usually in May.

 

Spellbinders 

Annual international magic show.  Typically in November. 

Free Family Series is part of Pioneer Center Youth Programs (PCYP).  Brings top tier family‑friendly performances to the mainstage downtown.

Connecting Broadway with Northern Nevada's Theater Community! The Pioneer Center’s Broadway Comes to Reno series brings national touring productions to the community each year, while its Behind the Curtain program gives local students exclusive backstage access, workshops, and interactions with Broadway professionals.

***Information subject to  change.  All opinions are my own.***

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under Arts & Culture 

I Was Just Looking for Really Good Chocolate. Somehow, I Became Part of a 90-Year Story.

Guest Post by Cesar Acosta, Owner of Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory

As Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory approaches its 90th anniversary, Cesar shares the story of how he came to acquire this beloved Nevada candy company, whose candy-making roots date back to 1936, and his vision for preserving what makes it so special.

WASHOE 

611 US-395, New Washoe City, NV 89704

MOUNDHOUSE

56 NV-341, Mound House, NV 89706

Website | Instagram | My Post about Chocolate Nugget Factory

When I first opened Champagne & Chocolate in South Lake Tahoe, I knew one thing for sure: if I was going to build a business around chocolate, it had to be really, really good chocolate.

Not just something I could order from a distributor and put in a case. I wanted something people would taste and remember.

And I already knew where I wanted it to come from.

The Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory.

If you’ve lived around Northern Nevada for a while, you probably know the place. It’s that little candy factory along 395 in Washoe Valley that people have been stopping at for generations. I knew the chocolate, I knew the reputation, and I had my heart set on carrying it at Champagne & Chocolate.

There was only one problem: they didn’t really do that.

They had never considered a partnership quite like what I was proposing. So I asked. And then I asked again.

And again.

I’m pretty persistent when I believe in something.

Eventually, they gave me a chance. What started as me simply wanting the best chocolate I could find for my new business turned into something I never could have predicted.

I started spending more time around the Chocolate Nugget. I started learning about candy-making, not just selling chocolate, but actually understanding the craft behind it. I learned how much goes into something that, from the outside, can look so simple.

And then I started learning the history.

That’s when I remember thinking, wow, this is so much bigger than a candy store.

The story goes all the way back to 1936, when Frank Feriance began making candy in Akron, Ohio. That knowledge was passed through the family from one generation to the next. In 1983, the family brought that tradition to Northern Nevada and opened the first Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory in Washoe Valley.

Over time, the business grew to include a second location in Mound House, where the candy factory and additional retail space are located today.

When I started spending more time around both locations, I began to realize just how much history I had stepped into. The Washoe Valley shop is the place so many people remember stopping at along 395, while Mound House is where so much of the candy-making itself happens. Seeing both sides of the business made me appreciate that this wasn’t just a storefront people loved. There was an entire craft, process, and family history behind what ended up in that little box of chocolate.

And they kept doing things the old-fashioned way.

Some of the candy-making equipment inside the factory dates back to the early 1900s. It was used by the family generations ago, and some of it is still being used today. The chocolate and candies aren't mass-produced. They're made by people who actually know the craft, using recipes, techniques, and traditions that have survived decade after decade.

The more I learned, the more fascinated I became.

I started to understand why people have such an emotional connection to this place. Someone will walk in and tell us, “My parents used to bring me here when I was a kid.” Then you look next to them, and they're standing there with their own kids or grandkids.

That happens all the time.

There are people who have been buying the same peanut brittle for decades. There are families who stop in every time they drive between Reno and Carson City. People remember the smell when they walked in, the candy they always picked out, or the person who first brought them here.

You can't manufacture that kind of history.

Over time, my relationship with the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory became much more than a business partnership. Eddie Feriance, the third-generation candy maker carrying on his family's tradition, became someone I learned from. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to become the next owner of the candy factory. One profile described that transition as a little bit of a real-life Willy Wonka story, which still makes me smile.

Becoming the owner was exciting.

But I'd be lying if I said it wasn't also intimidating.

Because when you take over a business like this, you're not just buying a company. You're being trusted with something people built long before you ever showed up.

I knew immediately that I had a responsibility to protect that.

I want someone who visited 20 or 30 years ago to walk through the doors and still recognize it. I want us to keep making candy the way it was meant to be made. I want to preserve the stories, the recipes, the equipment, and that feeling people have when they stop here.

At the same time, I'm excited about where we can take it next.

That's the funny part of all of this. I started out trying to find chocolate for a small business I was opening in South Lake Tahoe. I kept knocking on Chocolate Nugget's door because I wouldn't take no for an answer.

Now I'm helping carry forward a candy-making tradition that began 90 years ago.

Life is funny like that.

And on Saturday, Oct. 24, we're inviting Northern Nevada to celebrate that history with us.

From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory in Washoe Valley, we're throwing a free community celebration with live music, food trucks, games, bounce houses, a photo booth, candy specials, and plenty of chocolate.

But for me, the day is about more than celebrating a number.

It's about celebrating all of the people who got the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory here.

The family that started making candy in 1936. The generations who kept the craft alive. The employees who have learned it. The customers who have stopped at our Washoe Valley and Mound House locations year after year. The parents who came here as kids and now bring their kids.

And hopefully, the generations that haven't walked through our doors yet.

Ninety years is a long time.

I'm just grateful that I get to be one small part of what comes next.

I hope you'll come celebrate with us Oct. 24. And if you do, make sure you try the peanut brittle. There's a reason people have been coming back for it all these years.

Hello, Kat here!

Whoa, what a story, huh?! I just took a look through my Google Cloud and discovered that I've been a proud Chocolate Nugget Factory fan and customer for almost 12 years now. I am honestly a little lost for words after reading this guest post about one of my most favorite businesses in the area.

I've made countless pit stops here, enjoyed full on fudge tastings, shared conversations and laughs with workers and locals, played hopscotch with my kids, pigged out on natural, handmade candies and treats, and, of course, had the opportunity to watch some of those very candies being made at the Mound House location.

I've also had some especially memorable encounters with Tina, one of Chocolate Nugget's longest standing employees. She always made our visits that much more enjoyable. She would talk and play with my kids and sometimes even invite them to sit on the ground and watch I Love Lucy playing on the TV. Those little moments are the kinds of experiences that have made me such a big fan of this business and helped make the factory feel so special.

I was so excited to give Cesar a place to share the story of how he came to acquire the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory and his vision for preserving what makes it so special. With the 90th anniversary coming up, I can't think of a better time to look back at the history of this beloved local business while also looking ahead to what's next.

After reading Cesar's story and learning more about his connection to Chocolate Nugget, I can't imagine a more fitting person to help carry on the legacy of this beloved pillar of Northern Nevada.

Cheers to 90 years of The Chocolate Nugget Factory, all the memories that came before, and to many more sweet years & memories ahead.

Categorized under Stories & Events, News & Annoucements