Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center will present the North American tour of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Water for Elephants from January 27 through February 1, 2026. Based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel, the show tells the story of a young man who, after losing everything, jumps a moving train and finds a new life—and love—with a traveling circus.

The production features a book by four-time Tony Award® nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) and music and lyrics by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. (The Tale of Despereaux). Original direction by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) is recreated for the tour by Ryan Emmons.

Water for Elephants has been praised by critics nationwide, earning accolades including “Stunning and Emotional” from The New York Times, “Spellbinding Entertainment” from Variety, and four-star reviews from Time Out New York. The Broadway run at the Imperial Theatre, which concluded in December 2024, won multiple awards including Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Direction, Sound Design, Fight Choreography, and Puppetry.

Performances in Houston will take place at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, with evening shows Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $55 and are available online at TheHobbyCenter.org and BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com, or in person at the Hobby Center Box Office. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

The tour production features a stellar creative team including Tony Award-nominated designers in scenic, lighting, choreography, and circus design, as well as award-winning orchestrations and puppetry, making the show a visually dazzling and emotionally gripping experience for audiences.

For more information on Water for Elephants and the Houston performances, visit waterforelephantsthemusical.com.