The new musical “Elephant Shoes” will take a world premiere bow at New Jersey’s Two River Theater next spring. The Broadway-aimed tuner, which will be helmed and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun, will play the Red Bank venue from June 4 through June 28, 2026. The co-production between Two River and Deaf West Theatre will be performed in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English.
Featuring a book by Ivan Menchell and a score by Caroline Kay, “Elephant Shoes” follows Cy, who is smitten with fellow coder Roxy, as his new invention revolutionizes the technological ability to translate spoken English into ASL. Cy’s feelings for Roxy, however, are thwarted when his best friend Chris sweeps her off her feet.
Calhoun received a Tony nomination for choreographing 1994’s “Grease” and a subsequent nod for directing 2012’s “Newsies.” Calhoun previously collaborated with Deaf West in 2003, having directed and choreographed the nonprofit’s revival of “Big River,” which marked Deaf West’s first Main Stem production.
Menchell wrote the book for 2011’s “Bonnie and Clyde” (which was helmed by Calhoun) and is the author of the play “The Cemetery Club.” Dublin-born Kay has released three EPs of original music, “Notes,” “Tricks” and “Overnight,” and is the composer, lyricist and book writer of the musical “Daisy,” which is currently in development.
Founded in 1991, Deaf West is committed to advancing accessibility, equity and representation for the Deaf community in theater. The organization’s revivals of “Big River” and “Spring Awakening” each received Best Revival of a Musical Tony nominations.
“‘Elephant Shoes’ is a moving and resonant story about the complexities—and beauty—of communication between Deaf and hearing people,” said Deaf West artistic director DJ Kurs in a statement. “What excites me most is that this new musical has been conceived by Ivan and Caroline from the very beginning as a piece with Deaf characters. I’m especially grateful to be collaborating once again with Jeff Calhoun, whose work on the Broadway revival of ‘Big River’ with Deaf West over two decades ago was a milestone. And we’re thrilled to be expanding Deaf West’s footprint nationally through this meaningful partnership with Two River Theater in New Jersey.”
“I feel so fortunate to be working with Deaf West again on an original American musical!” added Calhoun. “‘Elephant Shoes’ is a project very close to my heart. I can’t wait to get in a rehearsal room to collaborate with extraordinary talent and bring this inspiring story to the stage.”
Additional members of the creative team, as well as casting for the musical, will be announced. “Elephant Shoes” is being presented in association with Kevin Ryan and Diane Scott Carter. In addition to Kurs, Deaf West is led by managing director Jeff Perri.
Two River’s 2025-2026 season will also include a new version of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Links” (Sept. 13-Oct. 5), adapted and directed by Tony winner Darko Tresnjak; “The Monsters: A Sibling Love Story,” (Nov. 1-23), written and directed by Ngozi Anyanwu and co-produced by Manhattan Theatre Club; a revival of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” (Jan. 17-25, 2026), adapted and directed by Noelle Marion; and a revival of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll House” (Feb. 21-March 5, 2026), directed by Justin Emeka.
