“Water for Elephants” has revealed that Kyle Selig will join the cast. Selig will step into the principal role of Jacob Jankowski on Sept. 3 at the Imperial Theatre. Selig will replace original star Grant Gustin, who, as previously announced, will depart the production on Sept. 1.
Selig originated the role of Aaron Samuels in “Mean Girls.” He made his Broadway debut serving as standby for Elder Price in “The Book of Mormon, eventually taking on the role full-time. Selig is a 2010 Jimmy Award winner.
Featuring a score by PigPen Theatre Co. and a book by Rick Elice, “Water for the Elephants” is an adaptation of the 2006 Sara Gruen novel of the same name. The Jessica Stone-directed musical follows soon-to-be-veterinarian Jacob Jankowski as he finds connection and community among the humans and animals of a Depression-era traveling circus. The musical opened on March 21 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including a Best Musical nod. A recently announced national tour will launch in fall 2025.
In addition to Gustin, the current cast of “Water for Elephants” includes Isabelle McCalla as Marlena, Gregg Edelman as Mr. Jankowski, Paul Alexander Nolan as August, Stan Brown as Camel, Joe De Paul as Walter, Sara Gettelfinger as Barbara and Wade McCollum as Wade. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting.
“Water for Elephants” is produced by Peter Schneider, Jennifer Costello, Grove Entertainment, Frank Marshall, Isaac Robert Hurwitz and Seth A. Goldstein.
