Broadway’s “Water for Elephants” is welcoming an incoming principal cast member. Philippe Aymard will join the seven-time Tony Award-nominated musical on Aug. 20 in the role of Walter. Aymard steps in for original cast member Joe De Paul, who temporarily exited the production on Aug. 18. De Paul is on a planned leave of absence and is scheduled to return to the musical at the Imperial Theatre in December.
“Water for Elephants” will mark the Main Stem debut of Aymard, a French-trained and Japan-based actor, director and clown. Aymard performed in the international tour of Cirque du Soleil’s “Dralion” and in the company’s “Zed” in Tokyo.
Based on Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel, “Water for Elephants” explores both human and animal connection as soon-to-be veterinarian Jacob Jankowski joins a 1930s traveling circus. The Jessica Stone-helmed production, which features a score by PigPen Theatre Co.and a book by Rick Elice, opened on March 21. A national tour will launch in fall 2025. An original cast recording was released digitally in May and physically in August.
The current principal cast of “Water for Elephants” includes Grant Gustin as Jacob Jankowski (through Sept. 1), Isabelle McCalla as Marlena, Gregg Edelman as Mr. Jankowski, Paul Alexander Nolan as August, Stan Brown as Camel, Sara Gettelfinger as Barbara and Wade McCollum as Wade. As previously announced, Kyle Selig will join the company as Jacob Jankowski on Sept. 3. 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.
