Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is being developed as a Broadway musical by Tony award-winning producer Peter Schneider (The Lion King) and Elisabetta di Mambro, who has produced the works of Robert Wilson worldwide for the past 25 years. Schneider and di Mambro acquired the rights in association with Broadway Across America and Mehr! Entertainment.
"I am beyond thrilled to be involved in a creative process that is entirely new to me, especially with such wonderfully talented people at the helm to reimagine my work for the stage," said Gruen. "When I wrote the book, I hoped people would think about the way we treat those who are dependent on us--animals, the elderly, the debilitated, as well as the power of love in all its forms, and it's going to be amazing to see this message delivered in such an exciting medium."
Schneider said he had loved the novel "since it was first published and was captivated by its theatricality. It is so dramatic--a woman who is trapped in a relationship for all the wrong reasons meets and falls in love with a man for all the right reasons. Throw in an elephant as a matchmaker and you have the potential for a show of great imagination and emotional depth."
Added di Mambro: "The novel evokes an exotic, colorful and gorgeous world and yet its very human emotions are instantly recognizable and universal. We are just starting the creative process, beginning to talk with composers, writers, and directors who can help transform this vibrant world onto the musical stage. Aware of the exciting challenge ahead of us, we are grateful that Sara Gruen has given us the rights to bring her beloved story and characters to life as a global musical."
