Water for Elephants: A Solo Date, a Little Wonder, and One of My Top Five Shows
Ashleigh McCurdy poses at the Paramount Theatre on Tuesday.
By Ashleigh McCurdy | The Sanctuary
I love a good solo date. There is something beautiful about making time for yourself, choosing an experience simply because it interests you, and fully enjoying it. On Tuesday night, I treated myself to Water for Elephants at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, and let me tell you, this theater girly left absolutely amazed.
For the past month or so, I had been seeing advertisements for the show during commercial breaks while hosting The Pop-Up! Something about it caught my attention, and I decided to go. But I intentionally went in knowing almost nothing. I didn’t read reviews or study the storyline. I wanted to experience it for myself, without talking myself out of going or filling my head with other people’s expectations.
I walked in curious. I walked out a huge fan.
I love musicals. I love production. I love seeing what happens when music, movement, storytelling, and imagination come together on a stage. Water for Elephants gave me all of that, with so many jaw-dropping moments that I honestly can’t think of a dull moment all evening.
The best way I can describe how it felt? Cirque du Soleil meets a Broadway musical.
The acrobatics were incredible, the dancers were amazing, the voices were beautiful, and the music made the experience even richer. I kept finding myself in awe of what these performers could do. So much talent was on that stage, and watching it all come together was a joy.
According to Seattle Theatre Group’s official show description, the musical brings a bestselling novel to the stage, following a young man who, after a devastating loss, finds a new home with a traveling circus. His story unfolds through the memories of his older self, exploring love, belonging, and the possibility of beginning again. That premise puts a human story at the center of the spectacle.
What I loved most was how completely the production held my attention. It wasn’t just one beautiful song or one impressive performance. It was the whole experience: the singers, the dancers, the acrobats, the theatrics, and the feeling of sitting there, wondering what they might do next.
Ashleigh McCurdy poses outside the Paramount Theatre on Tuesday.
As someone who considers herself a theater girly, I do not say this lightly: Water for Elephants is now one of the top five shows I have ever seen. And I’m so glad I let it surprise me.
Sometimes treating yourself can be as simple as making room in your evening for something that brings you joy. This solo date reminded me how much I love being in a theater, fully present, with nothing to do but take in the artistry in front of me. I left happy, inspired, and so grateful that I went.
Thank you to the Paramount Theatre, Broadway Across America, and Seattle Theatre Group for the opportunity to attend and experience this wonderful production. And to the cast, musicians, and entire creative and production team: you created an incredible evening.
If you have been thinking about going, consider this your encouragement. Make it a solo date, a date night, or a family outing with older children. Seattle Theatre Group recommends the show for ages 8 and up, and notes smoke, haze, and gunshot sound effects, so keep that guidance in mind when planning your visit.
My rating? 1,000 out of 10.
Until next time,
Ashleigh
Water for Elephants is at the Paramount Theatre through this Sunday, October 11, 2026. Get your tickets today at www.stgpresents.org/events/water-for-elephants/
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