[3] The musical opened on Broadway starring Grant Gustin on March 20, 2024, at the Imperial Theatre following previews beginning February 24.

In 1931, after his parents were killed in a car accident, Jankowski decides to travel cross-country on the Benzini Brothers Circus train.

Soon after, August buys an elephant, Rosie, and puts Marlena, his wife, and Jacob in charge of training her.

Jacob soon finds himself falling for Marlena as the two attempt to train the stubborn elephant, all the while slowly realizing August's cruelty.

[9] The musical premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 16, 2023, after previews beginning on June 7, and ran through July 9; it was directed by Jessica Stone[10] and featured choreography by Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll; Carroll also created the show's circus designs.

Sets were by Takeshi Kata, costumes by David Israel Reynoso, lighting by Bradley King, with sound by Jessica Paz.