New Victory at Stage 42 Presents The Vanishing Elephant
Experiencing a live show is such a special part of living close to NYC. We recently enjoyed such a performance with The Vanishing Elephant. Held at New Victory at Stage 42, this incredible show fused a world of puppets, following the world of an elephant who went from tot to teen to a towering adult right before our eyes.
Running from now until October 29th, this beautiful play is written by Charles Way and directed by Paul Bosco McEneaney, with music from Aoife Kavanagh and MD Pallavi, choreography from Jayachandran Palazhy, and animal puppetry from Helen Foan of Foan & Fortune Theatre Company.
From the imagination of Belfast’s Cahoots NI, a Belfast-based theater company, the story follows a young Indian orphan named Opu. He finds a peaceful and gentle connection with Janu. Janu is later renamed Jenny and brought to America to perform in the circus. Swept up by life in the circus, Jenny makes magic and history as The Vanishing Elephant alongside Harry Houdini himself, but she never stops thinking of home.
The Vanishing Elephant World
It was incredible to see this world unfold before our eyes. Told through a talented cast who takes on multiple roles, we loved seeing the fusion of music, puppets, and simple staging. As this stunning theatrical world comes to life, kids will learn lessons about animal cruelty, circus life, and the power of friendship. Incredibly, The Vanishing Elephant is based on one of Harry Houdini’s acts. In 1918, he made a five-ton elephant named Jenny disappear on the Hippodrome Theatre.
In addition to the show, families can enjoy interactive activities, arts and crafts, and snacks before and after the show.
Designed for kids ages 8 and up, the show runs for 70 minutes with no intermission.
Note: The historic New Victory is currently undergoing renovations. All performances of The Vanishing Elephant will be held at Stage 42. Stage 42 is a wheelchair-accessible venue with both an elevator and escalator.
The Vanishing Elephant Details
Stage 42 Box Office
422 W 42nd Street
New York, NY
For box office hours, please visit NewVictory.org/BoxOffice.
Tickets can also be purchased online at NewVictory.org and via phone by calling 646-223-3010.
Upcoming Shows at Stage 42
Card Ninja from Javier Jarquin (New Zealand) from November 10-26
Stand-up comedy meets standout card tricks in Javier Jarquin’s cheeky one-man-many-cards production of Card Ninja. A sold-out hit at festivals around the world and viewed over a million times online, Card Ninja captivates audiences with wry wisecracks and dazzling displays of dexterity that will have viewers laughing and gasping in equal measure. Additionally, Jarquin is a headlining act in the U.K. and Europe. Incredibly, audiences won’t believe how far, how fast, and how flawlessly he flicks a playing card at its target. Ages 6+
Night Light from Teater Refleksion and Andy Manley (Denmark and Scotland) from December 1-10
Andy Manley (White, 2011 & 2015) and Teater Refleksion (The Way Back Home, 2017) team up for Night Light. Created for young audiences (ages 3-5), Night Light’s whimsical world is made of miniature furniture. Co-Produced by Imaginate and Red Bridge Arts Ages 3-5
White Gold from Phare Circus (Cambodia) from December 8-30
Phare Circus brings hypnotic dance, mesmerizing circus and dramatic live painting to the New Victory with White Gold, transporting the special gifts of Cambodian culture and performing arts in an exhilarating circus spectacle fit for the holiday season. All performers in the refugee-founded Phare Circus undergo eight years of training at Phare Performing Arts School. This provides kids from disadvantaged backgrounds with food, education and employment. Families can clebrate the holidays and savor Cambodia’s artistic heritage. Additionally, this includes juggling, tumbling, teeterboard, and other Cambodian circus acts. Ages 5+
