The Notebook vs Water for Elephants
Which Broadway show should you see? Compare CriticScore ratings, runtime, prices, and more.
The Notebook
Water for Elephants
Which Show Should You See?
Based on CriticScore: Water for Elephants has a higher critic rating (75 vs 63).
Audiences say: The Notebook earns a B+ (Liking It), while Water for Elephants gets a B- (Shrugging).
Short on time? The Notebook runs 2h 20m while Water for Elephants runs 2h 30m.
Bringing kids? The Notebook is recommended for Ages 12+, while Water for Elephants is Ages 10+.
Critics find this Nicholas Sparks adaptation emotionally manipulative yet effective, with strong performances elevating a schmaltzy, cliché-laden score. Fans of the book and film will likely weep; others may find it too saccharine to embrace.
Critics praise the remarkable circus ensemble and stunning acrobatics, but find the Depression-era love story formulaic and the score forgettable, making for a visually dazzling spectacle that lacks emotional depth.