Opu, a young boy in Bengal, dreams of one day becoming an elephant trainer. When he befriends Janu, an Asian Elephant, their friendship is the first step on an adventure so huge, it spans decades and continents. On their separate paths they face many challenges – fearsome encounters, stormy seas and strange new worlds.

Years in the future, Opu, now an old man, hears that world famous magician Harry Houdini will vanish an elephant, live on stage in New York City.  Could it really be Janu, Opu’s old friend, so far from home? He too must bravely make the long journey into the unknown to find out. This moving story of friendship, belonging and one incredible journey from Bengal to the bright lights of Broadway was named the New York Times ‘Critic’s Pick’, hailing it “an alluring spectacle”.

EPSG:4326

The Vanishing Elephant

Christopher Newport University

Frostburg State University

Millersville University

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Weinberg Center for the Arts

Wise County Performing Arts Center

Raritan Valley Community College

Buxton Opera House

Gaillard Center

Belgrade Theatre

Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Southbank Centre

Oxford Playhouse

Providence Performing Arts Center

James Grimm

Events

Past events

Mar 2 - Jun 21, 2025

The Vanishing Elephant · Cahoots NI

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