War Horse has trotted into Columbus, Ohio! This charming show tells the story of Albert and his horse Joey; How the pair came to meet, and forever will be connected. When Joey is bought to be a riding horse for an officer of war, Albert vows to get him back anyway he can. This sets the stage for a beautiful tale not to be missed.
So how do you put a horse on stage? The answer is form spring puppets. Excellent puppeteers, and an exceptional cast to make you fall in love with them. (See the video below for a little bit more about the puppets). There is also a documentary about the show called "Making War Horse"- I happened to see you could catch it on Netflix for those interested in this.
This play has stunning lighting, sound, and puppetry. It has received many awards including the acclaimed Tony Award (Taking 5 Tony's to be exact) for being such an extraordinary show. Some people may not realize this - but pay attention to the horses noises, most being made by the puppeteers! The lighting is quite amazing, the way they play with the shadows and convey things with simple lights, or moving pictures is striking! The music is so moving at times I felt lost in the choruses! Over all this show has something for every Broadway or Theater buff- No matter what you look forward to seeing in a show, this show has it. One note: they manage to do so much with little to no props, and to be honest this is the first show I've seen do that- that left me impressed with the artistic direction behind using very little- you don't feel as if the show is missing anything. Overall the show is just excellent and anyone who misses the chance to see it truly is missing out.
The talented cast sings, acts, and gives you an emotional ride with such power that as I left the theater from the first performance (April 23rd, 2013) I saw many grown men, and many others crying. I would lie if I myself didn't tell you that it was kind of a tear jerker. I loved every minute of it. Having been to see the movie before seeing the play- I was quite surprised at the small but simple differences. With that said, don't expect any big changes from the play to the movie, there are not many. It seemed to me that at times the movie went into too much detail, where as the play knows stripped down and simple can still warm the heart, and amaze the theater goer in a huge way.Again I must stress that you wouldn't find any complaints from me for this show at all... in fact you have my full endorsement that this is a must see show, and a great fun night in the theater.
Some may also want to know that the movie by Steven Spielberg film from 2011 of the same title is based on the play. So where did the idea for the play come from? A Children's novel by the same name written by Michael Morpurgo. So, this exciting tale has been loved by many, in so many different ways- from page to stage, and from stage to screen. If you are one of the many who haven't been to see this show, which reminds us all how to be brave in a time of pain- then I strongly encourage you to buy tickets and see it as soon as possible.
War Horse will be running here in Columbus from April 23, 2013- April 28,2013 at the Ohio Theater. For more information please check out CAPA's website. You can also follow this site to buy tickets.
You can also find CAPA on twitter: @CAPAColumbus
I hope you make it, and find this story as touching to the heart as I did!
As always enjoy the theater!
Bryce
P.S.- CAPA is running a special for veterans and active duty military members(as well as their families) as a way to send them a salute and give them an opportunity to see this show!
Click here to buy tickets: http://ow.ly/kjvc6"
So for some extra fun: How do you put a horse on Broadway? How do the puppeteers play Joey?
(Albert and Joey)
