BWW Reviews: WAR HORSE - a Live, Cinematically Produced - SPECTACLE!
By: Jimmy Ferraro May. 02, 2013
BWW Review: "War Horse" - a Live, Cinematically Produced - SPECTACLE!
Based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo
Adapted by Nick Stafford
Music by Adrian Sutton
Original Co-Direction by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris
Director of Movement and Horse Choreography by Toby Sedgwick
April 30, 2013 at 7:30P.M.
It was thrilling to experience "theatrical magic", of the cinematically produced "War Horse", that is currently in full gallop, at Carol Morsani Hall, at the Straz Center in Tampa, through May 5th.
Customarily, I would have no interest in seeing, or reading, (and certainly not experiencing), anything involving war or horses. After seeing this national touring production of "War Horse", I can no longer say that. It was both visually and emotionally... SPECTACULAR!
"War Horse" is one of the most phenomenal, intense, visually and emotionally moving, pieces of theatre, that I have ever seen. And I have been around a long time. I thought I had seen everything. The high technical aspects of "WARHORSE", are so realistically threatening, that at times I found myself gasping and closing my eyes.
So what about the puppetry?
I could not imagine what could be so "different" or special about the puppetry in "War Horse". Puppetry for the Broadway stage is nothing new. After all, I saw the puppetry in "The LION KING", (at the time it was truly remarkable), and in "AVENUE Q", and even the puppetry in the ill-fated "DR. DOOLITTLE". What is all the fuss about? Been there, done that!
Well, I was WRONG! The puppetry in "War Horse" is nothing short of MAGNIFICENT! And the skillful puppeteers, are extraordinary. You will be in total awe and amazement, at how these puppets are brought to life. UNFORGETTABLE!
The story is set in rural England, 1914, and revolves around 16 year old Albert and his love for a young foal, he names Joey. Both mature and form an inseparable bond. World War I begins and Joey is sold to the calvery.
Albert is determined to find Joey and to being him home. The journey unfolds, when Albert runs away to the battlefields, in this compelling, breathtaking, heart wrenching story of love, courage, and the horrors of war.
"War Horse opened on Broadway in 2011 for 718 performances. The production received five Tony Awards including Best Play. A film by Steven Spielberg, followed the Broadway production and was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture.
The black show curtain was illuminated by what appeared to be a torn piece of parchment. The lights faded down and a pool of light center stage, revealed an actor in period costume, holding a book. A beautiful, accapella solo, by John Milosich begins; he is joined in by Nathan Koci on the accordion and soon the entire cast is singing a haunting melody. The dark, mood lighting provides the perfect atmosphere, as we are transported to a different time and place and a tale of long ago.
The cast was FIRST RATE! Every performer was outstanding in their role.
Kudos to Alex Morf as Albert, Michael Wyatt Cox as Billy, Brian Keane as Arthur, Angela Reed as Rose, Andrew May as Captain Friedrich Muller, Lavita Shaurice as Emilie and all the puppeteers.
In "War Horse", Michael Morpurgo's novel was elevated above and beyond comprehension, with new life, by Nick Stafford's dramatic adaptation; and the innovative vision of the creative team of directors, Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, brilliant director of Movement and Horse Choreography, Toby Sedgwick, stunning Scenic and Costume Design by Rae Smith, inspired Music by Adrian Sutton, Spectacular Lighting Design by Paule Constable, impressive Sound Design by Christopher Shutt, the magnificent, inventive, puppets by Handspring Puppet Company, and the outstanding talents of the entire cast. ~ BRAVO!
If your husband or best beau resists going to the theatre...
THIS production will change their mind.
Grab them, Drag them, but get them to "War Horse".
DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!
(Recommended for mature audiences)
Running Time - 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission
at at the Straz Center, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place • Tampa, Florida 33602
Tickets: starting at $44.50 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, or in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online.
www.strazcenter.org
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