War Horse – About the Show
Highlights of War Horse – Must-See Moments
Winner of five Tony Awards in 2011, “War Horse” was also adapted into a film the same year by director Steven Spielberg. Many may know it by its Japanese release title.The stage is set in a half circle with no elaborate scenery, only a narrow screen at the center where occasional images appear. What fills the stage instead are the actors and the astonishingly lifelike horse puppets, each operated by three skilled puppeteers. The sound, lighting, and direction are masterfully executed, and the puppets created by Handspring Puppet Company were so extraordinary that the company received a Special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theatre. Even with the puppeteers in plain sight and the frame clearly visible, audiences soon believe they are watching a real living horse.
Told through the eyes of a horse who knows no sides in battle, the story reveals the sadness, tragedy, and futility of war. The final scene is deeply moving, leaving few without tears. Acclaimed even by seasoned New York theatergoers, this unforgettable production is one to experience with friends and family alike.
War Horse – Show info
Show details of War Horse
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Theater location: Vivian Beaumont Theatre 150 West 65th Street New York, NY (Map) |
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Performance Run: Preview: March 15, 2011 Opening: April 14, 2011 Closing: January 6, 2013 |
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Show Links: |
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Type of the show: Fun Emotional・Touching Stunning Songs Stunning Dance |
War Horse – Story
The Plot / Summary of War Horse
On the eve of World War I, a poor farming family takes in a beautiful horse. Their kind hearted son Albert names him Joey, and the two form an unbreakable bond of friendship.
When war breaks out, Joey is sold to the British army and sent to the battlefields of France. In the midst of brutal combat and devastation, Joey never loses his courage, inspiring the soldiers and giving them hope. Meanwhile, Albert, too young to enlist, joins the army in search of his horse and heads to the front lines in France. Yet the two remain separated.
Amid days filled with danger and loss, Joey encounters many whose lives are touched by war: a British officer who treasures his horses, two young German brothers who desert the army, and French girls orphaned by the conflict. Through these meetings and farewells, Joey becomes a symbol of resilience and hope, soon known as the “miracle horse.”
War Horse – Movie
The YouTube trailer of War Horse
This is a promotional video for the Broadway musical War Horse. You can see how the sadness and tragedy of war are portrayed on stage.
War Horse – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for War Horse (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about War Horse tickets.
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How much are tickets for War Horse (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical War Horse start at $89 with our discounted prices. See more details for War Horse tickets.
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Is the English in War Horse (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical War Horse has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of War Horse (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical War Horse are introduced in the War Horse Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
War Horse – Reviews
Review from Imai:
Impressions from the Performance
The story is simple and may seem aimed at children, but that simplicity makes the portrayal of the horses stand out as truly remarkable. Instead of the stylized horse movements seen in kabuki, three performers dressed like English farmhands bring the young Joey to life. One smaller actor at the center of the frame expresses the horse’s spirit, while as an adult horse, it feels as though the actor at the head conveys Joey’s personality.
The effect is striking. Both the puppet and the actors together become Joey. Even with two actors inside the adult Joey handling the legs in plain view, nothing feels distracting. The visible human movements and the crafted structure merge into the convincing presence of a single horse. This level of expression seems unique to cultures with a strong tradition of animal husbandry. Other horses on stage are cleverly minimal, with only one actor inside and the back half reduced to just a tail, creating a fresh and inventive form.
October 28, 2012
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