War Horse
The Buell Theatre: 1/8 –
1/20
One hates to be a
neigh-sayer but in everything save the outstanding puppetry and technical
prowess “War Horse” disappoints.
The story begins at the start of World War I when Albert’s horse Joey is auctioned off to the cavalry. After being shipped to France Joey is sent directly to the front lines. Albert is too young to enlist but sets out despite his age to find his beloved horse.
Knowing that this show was received with critical acclaim
both in London and New York this reviewer has waited excitedly for “War Horse”
to appear upon the Denver stage.
The Tony Award winning play was worth waiting for due to
its equine stage machinery and technical virtuosity. Three exquisite actors
breathed life into Joey and each of the other magnificent horses created by
Handspring Puppet Company.
However… due to a directorial pacing that only canters
when it should gallop and some actors who found it difficult to speak the words
of the script clearly the show became tedious rather quickly.
This was exacerbated when the show was stopped part way
through Act II due to a problem backstage which has thus far remained secret.
Most of the audience stayed, but a few did leave during this second
approximately ten minute long enforced intermission.
If powerful acting and direction could have accompanied
the outstanding technical work and superbly created equine puppets this show
would be a thoroughbred. Perhaps the producers felt that Joey’s triumphant run
for the roses in London and New York have earned him a more sedate life going
out to pasture in Denver.
See it for the puppets.
I completely agree with you. It was hard to understand the dialogue. The puppetry was amazing to watch and I liked the projected imagery on the screen. I'm not sure what the problem was...whether it was the sound system, the accents, or the actors, but the only way that I knew what was going on was because I knew the story.
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