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War Horse Reviews
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| 1 |
Puppetry of the Ponies...is worth it !!! Review by: Diract 66, Dec 20, 2012 |
| It is possible to see people on stage and not see them. I learned this from watching the horses in this play. The animaters disappear and the horses take on a life of their own. Each twitch of the ear or turn of the head make these the best actors in the play. This is not to say the human actors are not good, but honestly the horses are better. This is a very long play and it moves along pretty quickly, but there are times it does drag.... read more. The story is heroic, instead of a boy and his dog this is the story of a boy and his horse. The war interupts their relationship when the horse is taken away for service. The boy joins the war, searches for the horse, and finally finds him, or should I say the horse finds the boy. The acting is excellent, but you must see this play for the use of the horses. It makes Lion King look like kindergarden, as this is Graduate School! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family
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| 2 |
Snore Horse Review by: Honest Abe, Nov 25, 2012 |
| If you want to see a play comprised of every possible dramatic cliche imaginable smothered in cloying sentimentality - almost 3 excrutiating hours - then by all means go! Exept for some commendably skillful puppeteering... I am not exagerating when I say that the show is simply an abomination of dramaturgy. After the first 5 minutes I said to myself,"hope this is not an indication of what is to follow, hope it gets better." But it did not. It ... read more only got more tedious, more predictable, more unfortunate as a theatre experience. 'Snore horse' - I am not kidding. Do yourself a favor, use the obscene ticket price for something more worthwhile, anything. If you have taste, intelligence, sensitivity, don't subject yourself to the humiliation. I am well aware that this review will fly in the face of conventional wisdom - so be it. I am being true to my sincere feelings and convictions here. Be fore-warned. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 3 |
Wow! Review by: Janet L, Aug 21, 2012 |
| This is definitely one of the BEST Broadway plays I have seen. A few minutes into the play, you simply forget that it is not a real horse on stage. The movements are so real, the sounds, even the breaths that the horse takes. it is an extraordinary play, played by extraordinary actors. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 4 |
Review by: Gary Theartre Lover, Jul 22, 2012 |
| While the show has outstanding Puppetry that absolutely brings the story to life in an amazing way, I really found the story so childish that it took away any chance that they had to really move me, which is kind of essential in a drama. His best friend is pining for the girl he loves and our hero is pining for his horse... ok. Anyway, great production very good acting just a fairly weak story for my tastes. Likely best if you are going with ... read more kids. My suggestion would be 8- 14 year olds. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family
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| 5 |
The overall effect is stunning. Review by: Tom Bestor, Jun 10, 2012 |
Some things never change: the value of loyalty, the power of love, the horrors of war. But some things change dramatically. The conflict between eternal concepts set against the backdrop of a world that is being transformed by technology is at the heart of what makes "War Horse" such a powerful theatrical experience.
World War I was called "the war to end all wars." It could be more accurately described as the "war that changed all wars." ... read more Prior to the invention of the machine gun, the airplane, the telephone - and other innovations that were first put to use in the interest of martial ends in WWI - a cavalry rider was among the most feared weapons of war. But once a single soldier could fire hundreds of rounds a minute, and Sopwith Camels could rain death from above, the horse and rider on the field of battle were suddenly vulnerable.
"War Horse" tells the story of Joey, plucked from his home in England, where he is much loved by young Albert, and taken to France as a cavalry horse.
I won't go deeper into the story than that, because I'd rather not spoil the many twists and turns along the way. "War Horse" is based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, and one of the most satisfying aspects of this production is how well the richness of the novel comes through on stage. I love a good story, and this is a terrific one, filled with obstacles, triumph, humor and pathos.
The most commented-upon aspect of "War Horse" (the play) is that the production uses complex puppets to portray the horses (and other animals) - and with good reason, the puppets are incredible. Every aspect of the horses are articulated. Even the ears, so important to reading a horse's mood, turn and twitch and lie flat. The horse puppets are controlled by multiple performers, but after the first 20 minutes or so, you stop noticing the puppeteers and see only the horses. They even have actual breath - which I assume comes from pressurized air canisters hidden in the heads. The overall effect is stunning.
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| 6 |
not to be missed. Review by: fbk, Jun 3, 2012 |
| amazing horse puppets, great story and great acting. the only drawback, extremely uncomfortable seats. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 7 |
Review by: jaws, May 25, 2012 |
| I saw War Horse last night with my wife. We had been looking forward to seeing it for months and were not disappointed. The puppetry was incredible. After a few minutes, you don't even notice the puppeteers. All you see are the magnificent horses, snorting, breathing, ears twitching, all so real. When you realize that the story is from a children's book, you really don't mind the sappy ending. In all, a wonderful show for the entire family,... read more, and not to be missed. If you can see only one show, this is the one to see. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 8 |
Great Puppetry Review by: Carol, Feb 1, 2012 |
| Okay, so I was probably one of the last to see War Horse. What the critics said was true. The puppetry was amazing. The story, though gripping, had a pat ending. It was obviously meant to satisfy the desires of children to see everything worked out in the end. (The spoiler had been removed ). Nevertheless, the staging and acting were outstanding. Andrew Durand as Albert gave a believable performance of a headstrong teenager in conflict ... read more with his father, a drinker and gambler. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Anyone
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| 9 |
Spectacular! Review by: , Jan 22, 2012 |
| Just a wonderful, wonderful show. The puppets are amazing; you really think they are horses. Fabulous story telling. The 2 hours 40 minutes go by very fast. Not to be missed. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Business Assoc., Seniors, Tourists
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| 10 |
Disappointing Review by: Megs , Aug 21, 2011 |
| Though the puppetry and staging was amazing, the War Horse on Broadway did not do the book, "War Horse", justice. Joey the horse's walk through World War One was not a happy one, and the comedy in this play made it cheesy, in fact, almost making it look as if it were fun to be a soldier. Also, in the novel, by excellent author Michael Morpurgo, Joey had three distinctive people in his life: Albert, Sargent Nicholas, and Emilie. The play only ... read more incorporates Albert, which is extremely disappointing. If you have never read the book, you will probably love it. But, if you have read it, it will have you leaving the theater with bitterness. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Business Assoc., Seniors, Tourists
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| 11 |
Review by: Jim-NJ, Aug 20, 2011 |
| The story was simple but god. It became poignant at times in the second act. What raises it to a great theatrical event is the exceptional staging and puppetry. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Alone
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| 12 |
Worth Seeing Review by: Mitchell, Aug 8, 2011 |
| Saw it yesterday, Sunday matinee- row 2 seats- the production was incredible- the story simplistic- think an episode of Lassie Come Home- but the whole production was so artfully executed that it must be seen to be believed. No complexities in character development- people all good or all bad- but I do recommend this play for a very entertaining and interesting theater experience. |
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| 13 |
Great Puppets - Otherwise Disappointing Review by: newyorker, Aug 5, 2011 |
There's a big difference between theater and stagecraft. The puppetry and projections in this production were impressive - the manipulative plot, simplistic
text and dull pacing of this production were a huge disappointment. Look at the
puppets on You Tube, but don't go to WAR HORSE expecting a great theatrical experience. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
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| 14 |
Horses get an A ; Everyone else passes Review by: NedRacine, Jul 8, 2011 |
The puppetry was fantastic. The horses alone made the play worth seeing.
I found the story a little weaker. Plot predictable and I found the ending stretched out a little too much. I don't like the feeling of being emotionally manipulated, which I felt was happening at times.
Technically, perhaps the Germans and French characters should have spoken their native languages. This would have avoided the absurd confrontations where solders ... read more from both sides said they could not understand each other as they both spoke in English. Context would have carried the plot.
The Music and readings did little for adding to the emotions.
The theater magazine available in the lobby had interesting articles on the play, puppetry, and even dogs. It was well worth the $1 donation.
Speaking of donations, I hope the Producers or the Venue Executives would consider taking a small portion of the ticket price (or do it some other way) and donate it to some worthwhile Charity(s) that help horses. What a nice legacy that would be.
Still, this is a great piece of theater, and would highly recommend it
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Seniors
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| 15 |
Review by: J.K., Jun 16, 2011 |
| The staging and puppeteering were perfection. Also the movements and sounds from the horses were "right on". We started thinking of them as real horses. Wonderful theater experience! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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