Reviewed by Karen Schwartzkopf
Before we saw War Horse from Broadway in Richmond at Landmark Theater, I mistakenly called it “war story” a number of times – which drove my family crazy. After the production, there was no mistaking the name of this powerfully moving show. The horse was the star – and yes family, it was also a classic and dramatic war story.
The artistry and mechanics behind Handspring Puppet Company’s creation of Joey, Topthorn, and the rest (including a nameless goose good for a few laughs) – as well as the hard work that go into bringing the illusion to life onstage – make War Horse a stunning and imaginative drama for adults and kids, twelve and up.
The story about a boy named Albert and a horse named Joey, told first in the children’s novel War Horse by Michael Morpurgo and later by Steven Spielberg in the movie of the same name, unfolds dramatically against the backdrop of World War I. The new tools of devastation, specifically barbed wire and machine guns, are treacherous for man and beast alike. The war scenes in particular and the effects used to execute them are thoroughly engrossing. 
The human actors are talented; the soloists’ music is haunting and beautiful; the story is touching. But it’s the puppetry that truly captivates the audience’s imagination. When you first meet Joey as a foal, you might find yourself wondering how in the world the artistic vision will be executed. In a matter of minutes, the puppet masters disappear and the creative vision and the horses remain. Your heart will melt for the bedraggled calvary horses from the front that make an entrance in act two. Later, you may wipe away a tear as Albert and Joey’s story draws to a close, but you’ll definitely want to make sure you keep your eyes clear so you don’t miss a single, beautiful moment of War Horse.
Student rush tickets are now available every day through Sunday at the Landmark box office only, $25 per ticket. Seating is best available at time of purchase, limit 2 per student per ID. Does not include additional fees.
War Horse runs through Sunday, November 3, at Landmark Theater. Use code FAMILY and save 35% on selected War Horse shows through Friday, November 1. Landmark Theater Richmond, VA Tickets
