War Horse at Denver’s Buell Theater

“War Horse” has galloped into Denver’s Buell Theater with an elaborate yet seemingly simple set, allowing the imagination with plenty of room to explore. Based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, the playwright tells the story of Joey, an incredibly resilient horse, who is sold to the military and shipped to France during World War One. The horse’s 16-year-old owner, Albert, is unable to forget about Joey and decides he will do whatever it takes to bring him back to the family farm. Too young to enlist in the war, he lies about his age to embark on a dangerous journey, even facing enemy fire, to ride his horse home.

The Tony Award Winning Drama, directed by Bijan Sheibani, demands a large and skilled cast. From the onstage musicians who perform Celtic period-style songs to the teams of animal puppeteers controlling the life size puppets, the show is filled with awe inspiring moments. Joey, is sure to especially captivate your attention.

Tall, high-strung and handsome, with chestnut hair and, this strapping leading man is incredibly charismatic. Weighting in at 120 pounds, cast members are even able to ride the handcrafted puppet. It takes three strong puppeteers to seamlessly operate Joey and create lifelike movements. All of the horses that take the stage are made from aluminum, cane and Georgette fabric that puppet masters weave throve the body to allow the horse to make realistic gestures. From the way the horse gallops, eats, points his head and even moves his ears, it’s surreal. See for yourself before “War Horse” rides off into the sunset January 20^th!

Ticket info: Buell Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Tickets $25-$125 denvercenter.org or 303-893-4100