Now here’s something you don’t get to see every day in the theatre: a life-size puppet horse being manipulated by three puppeteers, complete with movement, sounds, and a mastery of coordination!
Last night, theatre lovers were invited to Broadway Across Canada’s upcoming season kick-off at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre.
The “special guest” of the evening was Joey, the War Horse. South Africa’s talented Handspring Puppet Company constructed this and many of the puppets that will be seen in the upcoming hit production, WarHorse, based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo.
Sold out time and again in London, WarHorse has received five Tony Awards and millions of fans over the years. It’s a powerful and moving story that takes place at the start of World War I.
To watch this beautifully crafted horse move about the stage was awesome. Three puppeteers control the horse’s every move and sound, from galloping to jumping high on the stage. The components include leather, steel, and aircraft cables, all smartly designed to both highlight and mimic the marvelous curves and shapes of a horse.
I’m already giddy imagining a full stage with lighting, costumes, and more of these majestic design masterpieces come September (24 to 29 at the Queen E)!
In addition to WarHorse, Broadway Across Canada is bringing to Vancouver a special 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables as well as West Side Story, a memorable story that’s been told through song worldwide for 52 years.
Visit the Broadway Across Canada website for shows and ticket subscriptions.
