Last
week in my review of “Memphis” I talked about the magic that an actor
and actress could bring to the stage that elevates the whole production.
Last night at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the performing Arts in
“Warhorse” there was another kind of theatre magic that could only be
presented on stage and that was 13 puppeteers bringing 5 horses to life
to the point you forget that young Joey, Joey, Topthorn and Heine are
being manipulated by people.

The
play by Nick Stafford, based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, tells the
story of Albert (Michael Wyatt Cox) and his young foal and how the
former’s life is affected by the latter before, during and after WW1. We
meet the friends, family and enemies of Albert and the friends and
enemies of Joey.

With
a cast of over 30, some, including puppeteers, playing multiple roles
“Warhorse” is an adult puppetry marvel that equals any special  effects
that you may have seen on a movie screen but they are performed by
actors making you believe the horses, and even the funny goose, are real
flesh and blood. When something bad happens to Joey you gasp and when
Topthorn is hurt you might even shed a tear!

The
puppet design, fabrication and direction originated with Adrian Kohler
and Basil Jones for the Handspring Puppet Company. They, and the
puppeteers on stage, bring magic to the theatre and make “Warhorse”
definitely a must see!

Running time is 2 and a half hours with a 20 minute intermission.

Next
at The Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center in Miami will be “The Blue
Man Group” May 13-18 followed by “Evita” May 27-June 1.