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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

War Horse

7/17/2012

 
Picture
Banner beneath the theater's portico
On Sunday, a friend and I made the drive to Los Angeles to see the stage version of War Horse at the Ahmanson Theater.

I knew I would like it, but I didn't know how much I'd like it.  It was really terrific.  I'll admit that it started out a bit slow, and I was feeling a bit nervous as I was the one who talked Janet into going with me.  I didn't want her to feel as though her money had been wasted.

I shouldn't have worried, within no time, adult Joey bust out of the blackness to a rousing applause from the audience.  From that moment on, I was literally captivated by the show.

If you've already seen it, you already know how effective the simple set and special effects were.  The simplicity of the stage literally set my imagination on fire.  The main backdrop is a torn piece of parchment paper. What they were able to do with that one shred of paper was amazing.  If you haven't yet seen War Horse, I don't want to spoil it for you.  

Both Janet and I were in awe of the horses.  They were so life-like that when they froze with the rest of the performers, I wondered at how they were able to keep the horses so still.  There were some very dark moments with the horses that were a bit creepy: the way the horses died, the carcasses left to rot, and the ghost horses who have not yet left this world, but who are very nearly gone.

If you do go and see the stage performance and you've read the book or seen the movie, ditch those images and enjoy this adaptation of the story. No, it doesn't follow the book exactly, but that's okay.  Enjoy the interpretation that this playwright chose to present.

To see some really interesting footage of Joey, visit this link.  Be sure to watch the Adaptation link.  The most interesting link can be found here. It's a great video showing how the puppets are built.  Fascinating ...

Picture
Me and Janet (right) in front of the theater.
We went to a matinee showing, so there was plenty of daylight to admire the views from the theater's plaza.  Click to enlarge images.
Val
7/17/2012 12:05:30 am

Complete awesomeness, right?

I forgot the puppeteers were even there. My husband and I also really enjoyed the goose puppet. We own some birds with attitude, so that little character was a riot to watch. My husband is not a theater enthusiast, but he was glad that he saw War Horse on stage and really enjoyed the experience. I am sure that your friend felt it was money well spent.

Karen
7/17/2012 08:13:08 am

At times I couldn't figure out if the puppeteers were controlling the horses or if the horses needed to be "controlled" as in "loose horse!"

Definitely awesome!

Kelly link
7/17/2012 06:47:39 am

Sounds amazing! I wish I could go and see it. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the rundown :).

Karen
7/17/2012 08:13:45 am

it was a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon, for sure! :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
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