The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present a high definition broadcast of the stage production of War Horse, captured live from London’s National Theatre, on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Since its first performance in London in 2007, War Horse has become an international phenomenon, seen by more than 4 million people worldwide and receiving numerous awards, including two Olivier Awards in London and six Tony Awards in New York.

Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel and adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford, War Horse takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon, Ireland, to the trenches of First World War France. It’s 1914, and Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey’s courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. Still, his heart aches for Albert, the farmer’s son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again? War Horse is a powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero’s journey.

Filled with stirring music and songs, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage – their flanks, hides and sinews built of steel, leather and aircraft cables.

This powerful production from London’s National Theatre has been captured live in high definition and will be shown in Dolby stereo surround-sound on the big screen.

Tickets to War Horse are $15 ($10 Students) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.

This performance is part of the Opera House’s Live in HD series of events, which is made possible by Dr. James M. and Marcia A. Merrins, who funded the purchase of the satellite transmission and projection equipment used in the series.

It also is made possible, in part, with support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County. Opera House media partners are WDOE-AM and Kix Country 96-FM radio, in Dunkirk.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of Opera House events is available at www.fredopera.org.