WAR HORSE Tour Rides Through Philadelphia, Now thru 12/2

The Academy of Music is set to present the national tour of War Horse to Philadelphia audiences from tonight, November 20th through December 2nd of this year. Based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford in association with Handspring Puppet Company, War Horse is currently running on Broadway, The West End, and in Canada.

As World War I begins in England, 1914, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man's Land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, though not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home.

"War Horse has become the greatest success in our history by telling an impactful and resonant story with extraordinary creativity," said Nicholas Hytner, Director of The National Theatre. "We're looking forward to continuing our journey with War Horse by bringing it to audiences across North America."

"When I first wrote War Horse, I was proud of the story but I could never imagine that it would have a second life like the one it's received in recent years," said author Michael Morpurgo. "I am so delighted with the way this tale has come to life and that Joey's story continues to move people of all ages."

Winner of 6 Tony Awards® 2011, Outer Critic's Circle Awards 2011, Olivier, Evening Standard and Critics' Circle awards, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a production of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on the stage.

More information on War Horse is available at www.warhorseonbroadway.com. For tickets to the Philadelphia stop, visit www.philadelphia-theater.com.