Farm Boy, Sequel to War Horse, Arrives Off-Broadway Dec. 7

By Adam Hetrick
07 Dec 2011

John Walters
John Walters
Photo by Carol Rosegg

The stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's Farm Boy, the literary sequel to the Tony Award-winning hit War Horse, debuts Dec. 7 as part of the Brits Off-Broadway Festival at 59E59 Theaters.

Daniel Buckroyd, who adapted Farm Boy for the stage, also directs the New York premiere of the New Perspectives Theatre Company production that will run through Jan. 1, 2012.

John Walters and Richard Pryal star in the two-hander; opening is Dec. 13. The play continues the tale of beloved horse Joey after his return from the battlefields of WWI.

Morpurgo's 1982 children's novel "War Horse" became the inspiration for the Tony and Olivier Award-winning drama, which is now launching productions across the globe since its 2007 debut. His 1997 novel "Farm Boy" traces the lives of Albert and his beloved horse Joey in the decades that follow the Great War.

Farm Boy is described as "a moving account of the changing face of the English countryside and a beautifully-crafted reminder that stories really can reach out across the generations. This magical tale of the bonds between grandfather and grandson is brought to life in this delightful show combining drama, storytelling and original music."

The production has lighting design by Mark Dymock and original music composed by Matt Marks.

59E59 Theaters, at 59 E. 59th Street, is run by Elysabeth Kleinhans (artistic director) and Peter Tear (executive producer).

Tickets are priced $35. Tickets to Brits Off Broadway are available by phoning (212) 279-4200 or online at www.59e59.org. For more information on Brits Off Broadway, visit www.britsoffbroadway.com.