The Lexus Broadway Series 2012-13 season will begin with War Horse coming to Dallas September 12th thru 23rd at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s beautiful Winspear Opera House. The acclaimed author of War Horse Michael Morpurgo held a special evening with special guest singer Melanie Doane. Michael also took part in a more intimate sit down interview about his books and much more the next day. Click thru for Video and Audio of both events as well as information about getting your ticket to this Tony Award-Winning Play.
At the intimate Nancy B. Hamon Hall, inside the WInspear Opera House, Author Michael Morpurgo and Singer Melaine Doane took us thru an abridged version of the Tony Award winning play. The event was kicked off with an introduction of Michael and Melanie by ATTPAC’s Director of External Affairs Chris Heinbaugh.
Michael Morpurgo is the esteemed author of over 130 children’s books and a strong activist who, along with his wife Clare, started up the charitable foundation Farms for City Children.
But the evening was totally about showcasing the 5 time Tony Award winning play War Horse.
Here is our video treat from this very special evening.
Michael also read sections from one of his favorite books about the impact of war.
The following day Michael sat down with a small roundtable of interviewers and discussed War Horse, War in general and some of his other books.
He started off by talking about his experiences with the National Theater.
Michael Morpurgo – National Theater
Michael discussed how he is also surprised by all the success of the play and film.
Michael Morpurgo – Power of the Play & Film
He discussed just how Steven Spielberg heard about War Horse.
Michael Morpurgo – Steven’s Producer
The discussion turned to the impact War has had on us all.
Michael Morpurgo – Impact of the Cold War
Then he talked about his own personal War memories and how they reminded him of moments he had read about long before entering the army.
Michael Morpurgo His War Story
But at the heart of War Horse is truly a beautiful love story between a young boy and his horse.
Michael also talked about his recent experiences seeing the production in LA and how it made him realize how audiences react to his story.
Michael Morpurgo – Final Comments on the play
I veered off the War Horse questions a bit with my two questions to Michael. As a man who’s written 130 children’s stories I was most curious about the constant parallels in his stories. He first discussed his book, Kensuke’s Kingdom.
Michael Morpurgo – Kensuke’s Kingdom
And finally I asked him about the one novel he gets some negative feedback from because it’s tough material. This subject was especially personal to me, as I am an Israeli and Michael was kind enough to thank me for asking a tough question like this.
Michael Morpurgo -The Kites are Flying
I think a quote from War Horse sums up what “The Kites are Flying” was intended to truly show, “Any problem can be solved between people if only they can trust each other”. But I look at another quote from Michael’s story “I Believe In Unicorns” that truly speaks to what his book’s power/magic really is, “stories make you think and dream; books make you want to ask questions”. I couldn’t say it any better. One final fun moment with Michael Morpurgo. Check out his awesome kicks!!!
You can find out more from this wonderful author on his website.
A real pleasure to have the iconic writer in Dallas!
Find out more about Melanie Doane, here.
And don’t forget to get your War Horse tickets, here!!!!