ASU Gammage to honor military, veterans at opening night of 'War Horse'

ASU Gammage will honor veterans, active duty military and their families during a Heroes Night celebration on the opening night performance of "War Horse," on Feb. 5. That evening, starting at 6:30 p.m., veterans and military will enjoy a heroes celebration prior to the show with a special presentation, giveaways and more. The celebration will feature Major Sean R. Gibbs the Commander, 56th Security Forces Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, for a special tribute to service animals of the United States Armed Forces.

The National Theatre of Great Britain’s epic "War Horse," winner of five 2011 Tony Awards including Best Play, will make its Arizona premiere Feb. 5-10. Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, "War Horse," is also the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s feature film of the same name, which earned six Oscar nominations including Best Picture.

Hailed by The New York Times as “theatrical magic,” "War Horse" is the powerful story of young Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, who has been enlisted to fight for the English in World War I. In a tale the New York Daily News calls “spellbinding, by turns epic and intimate,” Joey is caught in enemy crossfire and ends up serving both sides of the war before landing in no man’s land. Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. What follows is a remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, filled with stirring music and songs and told with the some of the most innovative stagecraft of our time.

Heroes Night is part of the US Airways Military Salute at ASU Gammage and sponsored by Macy's and the Arizona Republic/AZ Central.

ASU Gammage is located at 1200 S. Forest, at Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard, on ASU's Tempe campus. Tickets to the show start at $20 (plus applicable fees). For more information, please visit asugammage.com.