BWW Interviews: Alex Morf of WAR HORSE National Tour

Alex Morf starring as "Albert Narracott" in War Horse is part of the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, coming to the Belk Theater, May 28-June 2. War Horse is a play based on the book of the same name by acclaimed children's writer, Michael Morpurgo, adapted for stage. War Horse is an intimate story of a boy and his horse, Joey. All of the horses are life-size puppets created by Handspring Puppet Company and their presence on stage creates an intense emotional experience for audiences. Tickets are on sale now at the Blumenthal Box Office: 704-372-1000.

Alex Morf was thoughtful and deliberate, as he spoke about his experience playing Albert Narracott.

LAW: How long have you been on tour?

AM: I've been on the road over 1 year. My touring ends June 30.

LAW: Where are you now?

AM: Fayetteville, Arkansas.

LAW: Were you affected by the tornados this week?

AM: Well because of travel delays some of the cast barely made it here in time to perform, but we're all okay. We were there for the first show.

LAW: What were your first feelings when you saw the horse puppets?

AM: The first day we had a read through of the script. And then we were taken to meet the puppets for 20 minutes. It was a special, magical day. On the fourth callback, they asked me to puppeteer a baby foal horse. That was something.

LAW: How did you get the role of Albert Narracott?

AM: I was originally cast in the role of Albert's best friend. When the actor playing Albert left the show they placed me in Albert's role.

LAW: Tell me about your character?

AM: He is a young boy who grows up in the country, as I did. When he's 14 he gets a horse as a gift. There is never enough money for the family to have animals. Albert is a natural talent though, training the horse. When World War 1 breaks out, his father sells the horse. Albert is sensitive and hopeful as he leaves to bring his horse back.

LAW: What was the most difficult about this production as opposed to other productions you have been in?

AM: Having puppets as your scene partners. Sometimes I'm sitting and the [horse] puppet is looking at me. I forget they're not real. Also, the horses change temperament every night. I feel like I am performing with wild animals. The puppeteers are so skilled with a subtle ear flick or a tail whip. We alternate puppeteers, because it's very physically exhausting for the puppeteers.

LAW: How long have you been acting?

AM: Since 2003, when I graduated college. My first professional job was in Minneapolis in a show called THE CRADLE WILL ROCK, which was performed in an abandoned Sears building.

LAW: You said you cam from a small country area. Where did you grow up?

AM: Rural Iowa.

LAW: When did you start acting?

AM: I had two older brothers who acted in school plays. I wanted to be like my big brothers.

LAW: What is the message of War Horse?

AM: War Horse is an anthem for peace, hope, friendship, and resilience in the face of great difficulty.

LAW: What do you plan on doing when the tour ends?

AM: I'm going to take a few weeks off and go to Iowa to see family and go to a wedding. And then I'm going back home to NYC and start looking for work and see my girlfriend. It's difficult on the road to take a plane to have dinner with her.

LAW: Where do you live in NYC?

AM: The upper west side.

LAW: What's your favorite food to eat when you're back in NYC?

AM: It's not fancy, but a ham and cheese biscuit from Amy's Bread. I'd have to say that is my favorite.

LAW: Have you ever been to Charlotte?

AM: 'Just in the airport. We're looking forward to performing there.