I saw war horse in london and can easily say that it was a highlight of the shows I saw over there. It is absolutely incredible. I hope that they consider bringing this to the US!
I'm surprised to hear that, Yankeefan. You're the first person I've come across who has disliked War Horse - I've sent a lot of people to see it, and it's had 2 sell out seasons at the NT and is now playing to packed houses in the West End.
I've been madly in love with this play since its first time round at the National, but even I won't deny that the plot is totally freakin' lacking, and it does get slow around the time Friedrich takes centre stage. It's definitely the single most wonderful puppet show I've ever seen, and even if people are going to walk out halfway through, they at least need to see part of it. There are no words for how fabulously beautiful this play is, in spite of its narrative flaws. :3
Perhaps my problem was that I took advantage of the National's 5-pounder SRO policy. Back of the mezzanine with nothing to lean on, so, in effect, I spent the entire first act just walking around. If I were sitting, I imagine I'd have enjoyed it more.
The puppetry is indeed something to behold, and the play provided one of my favorite theatrical moments (with the tanks). It's just too bad the story didn't quite live up.