“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” explores themes of love, rivalry, and the supernatural, weaving together elements of folklore and local legend to create an enchantingly spooky tale.
Ghosts, goblins, and goth meet all things quirky in this latest Playcrafters’ production of the classically endearing Washington Irving tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
Developed into a stage play by John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson, the captivating performance blends fantastical elements with dark humor in a unique one-act, 90-minute production that remains true to the spirit of Irving, while lending an unforgettable theatrical experience just in time for Halloween.
“Knowing the story doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the show,” said director Kate McShane. “And quirky is the key word … colorful characters … a ton of humor … it’s scary and spooky and also hilarious.”
In 1790 in a secluded glen near the quaint village of Tarry Town, New York, the humble yet all too priggish new school teacher, Ichabod Crane (Dustin Lee Yenser), finds himself an outsider among the townspeople. Despite the cold welcome, he manages to find a spark in the eyes of a wealthy farm owner’s daughter, Katrina Van Tassel (Bara Hrusinska), though his rival, Abraham Van Brunt, a.k.a. “Brom Bones” (Akiva Harker), is none too pleased and makes trouble for Ichabod through pranks and practical jokes.
One autumn night at a house party at the Van Tassel’s home, Brom recites the story of the Headless Horseman — the notorious ghost decapitated by a cannonball during the Revolutionary War. The legendary figure is supposedly buried in a churchyard in Sleepy Hollow and rises from the grave every night to search for his missing head.
At the party, Ichabod proposes to Katrina, but she rejects him. Heartbroken, he leaves the party and rides home on a borrowed plow horse named Gunpowder. Along the way, he encounters a cloaked rider and believes it to be the Headless Horseman. Frightened, Ichabod rides for his life, desperately steering Gunpowder down the Hollow while the apparition thunders close behind. At the bridge, the Horseman rears his horse and hurls his severed head directly at Crane, knocking him off his horse.
Akiva Harker as Brom Bones and Dustin Lee Yenser as Ichabod in Playcrafters’ production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” (SUBMITTED PHOTO)The next morning, Gunpowder is found eating the grass at his master’s gate, but Ichabod is nowhere to be found.
“It’s almost a fever dream,” said McShane of the timing and pacing of the actors. “It moves quickly and keeps everyone on their toes.”
The true nature of both the Headless Horseman and Ichabod’s disappearance that night is left open to interpretation, and it begs the question: Was there really a Headless Horseman following Ichabod that night or was it his imagination?
“The show is rated PG. There’s no violence, gore, nor is it intensely scary; however, 12 years of age and up is the recommended audience,” added McShane.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” explores themes of love, rivalry, and the supernatural, weaving together elements of folklore and local legend to create an enchantingly spooky tale.
Playcrafters presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” will take place at The Barn, 2011 Store Road and Skippack Pike, at 8 p.m. on Oct. 18, 19, 25, and 26, and Nov 1 and 2, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20, 26, and 27, and Nov. 3. Tickets are $24.
