The theatre department brings a new air of mystery and storytelling with a period piece for their second fall play. Sleepy Hollow is the traditional story written by Washington Irving, depicting Ichabod Crane’s arrival in Sleepy Hollow, not knowing its superstitious past and showcasing his encounters with the Headless Horseman. The play will have a mix of dramatic narration, fireside storytelling and standard theatrical acting.
Theatre Director Margaret Hubbard chose this play to complement the overall creepy theme for this season wanting to go for something a bit more antiquated and less current.
“I really wanted to have a spooky season and I love that this is a classic play. We are doing Adams Family for our musical and that’s a classic as well but has a lot of modern aspects but I wanted something that was truly classic,” Hubbard said.
Cast members feel like this is a fresh addition to the fall plays and complements their previous counterpart WCKY well.
“I feel like this is a great fit, out of all four years I have gone to this school we have never done anything like this [where we have] a season of just haunted, spooky, comedic plays. I feel this was a good choice,” senior Addison Nix said.
Members of the cast also feel that Sleepy Hollow is a good mix of storytelling that involves acting out stories while they are being told, as well as unique that has never been seen before.
“The Headless Horseman is not a story that is told enough and I never really see it in any grand context. But I like the way the story is told. There is one character that gives you all the lessons of the story, it is very literary and I really enjoy the story and it is not something you would see in a traditional stage play,” senior Chadwick Holmes said.
With this play being a period piece, cast members are also excited for the outfits due to the fact that they are getting to wear things they would not traditionally wear.
“I am really excited to perform and I am especially excited for the costumes. It has been really fun seeing everything come together,” sophomore Sydney Marpoe said
They also feel that they are making good progress even after not having had the ability to rehearse due to the other play. Members have a collaborative dynamic with each other that has helped them to develop a good chemistry and get things done quickly.
“When we came back from our three-week break after WCKY, we were all ready to go. We finished rehearsing our movements four days early and everyone is focused, there is no drama, everyone is really kind, excited and I could not ask for a better cast to act with,” senior Matthew Amade said.
On the opening night Oct. 31, due to it falling on the day of Halloween, the doors will open early for the first time ever at 5 p.m while the two other showings Nov. 1 and second the doors will open at the usual time of 7 p.m. There will be a $5 admission fee at the door.