Washington Irving’s 19th-century folktale about an ill-fated schoolmaster named Ichabod Crane and his encounter with a headless horseman and his jack-o’-lantern is one of the great American ghost stories. So, for Halloween, Weber State University theater professor Jim Christian has decided to pair it with the great American tradition of musical theater.
Christian—who also adapted Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance into the successful Pirated!—wrote the book and lyrics, collaborating with composer Tom Edward Clark to craft a creepy stage
interpretation complete with realistic special effects.
Magician/mentalist Paul Draper was brought in as a consultant for the
stage effects—and required everyone associated with the production to
sign a non-disclosure agreement so that the tricks wouldn’t be
revealed. The production is intended for ages 10 and older, with plenty
of scariness. Catch the world-premiere production, brought to life by
Weber State’s gifted thespians.
Sleepy Hollow: The Musical @ Val A. Browning Center, 3750 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, 800-WSU TIKS, Oct. 30 – Nov. 7.
