Special to the LPJ
Watch out, Ruston! The Headless Horseman rides this October as Ruston Community Theatre presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The play is a comedic and spooky melodrama based on the story by Washington Irving and adapted for stage by Mary and Andrew Arnault.
You will not want to miss this humorous and haunting show, a perfect way to spend an October evening in this season of spooks. The show will be presented at the Dixie Center for the Arts, October 17-20.
The show is directed by Tami Alexander who states it has been on her bucket list to direct for a long time. “It was a favorite Halloween tale to read and watch when I was a child,” states Alexander. The show is also proudly sponsored by Argent Financial Group.
According to Director Alexander, the story takes place around 1790 in the ethereal village of Sleepy Hollow, steeped in lore and legend. Ichabod Crane, an incoming schoolmaster played by Ayden Brown, has an affinity to mysticism and is instantly drawn to the ghastly tales, particularly that of Headless Horseman.
Ayden describes his character as “eccentric and boldly refined man who finds much amusement in attention, especially if a little food is involved.” Indeed, it seems Ayden was aptly cast for this part. “The role has drawn emphasis to my inner voice,” he states, “I have found myself replicating his mannerisms in day to day conversations.”
Ichabod’s arrival in town disrupts the blossoming romance between the belle Katrina Van Tassel and the jocular Brom Bones. Katrina is instantly infatuated with Ichabod’s elegance and sophistication, as opposed to Brom’s juvenile mischief-making. Angel Hyacinth, who plays Katrina explains that Katrina and Brom are childhood friends, but “as the richest girl in town, Katrina has to learn to be a lady, while Brom wants to stay immature. When Ichabod treats Katrina like a woman, Brom has to take things more seriously.
Quickly, Brom discovers his adversary’s fascination with ghost stories and uses that to his advantage.
The short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was originally written in 1825, by famed essayist Washington Irving and has become a staple of American literature, influencing not only film, but music, television, and other media. But fear not. While the play may have some spooky moments, created by sound and lighting effects, this adaptation is written as a lighthearted romp through Irving’s tale. Alexander describes it as “marrying humor with fear and superstition.”
The show culminates in Ichabod’s iconic flight from the horseman. “A Headless Horseman will appear from the shadows,” states Alexander. “Jude Hanchey, Emma Alexander, Chloe Alexander, Sirinana
Kilpatrick, and Alec Gatewood have worked tirelessly to create an amazingly sinister
scene with the Hessian and his frightful steed.”
Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.rctruston.org or at the door an hour prior to the show. Call the box office if you need help buying tickets: (318) 595-0872. Get your tickets now, or the best seats, like
the horseman’s head, will be gone.
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