First published in 1820 by American author Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has ever since been a popular tale of haunted mystery and human intrigue. Set the along the Hudson River in Tarrytown, N.Y., “this sequestered glen has long been known by the name of Sleepy Hollow,” Irving wrote. “A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land and to pervade the very atmosphere.”
Add a haughty, superstitious school master named Ichabod Crane, a wealthy, pretentious Katrina Van Tassel and a fearsome soldier-ghost dubbed by locals as the Headless Horseman, and the makings of a great drama come alive.
And come alive in a spirited performance of the legend is exactly what the Bishop McDevitt Crusader players did Nov. 8-10 in the school’s fall drama production. Beautifully acted and superbly costumed, more than 35 cast and crew under the direction of Nathan Delp brought the early 19th Century tale to life in vivid fashion.
Ichabod Crane was convincingly played by James McInerny, and his love interest Katrina Van Tassel, was played splendidly by Hannah Arnold.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a drama about storytelling,” Mr. Delp said after the production. “Narrative is perhaps the best way to unveil human truth. In telling stories, we can better experience life and better understand ourselves and others…. Thank you to all who came to share in our story and much thanks to a fantastic cast and crew.”
By Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness
