THEATRE REVIEW – THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
BY MARGARET BOWMAN
The Abbey Theatre Club’s autumn production ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,’ by Jim Heinbruch and Jon Ferguson is a spooky spectacular, just perfect for this Halloween month. The audience loved this and no wonder! It is a quirky take on the well-known tale and a wickedly funny, yet thrilling, seasonal drama skilfully managed by Producer Heather You.
Callum Baker is perfectly cast for the leading role of Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher from Connecticut, who arrives in the village of Sleepy Hollow to take up his position at the school. His attentions for Katrina Van Tassel (Emma Smith) are causing concern to her suitor Brom Bones (Dan Large) who takes delight in frightening him with the ghostly story about the Headless Horseman.
The country schoolchildren (Kelsey McKenzie; Rachel Williams; Alex Osborne; Steven Dunbar; Rebecca Lyons and Erin Swankie) cause several problems for the new school teacher but the Parson, a sinister character played by James Callachan keeps them in order. When Baltus Van Tassel (Jim Shaw) hosts an evening party, the village women, (Pat Stewart and Monica Stranock) with Rupert Van Brunt (John Greig) embellish the frightening tale before Ichabod prepares to go home in the bleak darkness and be at the mercy of the Horseman. Will he make it over the bridge before the Horseman catches him?……..
Gemma Mordin who plays Helga Van Ripper and Mike Christie as Geoffrey Crayon complete the professional and talented cast, who were supported by their dedicated backstage crew led by Stage Manager Terri-Marie Baker, whose role is to ensure every performance runs efficiently. Lighting and Sound was managed by Stephen Gilbert and Doug Scott, who created the expected eerie, dramatic music and lighting effects with Maddie Simpson being on hand, as Prompt. The wonderful costumes were authentic for the period and were managed by Susie Watson and Fiona Burnett.
The management of the weaponry used during this production, was expertly supervised by Stuart Archibald from Theatrical Armoury Services, who ensured the complete safety of the cast.
Another excellent performance by the members of Abbey Theatre Club! Performances run each evening at 7.30 pm until Saturday 7 th October with tickets available from A.J.Beedie Jewellers, High Street, Arbroath or at the theatre on the night.
The Abbey Theatre Club are looking forward to their next production which will be their Christmas Pantomime – Treasure Island!
The Abbey Theatre Club, Arbroath 