A fall treat for kids with ‘Sleepy Hollow’

Miners Alley Children’s Theatre production a fun, not-too-scary adaptation of the classic tale

This fall’s Miners Alley Children’s Theatre production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow delivers a spooky-season treat for young audiences. Adapted and directed by Miners Alley’s own Rory Pierce, it’s the well-known tale of Ichabod Crane, the skinny but ravenous schoolteacher who sees and hears ghosts around every corner. He’s particularly sensitive to an encounter with the Headless Horseman, along with his nemesis Brahm Bones — the local prankster who takes great pleasure in punking Ichabod every chance he gets while the two compete for the affections of the lovely Katrina Van Tassel.

The ensemble appears in period costumes in the lobby to great the audience walking in – making a point to connect with each of the children as they walk by. That in-person greeting was soon followed by the onstage introduction of the story and the characters by Diedrich Knickerbocker and his wife Dame Knickerbocker, played by Ronan Viard and Andrea Rutherford — who then double as Mr. and Mrs. Van Tassel. Their onstage banter with one another is delightful.

The rest of the cast — James Girodano as Ichabod Crane, Christopher Berghoff as Brahm Bones, Leandra Fischman as Katrina and especially Corey Exline as Dani/Danielle — are wonderfully engaging onstage.

The production includes minimal set pieces, lighting or props while the story is revealed in a straight-forward manner. Throughout the hour-long production, the characters periodically pull groups of children from the audience onstage, allowing them the thrill of becoming part of the action. Not surprisingly, the result is a sweet combination of child innocence and wonder with the improv actions and reactions of the cast. It’s fun and entertaining for those watching and those being watched.

The climax of the show comes either (for the adults) with the dance-style of Ichabod Crane (resembling a not-to-be named TV character known for her unique moves) or (for the children) with the appearance of the Headless Horseman chasing Ichabod Crane in the final scene. (Don’t worry, it’s not too scary!) The production delivers lots of wide-eyes and laughs. As Diedrich Knickerbocker instructs the cast and audience, “Use your imagination!” – and you and your childish companions will have a very fun time.