SCMS Theater Club presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

The cast and crew of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Photo by Lania Rocha

SWARTZ CREEK – The Swartz Creek Middle School Drama Club is preparing for the upcoming presentation of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

“Everyone in this play is extremely talented, extremely funny and just great, amazing people,” said Ella Fountain, who plays Ichabod Crane.

Director Kendra Babcock said the club chose “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” because it is a seasonal classic.

“We were looking for something that would attract people looking for Halloween fun,” she said.

Based on an 1819 gothic ghost story by Washington Irving, the story tells how schoolmaster Crane tries to win the heart of the independent, carefree Katrina Van Tassle, played by Joslyn Hall.

“It’s fun to see her interact with Ichabod,” Hall said. “Her emotions in her conversations…she’s not impressed with him.”

Levi Heck portrays Brom Bones, Crane’s rival for Katrina’s attention.

“He tries to win over Katrina, but Ichabod stands in his way,” Heck said. “So Brom Bones tries to scare Ichabod with a story.”

Brom Bones, a wild prankster, has two pals, Dolf and Peter, who also tell ghost stories throughout the play.

“Audiences will enjoy some of the ghost stories that the characters tell, as well as the characters and their interaction, particularly the verbal battle between Brom and Ichabod,” Heck said.

Sleepy Hollow is home to many legends of the supernatural, most notably the legend of the fearsome Headless Horseman.

“This play is definitely so much fun,” Fountain said. “I love it. This is not what I’m used to. I don’t mind being a more masculine character as long as it’s fun. It’s a little difficult being a male presenter because I’m not male. But it’s fun.”

Fountain said she was familiar with the history of Sleepy Hollow before auditioning. She had seen the Disney animated version and her mother had read the story to her a few times.

The story’s underlying message, she said, is: “Appreciate life for what it has to offer.” Don’t try to make others unhappy because of your own status. It’s not cool. Enjoy life. Be grateful.”

Other cast members include ensemble players Avlynn Freeland, Max Maclean, Camri Brunell, Kaycee Counts, Gwen Oliver, Celina Campbell, Fiona Blevins, Aubrey Green and Parker Gutierrez; schoolgirls Peyton Adams, Maryann Lang, Kieran Blair, Alannah Campbell; Ms. Clossen – Julia Bordeau; Ms. Van Tassel – Gracelynn O’Connor; Mr. Van Tasset – Jacob Lund; Peter – Hannah Beach; Dolf – Kinslie Urban; Anke – Bristol Mosciski; Lena – Evelyn Hawrylo; Britt – Karianne Bratton; Maret – Peyton Champine.

The technical crew includes Elijah Machado, Chloe Beverly, Lillyanna Guerra and stage managers; Athena Juarez, Adey Shooltz, Isabella Moreno, Amelia O’Connor, Ruby White, Sophiah Patterson, Hailey Ellinghausen, costumes; Tori Miller, Lane Miller, Lucy Cole, EJ Lynch, Gabby Schultz, Nala Balicki, Wyatt Robertson, Dillon Switzer, Alahna Kirk, set/props; Ayden Morris, Savanna Lott, Bella Thompson, Xander Yurk, light/sound; and Sophia Miller, advertising/lobby/introduction.

Performances will take place on Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 27th at 2 p.m. The performances take place in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door or online at https://swartzcreekperformingartscenter.ludus.com/index.php.