Bourbonnais Township Park District’s “A Night in Sleepy Hollow” will transport the audience to the time of Washington Irving’s novel in the authentic Three Bay English Barn at picturesque Perry Farm. Acting Out Theatre Co. is very excited to once again stage the Van Tassel party in the historic barn which is the setting in the original novel. Back this year is the White Horse Tavern scene in the historic horse barn along with stops at a campfire, the orchard, and exciting adventures in the “Hollow”. It is a unique opportunity for our community to visit our historic treasures at Perry Farm.
The Tarrytown inhabitant, Verity, portrayed by Mellody McDonald, Kankakee, will be at the front entrance to the village. The audience will begin their journey to Tarrytown, better known as Sleepy Hollow, guided by inhabitants of that sleepy little village: which include Kathleen Payne & Tom Shapkauski, Bourbonnais, portraying Sarah Elizabeth & Theonis; Allison Beasley & Bill Yohnka, Kankakee, portraying Bess & William; Marissa Rapier & Constance Beatty, Kankakee, portraying Lavinia & Henrietta. The audience will stop at the bewitching Greensburgh campfire of Jane and her grown children Prudance and Samuel; being portrayed by Jeanne Benson, Kankakee, Tina Pourroy, Bradley and David Sacks, Bourbonnais. They are busy cooking up some “potions” for the men who are out searching the countryside for the headless horseman. While at their fire you will learn about the peculiar characters and superstitions that inhabit the sleepy little village. You will also learn of an interesting visitor to the area, Ichabod Crane/Nate Haug of Bourbonnais. You will find out how a certain young lass, Katrina Van Tassel/Allie Haug of Bourbonnais, has intrigued Mr. Crane with her bewitching ways. But first Ichabod will have to confront his most formidable adversary, Brom Bones/Michael Keigher of Bourbonnais. Brom is known for his skillful horsemanship and has been known to tangle with the headless horseman. The journey next takes you through a spooky orchard where Elijah the town crier, Jace Hunt, Bourbonnais, is on the lookout for the headless horseman. The next stop is the White Horse Tavern for some warm refreshments before the long trip into the hollow. Serving up libations, stories and music will be Walter and Cornelius with some sass from barmaid Nellie; portrayed by Paul Snyder, Kankakee, Rob Bishir, Momence and Rebecca Lowery, Bourbonnais. Adding musical flavor to the scene is fiddler Thomas Musgrave, Bourbonnais. The town “busybody” Mistress Agnes, portrayed by Amber Gross, Bradley, tries to keep everyone in line so the guests arrive at the barn party on time.
The sojourn then continues to the English Barn where the Van Tassel party is in full swing. You will have a front row seat in one of the bays in the barn to watch what transpires at the party. Baltus and Matilda Van Tassel/Bob Guastalli, Kankakee and Paula Denault, Kankakee, are hosting a fall dance that is in progress as the audience arrives. Dancing and merrymaking abound among friends Emma/Ally Bilderback of Kankakee and Isabella/Grace Beatty, Kankakee. Katrina’s little sister Kristina is portrayed by Abby Purcell of Manteno and is enthralled by the love triangle. They are joined by their friends and dance partners Nathanial/Sergio Pacheco, Kankakee and Isaac/Parker Beasley of Kankakee, and Jack/Evan O’Connor of Kankakee. Brom Bones and friends, Tom/Damon Routson, Bradley and Peter/Josh Reisinger, Kankakee, boisterously enter the party expecting everyone to be anxiously awaiting their arrival. Brom is not pleased to witness Ichabod and Katrina together. Baltus Van Tassel proudly announces that it is time for the traditional ghost tales. Jacob Closson/Steve Chorak of Bourbonnais shares the legend of “The Haunted Tree” where Major Andre of Revolutionary War fame was hung on that very night back in the hollow by the covered bridge. Will his ghost be seen tonight? The next tale is “The Lady in White” told by Agnes Closson/Amanda LaLuna-Chorak also of Bourbonnais. She tells of the lady that perished at Ravens Rock, better known to locals as the Indian Cave. Will you encounter her ghostly warnings to stay far away? The final tale is the most famous story of all, The Legend of the Headless Horseman. Brom Bones arrogantly comes forward to speak of his recent adventures with the horseman. The tale sends shivers all around. Ichabod and Katrina’s parting does not seem to go well.
The audience then boards a hay wagon for an adventuresome trip this year into the “Hollow.” You will follow Ichabod on his horse into the hollow as you encounter ghosts from the tales told in the barn along with a ghostly battle from the Revolutionary War. The ghostly soldiers include Major Andre being portrayed by Andrew/Nathan Pranger, Bourbonnias; Kirsten & Paul Bishir of Momence; Don Parkison, Tom Sadzewicz, Chance Graf , Nichole Osenga, & Mikayla Martinez all of Bourbonnais; Odell Jones, Andy Beasley, both of Kankakee; Brandon Merrill, Madison Rogers & Katie Loving of Bradley and Dan Lowe of Irwin. The ethereal Lady in White is being portrayed by Elizabeth James, Bourbonnais. You will experience great horsemanship provided by Lamar and Leontay Hicks of Latting Rodeo Productions in St. Anne. As the horseman races for the covered bridge, the question is who will make it first? Will the horseman erupt into flames? Will Ichabod survive? All your questions can be answered by joining us at Perry Farm!
Please visit BTPD.org for ticket information. Tickets are on sale now. Groups of 40 will depart every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 10:00 on Fridays October 12th and 19th and until 11:00 on Saturdays October 13th and 20th. Please purchase tickets soon. The re-enactment is expected to sell out. Tickets may be purchased at any BTPD facility and also online!
Come and experience an Evening in Sleepy Hollow with Acting Out Theatre Co.