'Sleepy Hollow' entertains children of all ages

The Children's Theatre production of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' brings Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman alive for the weekend.

Halloween may have come and gone, but it’s never too late for a good ghost story. At least that seems to be the idea behind The Children’s Theatre’s production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” which runs through this weekend.

Performed at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” features cast and crew members ranging from elementary age to high school students.

This rendition of Washington Irving’s classic story, written by Vera Morris and directed by Susan Alison Keady, is equal parts spooky and silly.

The show tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a gold-digging schoolmaster who’s just moved to the gloomy village of Sleepy Hollow. He’s young, full of himself, and he’s got a very healthy appetite for the home-cooked meals of the local women.

Shortly after arriving, he finds himself trying to win the hand of Katrina, a pretty local student with a flirting problem. Too late, Ichabod finds out Katrina is involved with Brom Bones, a jealous and mean-spirited local with a habit of making schoolmasters miserable.

To add to his troubles, Ichabod realizes that there may be more to Sleepy Hollow than meets the eye when he begins to hear the local legends of phantom pirates, long-dead wailing ladies, and, most frightening of all, a headless horseman.

Even with a couple of long scenes, the play is done well and the young actors do a great job of bringing the story to life in a way that would entertain most children.

The main actors are great at adding comedy by emphasizing their character’s silliest traits. Bryan Ward, who plays Ichabod, quakes in fear to show how wimpy the schoolmaster is, and Morgan Shotwell, as Katrina, eagerly bats her eyes (and shows her ankles) to any boy who catches her attention. Additionally, Rourke Donahue, as Bones, plays the part of the scheming show-off very well, flexing his muscles and smirking almost constantly.

The play does have some spooky scenes in a dark and foggy graveyard, but it is silly enough that even young children should enjoy it. The same ghosts who eerily chant “Beware” in the opening scene eventually show off their goofy dance moves. As for the Headless Horseman, you’ll have to see for yourself.

If you go

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

Friday Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre

125 S. Old Glebe Rd.

Arlington.

For information, call 703/548-1154 or go to encorestage.org.