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Original The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

- Text from Project Gutenberg   (Also includes some “stage directions”)

Stage one/ Subject 1*  Dir  L Bobbert

Interior Rose Barn Theatre.  Audience enters East side small audience an

Children are seated on benches with the teacher behind a desk at the “head of the class” (Stage Right)

 stage set up as a school room with benches and a black board painted on rear wall (later becomes projection screen)

*Subject means the pages containing material from which the “Scene script” will be prepared

Teacher/reader Reading from an old book to the class

Teacher  In the bosom of one of those spacious coves which indent the eastern shore of the Hudson, at that broad expansion of the river denominated by the ancient Dutch navigators the Tappan Zee, and where they always prudently shortened sail and implored the protection of St. Nicholas when they crossed, there lies a small market town or rural port, which by some is called Greensburg, but which is more generally and properly known by the name of  (pause)

Kid 1  Tarry Town.

Teacher calls on one of the children

Teacher This name was given, we are told, in former days, by

Kid  (proud to knowy)

Kid 2   housewives of the adjacent country

Teacher  Why was it called Tarry Town

Kid (very smart alec(y)

Kid 3   (because of) the inveterate propensity of their husbands to linger about the village tavern on market days

May have video projection on side wall?

Projection may turn into spooky environment.

Teacher  Be that as it may, I do not vouch for the fact, but merely (refer) to it, for the sake of being precise and authentic.

Not far from this village, perhaps about two miles, there is a little valley or rather lap of land among high hills, which is one of the quietest places in the whole world. A small brook glides through it, with just murmur enough to lull one to repose; and the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker is almost the only sound that ever breaks in upon the uniform tranquility.

Kids   ahhhh (and lean back as if to sleep)

Teacher (gives stern look and they jump back up)

(indicating the reading continues)

I recollect that, when a stripling, my first exploit in squirrel-shooting was in a grove of tall walnut-trees that shades one side of the valley. I had wandered into it at noontime, when all nature is peculiarly quiet, and was startled by the roar of my own gun, as it broke the Sabbath stillness around and was prolonged and reverberated by the angry echoes. If ever I should wish for a retreat (to hide from) the world and its distractions, and dream quietly away (all my troubles), I know of none more promising than this little valley.

(assumes a scary countenance)

From the listless repose of the place, and the peculiar character of its inhabitants, who are descendants from

(pause)

the original Dutch settlers

Teacher  this sequestered glen has long been known by the name of   (pause)

Kids  SLEEPY HOLLOW

Teacher  and its rustic lads are called the

Kids   Sleepy Hollow Boys

Kid 4 (arrogantly as if a member) throughout all the neighboring country.

Teacher  (dramatically)   

 A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere. Some say that the place was bewitched by a High German doctor, during the early days of the settlement; others, that an old Indian chief, the prophet or wizard of his tribe, held his powwows there before the country was discovered by Master Hendrick Hudson. Certain it is, the place still continues under the sway of some witching power, that holds a spell over the minds of the good people, causing them to walk in a continual reverie. They are given to all kinds of marvellous beliefs,

Kid _  (The go into) to trances

Kid _ (have) visions,

TEACHER and frequently

Kid  see strange sights

Kid _hear music

Kid _ and voices in the air.

Teacher  The whole neighborhood abounds with local tales, haunted spots, and twilight superstitions;

Kid _  stars shoot and meteors glare oftener across the valley than in any other part of the country,

Girl  (sadly) (People have) nightmares

May be enhanced by video projection

TEACHER  The dominant spirit, however, that haunts this enchanted region, and seems to be commander-in-chief of all the powers of the air, is the apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head. It is said by some to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper, whose head had been carried away by a cannon-ball, in some nameless battle during the Revolutionary War, and who is ever and anon seen by the country folk hurrying along in the gloom of night, as if on the wings of the wind. His haunts are not confined to the valley, but extend at times to the adjacent roads, and especially to the vicinity of a church at no great distance. Indeed, certain of the most authentic historians of those parts, who have been careful in collecting and collating the floating facts concerning this spectre, allege that the body of the trooper having been buried in the churchyard, the ghost rides forth to the scene of battle in nightly quest of his head, and that the rushing speed with which he sometimes passes along the Hollow, like a midnight blast, is owing to his being belated, and in a hurry to get back to the churchyard before daybreak.

Such is the general purport of this legendary superstition, which has furnished materials for many a wild story in that region of shadows; and the spectre is known at all the country firesides, by the name of

Kids the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

While the teacher reads sounds of a horse galloping closer and closer  then walks

A light comes up off stage right to reveal a headless hoseman who remains quietly in place

He draws his sword and tosses a pumpkin head toward the audience

Teacher reads 

It is remarkable that the visionary propensity I have mentioned is not confined to the native inhabitants of the valley, but is unconsciously imbibed by every one who resides there for a time. However wide awake they may have been before they entered that sleepy region, they are sure, in a little time, to inhale the witching influence of the air, and begin to grow imaginative, to dream dreams, and see apparitions.

I mention this peaceful spot with all possible laud, for it is in such little retired Dutch valleys, found here and there embosomed in the great State of New York, that population, manners, and customs remain fixed, while the great torrent of migration and improvement, which is making such incessant changes in other parts of this restless country, sweeps by them unobserved. They are like those little nooks of still water, which border a rapid stream, where we may see the straw and bubble riding quietly at anchor, or slowly revolving in their mimic harbor, undisturbed by the rush of the passing current. Though many years have elapsed since I trod the drowsy shades of Sleepy Hollow, yet I question whether I should not still find the same trees and the same families vegetating in its sheltered bosom.

The actors herd the audience off stage left into a dark maze

Gun man shouting ”go out that way”

Teacher “This way quickly”

All scream and run into the audience

A gunman at the back shoots at the headless horse man and his light goes out
Kid “come this way”

Kid  “help me”

Kid  “This way out

End Stage 1

Blinking exit sign Stg Left

Outside barn

Adult (pointing and directing)

This way to the school house hurry or you’ll be late.  Hurry now.  Hurry.

Transition 1

Path to the Sleepy Hollow School House

P indicates a PERSON – no gender or age attached nor name 

Several “towns people” tell of Ichabod on route to stage 2  Several for each part to Staggered through the group

People – probably children  join exiting audience members as they leave the barn along the path. They continue to beckon the crowd to follow the path by saying such thing as —“this way, follow me . . .etc” until the “School Set” comes into sigh

P1 “Have you heard about the new school teacher”

P2 “Not too cute but really sexy because he knows so much”

P3“about everything”

P1 “But he is afraid to be out after dark just like most folks.”

P2 “He says he, ‘He’s from  Connecticut, (mimicking Icabod)  a State which supplies the Union with pioneers for the mind as well as for the forest,”

P3 “Connecticut he says, (mimicking Icabod) sends forth yearly its legions of frontier woodmen and country schoolmasters” (giggle)

Child 1   Better stand up straight and look serious before “Icky-Bod” with the “Sticky-Bod” catches you smarting off on your way to school.

Child 2:  (tenderly rubbing backside) I’m still smarting from the last time he caught me.  And Icky- Sticky tops it off by telling me “I hope you remember it and thank me for it the longest day you have to live”.

Child 1: Count yourself lucky to be just a puny stripling. You know he gives a double portion –with pleasure-- to the bigger kids.

Child 2: (imitating Ichabod) “Spare the rod and spoil the child, I always say”

Child 1: (to one of the women in the crowd—also in Ichabod’s voice) “Madam, I’m just doing my duty by their parents”  (both children laugh)

Scene 2

 Part 1 along the trail near school

3 or more girls jumping rope

(characters can change who jumps and who swings)

Scene 2    Part 1

3 or more people engaged in jumping rope

ALL:  (Or each stanza can be done by a different person)

Here is a story

About icabod crane

A skinny little fella

With a great big brain

He’s scared of witches

And fire flies too

And if you cross him

He’ll whip up on you

How many lashes did you get

1   2  3  (jump till missing)

Scene 2

Part 2

 in school

Sound of beating in back ground (stick on leather)

Kid 1   runs into scene from upstage back holding back side  Yelling owl   owl  ouch .   I was just 5 minutes late to class.  I’ll get him  (hold up fist)

Kid 2 I’m so glad ole baggy drawers is finally leaving my house.

Kid 3 My dad calls him a pretentious old twit.

Kid 2  Yea, my dad can’t understand why mom listens to every little word he says

Kid 3  ….as if it’s gospel

Kid 4 Oh you just have to know how to work it to your advatage.  Last time he stayed at my house I gave him my pancakes in the morning  and my apple pie at night and he did all my chores for me

Kid 2  I bet you were sorry to see him go.

Kid 4  but I didn’t miss his singing.

Kid 3  (holding nose) tries singing  (___________) yankee doodle came to town

All   riding on a pony ………..

Scene 2

 Part 3

Devising a plan to scare  out side school maybe down the path a little

Scene 2  Part 3

Kid 1 (back side still stinging) (stage whispering) I have an idea to get back at ole baggy drawers.

Kid 5 Yea what?

Kid 1  How about we give him the scare of his life

Kid 5 Yea you know how he’s always reading up on the hill till late.

Kid 6 We could use (demo states) wooden blocks to make him thing   the Headless Horseman is coming.

Kid 5 I get a dead bird and throw him in his path.

Kid 1  Yea, and I could get a long stick and poke him.

Kid 6  Ok we’ll meet at the bushes on hill tonight.

Kid 1  (to audience) and you guys better watch out too

Transition 2

Travelers going with the audience

Fan blowing from woods Maybe fine mist??

Ghostly figures come out and tramp by the audience in transit.   Noises in the woods and ghosts swing from trees

Hessian Soldier (Shouts near an audience member ) There he is  (Points into the woods)

Headless horseman is seen in the woods (Flashlight comes on to reveal the horseman—sound effects on portable tape recorder of horse winning and ghost howling)

Several soldiers shout push through the “audience” and shoot

The light goes out and the soldiers run after him

Scene 3

 Part 1  in the woods walking to the mansion

Ichabod to Audience

(We will need 2 Ichabods because after doing this series of scenes a new group may be on its way)

(Optional dialogue)

If Ichabod is late getting back –

Character 1  says “We’d better wait here till Ichabod catches up with us.  He’ll be done whipping the boys in any minute.

Character 2  (if we have enough people) He never misses a meal or a party where he can eat and oogle the girls.

(Joining the “audience” as they walk toward the Mansion. These 2 characters do start with the audience as if going along and help get everyone moving. )

Character 1   “Move up close to Ichabod so you can hear him. 

Character 2    He is a fascinating man. 

Character 1    Well, that’s his opinion anyway.

(Once everyone is moving along – these two characters go back to there original position on the path)

Ichabod:    Hello my fine folk.  I’m Ichabod, you know Ichabod Crane, your new school master.  May I join you?  I see you are going to the “doings” at the Van Tassel’s..   I’m afraid I’m a little late.  . I was  enjoying a fine table Young master DeBerk’s home   His mother is the finest cook.

Tom DeBerk:  Yes sir. I mean I’m sorry, sir.  Sir. Master Crane, was kind enough to conclude  our lessons tonight in time to for us to get ready for the party.    Mother asked me ‘specially to help her carry the maple-hickory pies.”

Ichabod:   (mood instantly changing- wistfully, as if in a momentary trance)  Lilian DeBerk’s maple-hickory pie. . . (then suddenly)  Yes, ladies and gentlemen,   You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted her pie.

(children run happily on ahead. Most just hide briefly behind until the audience moves on.  And then return to their posts close to the school and prepare to escort the next group Ichabod is left alone in the schoolhouse.)

Ichabod: (to the audience)  I suppose you will be wanting to wash your faces and press your Sunday best for the party—as do I! Come! We’ll stop by the well and gather some washing water on our way .

Ichabod discovers the well and washes his face after getting water and putting it into a bowl.  

Ichabod:  This is a wishing well and rumor has it if you throw a coin in and make a wish.  It will come true

Scene 3

 Part 2

Still on the path to the Mansion but Katrina joins them –

We will need 2 Katrinas too

Scene 3  Part 2  on the path

Ick: (Ichabod approaches Katrina, who is strolling slowly down the path with a basket) Miss Katrina Van Tassel, Ichabod Crane at your service!

Katrina: Good Master Crane, I have just come out to fetch some autumn leaves for tonight’s centerpiece.  Will by help me carry them home?

Ich: Of course, my dear Katrina. (Takes basket, struggles with its weight)  My I leave a space on my dance card for you tonight?

Katrina: Well, I can’t do all those fancy steps you brought with you from Connecticut.

Ich: We Connecticians have the same number of legs as the folks of Sleepy Hollow.

Katrina: Yes, but ours may not move as … well.

Ich: (does a strange, awkward step kick and turn) I can teach you.

Katrina: (slightly taken aback) That may not be considered lady-like.

Ich: Oh, you, as a lady, would not do a step like that; you need only follow, doing the same thing backwards.

(Ich and Katrina perform the bizarre  pas-de-deux)

Katrina: Oh! My! Oh! We could never dance like that before my father!

Ich: All right, then, we will let you father dance first!

Katrina: Ichabod! You are too clever for a country girl like me.

Ich: And you are too beautiful for a country gentleman such as myself.  

            (They hold hands; it looks as if, in some alternate universe, they might kiss)

Katrina: I must be getting home to my father.  The party is only a short time away!

Ich: Will you save a dance or two for me?

Katrina: All of them! Except as politeness will require!

Ich: Of course.  I will see you soon!

(Ich hands the basket back to Katrina and turns off the path.  Katrina leads the audience on toward the mansion set)

Katrina: So much to do! I must be heading home!

            (After a few steps, Katrina encounters Brom Bones, perhaps leaning against a tree)

Brom: Katie! A sight for sore eyes indeed!

Katrina: Why, thank you, Abraham.

Brom: Katie! Please, call me Brom, like you have since we were youngins!

Katrina: But, Abraham, tonight I am to come out for society.  We must put childish things behind us, and look toward the future!

Brom: Have you been talking to that skinny schoolmarm?

Katrina: You will not speak of Mr. Ichabod Crane that way.  He is the only man of letters in this entire county!

Brom: One of those letters must be “S”, for his is both the strangest and silliest man I have ever met!  He can barely ride a horse, I’ve not seen him butcher so much as a rabbit, and I don’t believe he could start a fire with two sticks even if one of them were already on fire!

Katrina: He may not be your ideal of a farmer, but perhaps some men are destined to be more than farmers.  There are senators, governors, judges and presidents in this world!

Brom: (laughs) President Crane!  Stands up to the English but runs from his own shadow!

Katrina: Ichabod is not afraid of his shadow!

Brom: Oh no?  You just watch him tonight.  I will tell a story that will make every child in Sleepy Hollow laugh, but that will send him screaming into the woods!

Katrina: Oh, Brom, you are such a child!

Brom: If he runs from the room after my story, will you have a dance with me?

Katrina: (slightly disdainfully) Do you dance?

Brom: I know the common dances of the Hollow.

Katrina: Peasant dances?

Brom: If I dance with you, they are pleasant dances.

(Katrina and Brom perform as brief, simple waltz, perfectly)

Katrina: I suppose politeness requires me to dance with all the young gentlemen.

Brom: Gentleman, never, Young, forever!

`(Brom disappears into the wood.  Katrina has led the audience to the mansion set)

Katrina:  Katrina and Brom will flirt a bit longer, but Katrina wi