By Marica Thomas
Special to the Jimplecute
When author Washington Irving lived in England in the 1820s, tales of a “head-less horseman” were frequently found in European origins. It was a staple of storytelling and Irving adopted it to write one of the most popular and horrifying tales ever printed, that of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”.
Jefferson’s Opera House Theatre Players have taken the story and adapted it to a radio-script format, complete with gothic-robed actors, sound effects, and – well – a headless horseman.
Playing the role of Ichabod Crane is KTAL–Ch. 6 general manager and resident of Jefferson, Mark McKay. He will be joined by Shreveporter and board member Lisa Daye as Katrina. Others are Jim Blackburn as Brom Bones; John Nance as Washington; board member Joe Todaro of Shreveport as Irving; Patrick Fortune as Peter; Jane Maddox, director and board member, as Emily; board president Marcia Thomas as Charlotte; and Sara Davis, veateran actor and board member, as Judith. Scott Imhof, theatre artist, set maker, and board member, is creating the role of the headless horseman with a custom-made costume made by himself. Several of the actors will also act as storytellers within the new adaptation which was conceived by director Jane Maddox.
Also on tap is a pre-play performance of “scary” music in kayboard harpsichord style by theatre regular performer, 10 yr old Riley Cox of Hallsville. He wll be dressed in a Dracula cape and vest and top hat but without the fangs.
The performances will be on Friday and Saturday Oct. 29-30, at the Union Baptist Church Event building, 502 Houston and begin at 7:30 pm each evening. There will be limited seating in the old church which was built in the 1870s and completely restored with a Texas Historical Marker a few years ago. Following the performances, the audience will be invited to the former baptismal building, directly behind the church for a repast of pumpkin pie and beverage at no extra charge.
Tickets are $15 per person and are available at The Willow Tree in downtown or online at www.JeffersonOperaHouseTheatrePlayers.com. Any tickets left unsold may be available at the door the night of performance. For information, please call 903-665-8243 or 903-926-2760.