Tim Burton’s film, Sleepy Hollow, is very loosely based on the original story by Washington Irving. Burton’s adaptation created Ichabod as the essence of cool by casting Johnny Depp in the role, while the original story portrays Ichabod Crane, or “Ichy” as I like to call him, as a foppish, socially awkward, lanky man, easily spooked by his superstitious nature.

Burton’s film employs Ichabod Crane as a detective, come to solve the mysterious murders in Sleepy Hollow. In the original story Irving writes Ichabod as a schoolmaster - and not a very kind one.

The blooming Katrina causes contention between Ichy and Brom Bones. Johnny Depp’s Ichabod wins Katrina in the end, while the original story leaves everyone wondering if Ichabod is dead or alive and Brom Bones escorts Katrina down the aisle.

Tim Burton’s film took full advantage of the ambiance this superstitious village provided for a horror story; using the characters, places, and ghost stories shared in Sleepy Hollow as a basis for the film. Our stage production tells the story in Washington Irving’s original words. It’s always fascinating to see how different films can be from the original source. What did the author really say? How does the story really go? Even though our production doesn’t employ Johnny Depp, Irving’s story has enough “cool” for an amazing, original experience.

To find out more about Burton’s film visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162661

Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane in Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow

Carl Barlow as Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in Concert

Tags: General by Jayme
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Most of us never know what we’re missing out on until we become involved with something new. Until I had the privilege to play a lovesick, inebriated, singing Irish colonial farmer in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in Concert, I had no idea how much better my life would be for doing it.

This year will be my third opportunity to be part of the cast. The hours of rehearsal (chorus rehearsals, rehearsals with the orchestra, tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and so on) will be more than compensated for by the relationships I enjoy with the cast and crew. The many nights of performance spent away from my family will be balanced out by the traditions I am able to build in my kids’ lives. They love to come to practices and shows, and nothing warms my soul quite so handily as my children greeting me with a chorus of “You were funny in that show, Daddy!”

I also had no idea that I was missing out on an incredible community treasure until Sleepy Hollow brought me to it. Tucked away in a quiet part of American Fork, the city’s historic amphitheater sits embraced by a gorgeous variety of trees in lovely Quail Cove. If you have never been, you’ll be blown by the fact that a structure and park this cool are hiding right in American Fork (go check it out at 850 East 700 North). Every time we drive by, my kids shout “Hi Sleepy Hollow!” You can see some great pictures of the amphitheater at the city link below. Maybe the setting will inspire you to start some new traditions in your own family.

http://www.afcity.org/DE_ArtsCouncilAmphiteatre.asp

Tags: General by jason
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Colonial children didn’t have anything close to our modern day Toys R Us so they relied on little trinkets found around the home to fasten into toys. One of the most popular, and easiest to make, was the whirligig; a button fastened with a long piece of string. Who knew that something so simple could provide so much fun. It can be addicting - try it!

1. Start with a large button or a wooden disc with two holes drilled in the center and a piece of sturdy string or yarn about 20-22 inches long.

2. Thread the string through one hole and back through the second hole. Tie the ends of the string together in a tight knot.

3. Place index fingers through the ends of the string.

4. Wind up the string and begin to pull your hands outwards. The string and button should begin to pulsate and create a “whirling” sound.

To receive your very own Sleepy Hollow whirligig, be sure to visit our Harvest Festival before the show!

Tags: General by Jayme
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This week has been spent preparing for the American Fork Steel Days Parade. We were not planning on participating but received an invitation from the city arts council to be part of their entry. I decided to include my kids in this event since they “live” Sleepy Hollow with us 24/7, nine months out of the year. It’s great, though, because my kids have come to love and know the story quite intimately, like a member of the family.

My youngest son, Max, desperately wanted an exact replica of Ichabod’s costume so we picked out a pattern, green fabric, gold buttons and constructed one this week. He is so excited to have his very own “Ichabod dress” and walk in the parade but he insists on riding Ichabod’s stick horse which is much too big and awkward for him. Luckily he finally settled on handing out whirligig toys to the kids.

Tags: General by Jayme
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The Sleepy Hollow cast delivered a preview performance at Colonial Days on July 4th. We were all concerned for our health, wearing those heavy costumes in searing July heat, but luckily the weather cooperated enough to give us overcast skies, even a little breeze now and then. We camped out underneath the gazebo while on our breaks eating snacks, mingling, and drinking LOTS of water.

Trenton Wardle performs “Sleepy Hollow”

Tags: General by Jayme
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Our ensemble spent the evening of July 3rd rehearsing our preview performance for the Colonial Quarter at Provo’s Freedom Festival. Foley Artist, Nate Brown, gave us a much needed dose of humor with his own rendition of “Sleepy Hollow” (supported by his sidekick “hose whistler”, David Knight – the “k” is silent).

Tags: General by Jayme
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