Invitations for our first annual Sleepy Hollow VIP Party went out this week. The invitations were individually handmade by Camie Brown, crafted out of paper to create a 3D visual of a scene from Sleepy Hollow. The party will be held at Noah’s Ark in September with lots of good food, live performances from the show, a media presentation and free gifts.
Sleepy Hollow VIP Party Invitation
Stories in Concert is thrilled to employ a talented cast and crew. Through the culmination of their efforts, Sleepy Hollow is portrayed with sophisticated artistry and passion.
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Our resident Narrator for Sleepy Hollow, David Knight, brings an authoritative presence to the show with his eloquent delivery of Washington Irving’s story. Not only does he lend his seasoned acting ability to the production company but also his in-depth knowledge of technical theater, serving as the technical director for Sleepy Hollow. Mr. Knight also serves on the board for Stories in Concert, assisting in the artistic direction for the company as well as development of Alice’s Adventures in Concert due to debut in June of 2009.
Courtney Knight (yes, she and David are married), our resident director joined us in 2007 to bring Sleepy Hollow to the next level of professionalism. Holding an MDT degree from BYU, not only is she a fabulous performer but an amazing director as well. Her vision of Sleepy Hollow (or “vis”, as she likes to call it) is expressed thoroughly to the cast, bringing the story to life with artistic finesse. Courtney also serves on the Stories in Concert board and is anxious for the opportunity to direct Alice’s Adventure’s in Concert this coming spring.
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.
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”
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).
Elton John once said that if he couldn’t flush out a song in twenty minutes it was scratched. A few years ago, Steve and I batted around all kinds of ideas for stories to set “in concert”. After our brainstorming session stalled, I left Steve at the computer to go finish some housework. I was folding laundry when I had one of those “aha” moments. I ran into the computer room and just as I opened my mouth to announce my grand idea, Steve stole the glory from me by saying “you know, I think Sleepy Hollow would be a great story.” It was a perfect match – inspired, perhaps. The creation process from start to finish took roughly two weeks. We don’t wear a crocodile suit or an array of cool shades, but Sleepy Hollow is a hit!
For many families The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in Concert is a memorable experience. One mother shared how her children galloped around the house singing “Headless Horseman” for a whole week. Another woman shared how she dragged her very reluctant husband to the show. He was so thrilled with the production the next night he dragged her. A father related that months after seeing the show his daughter continues to yell “Daddy, that’s where we saw Sleepy Hollow!” when passing the theater. What is it about the story that causes such excitement, such loyalty?
Sleepy Hollow is considered an American Classic. Some would argue that classics are old and dead, but there is something very much living inside these stories - humanity. Between the dusty covers lies the hearts of men and women who were just like us, who were plagued with the problems that afflict mankind today. Classic stories weave together elements of war, peace, love, hate, jealousy, revenge, misery, happiness, into timeless tales of mankind’s struggles and victories in mortality. In the midst of these conflicts, characters choose a path to either influence humanity for good or for evil.
In building a relationship with the great classics, these stories begin to live within us. In identifying with the emotions of characters, the stories become personal. They become like old friends. We draw upon their wisdom when choosing our own paths.
These family members who felt the influence of Sleepy Hollow recognized a connection to the people and principles found within the story. Being human, we can all find a connection. By experiencing great stories we can build a bridge between past and present, gaining knowledge to successfully choose a path that will lead us in living our own stories. Stories that will influence humanity for the better.
-Jayme Smith, Stories in Concert Producer
