By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer
Chip.Chandler@actx.edu
In Amarillo College Conservatory Theatre’s new drama, secrets are everything – even in a show based on a story published nearly 200 years ago.
The young actors will stage “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Ordway Auditorium on the AC Washington Street campus.
Yes, the drama is closely adapted from Washington Irving’s original story, said director Jayme McBride.
“But there’s a twist at the end,” McBride said. “We all know from reading Irving that Ichabod (Crane) isn’t the hero he’s (often) made out to be … but this has a rather dark surprise ending that I don’t really think anybody is going to see coming at all.”
ACCT typically stages productions (including such dramas as “Our Town” and “Rebel Without a Cause”) in a highly minimalistic fashion, the better to focus the attention on the actors. And while this production, too, will be fairly minimal, it’ll feature some modern-day trickery to bring to life its most famous character.
“The confrontation with the Headless Horseman is through multimedia,” McBride said. “Kuker Films created a moving image. This is a story I didn’t want to do if I couldn’t have a Headless Horseman. … I wanted the audience to actually see it, so I found a script (adapted by Vera Morris) that had it in there.
“We’re moving into the future in every aspect of art,” she continued. “We can’t just say we’re a conservatory and are always going to keep it one way. Everyone has to evolve.”
The cast of 35, ranging in age from 6 to 18, features Jordan McCormack as Ichabod, Abby Neeb as Katrina, Sean Reneau as Abraham “Brom Bones” Van Brunt and Eleisha Miller as Mrs. Van Hudson.
Tickets are $12; a portion of proceeds will benefit the MTK Foundation in memory of Madison T. Knebush.
For reservations, call 806-584-8985.
