Chelan Middle School Drama Club presents haunting classic

CHELAN – The Chelan Middle School Drama Club has been busily rehearsing in preparation for their upcoming production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. This retelling of Washington Irving’s 1820 classic short story is an adaptation written by Vera Morris and produced in arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc..

A tale retold and adapted countless times, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is regarded as one of America’s earliest ghost stories. The story was first published as part of a collection containing short stories and 34 essays titled, “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent”, and one that has taken hearts for generations.

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is set in a farming community in Terrytown, NY in 1970. It tells the story of refined school and choirmaster, Ichabod Crane. Though distinguished and learned, Ichabod is also interested in tales of the supernatural. He is particularly taken by one story, a local legend that warns of the perils of the Headless Horseman. Little does Ichabod know that he awaits an encounter with the haunting horseman himself.

Cynthia Bertomeu, CMS Middle School Drama Club director, has been working to prepare students for their upcoming production for the past few weeks. As part of rehearsals, students engage in physical and vocal warm-up exercises, establish stage blocking, learn choreography, rehearse lines in small groups, and practice scene work.

This kind of work aids students in gaining confidence and builds comfort with public speaking, improves literacy skills, and allows for opportunities to work cooperatively. Director Bertomeu speaks to the aims of CMS Drama Club, “One of the goals is that everybody builds confidence and has a good time…students get to make new friends, and everybody is welcome. That’s our main goal.”     

Performances for the CMS Drama Club’s production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” will take place on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 18 at 2p.m. in the Chelan High School Performing Arts Center. Admission for each performance begins a half hour before curtain open, and is by donation.  

Katie Lindert: 509-731-3211 or katie@ward.media