The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by John Minigan

A Solo Adaptation -- BroadwayWorld.com 2023 Best New Play Winner, Boston/Professional Division

How dangerous is it when tales of our history are manipulated, and how can we learn to judge what’s true and what’s false?

In an abandoned and possibly haunted tavern in Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving tells the cautionary tale of overconfident schoolmaster Ichabod Crane, beautiful and sly Katrina Van Tassel, burly...

A Solo Adaptation -- BroadwayWorld.com 2023 Best New Play Winner, Boston/Professional Division

How dangerous is it when tales of our history are manipulated, and how can we learn to judge what’s true and what’s false?

In an abandoned and possibly haunted tavern in Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving tells the cautionary tale of overconfident schoolmaster Ichabod Crane, beautiful and sly Katrina Van Tassel, burly prankster Brom Bones, and (perhaps) the terrifying Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Recommended by

  • D.W. Gregory: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

    Irving's ghost story comes vividly to life in this cleverly conceived adaptation for one actor. I found it thoroughly enjoyable to read, and I imagine it would be a real knock-out in performance with the right performer in the part. You can't help feeling sorry for Ichabod Crane, but at the same time, there is something a bit insufferable about the self-righteous schoolmaster -- so you won't feel too sorry for him.

    Irving's ghost story comes vividly to life in this cleverly conceived adaptation for one actor. I found it thoroughly enjoyable to read, and I imagine it would be a real knock-out in performance with the right performer in the part. You can't help feeling sorry for Ichabod Crane, but at the same time, there is something a bit insufferable about the self-righteous schoolmaster -- so you won't feel too sorry for him.

  • David Templeton: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

    I had the pleasure of seeing this play last year in Northern California, and then read the script just for fun. Both are equally entertaining experiences. This is a satisfying blend of astute literary homage and pleasantly-thrilling ghost-focused storytelling, with loads of heart and some very clever word play.
    Though I suppose this might play better at Halloween then at other times, I have to point out that indelible storytelling such as this, whether based on Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Shirley Jackson or Washington Irving, tends to be popular all year long.

    I had the pleasure of seeing this play last year in Northern California, and then read the script just for fun. Both are equally entertaining experiences. This is a satisfying blend of astute literary homage and pleasantly-thrilling ghost-focused storytelling, with loads of heart and some very clever word play.
    Though I suppose this might play better at Halloween then at other times, I have to point out that indelible storytelling such as this, whether based on Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Shirley Jackson or Washington Irving, tends to be popular all year long.

  • John Bavoso: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

    Spooky season may be behind us, but reading Minigan’s sharp and witty adaptation of this classic ghost story put me right back in my October feels. Even the stage directions are a joy to read! This is truly a gift to talented and versatile actors—throw in that it’s easy to produce and based on a recognizable and beloved tale, and you have a play that should be presented on stages across the country. Bravo!

    Spooky season may be behind us, but reading Minigan’s sharp and witty adaptation of this classic ghost story put me right back in my October feels. Even the stage directions are a joy to read! This is truly a gift to talented and versatile actors—throw in that it’s easy to produce and based on a recognizable and beloved tale, and you have a play that should be presented on stages across the country. Bravo!

View all 7 recommendations

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Funky Little Theater Company, Year 2024
  • Type Professional, Organization Mile Square Theatre, Year 2024
  • Type Community Theater, Organization 6th Street Playhouse, Year 2023
  • Type Professional, Organization Funky Little Theater, Year 2023
  • Type Professional, Organization Greater Boston Stage Company, Year 2022

Awards

  • Best New Play (Boston Region)
    Broadway World
    Winner
    2023
  • Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding New Script produced in Boston
    Boston Theater Critics Association
    Finalist
    2023