MSJC's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

After Halloween, MSJC hosted its own haunted weekend. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, an original musical written and directed by Michael Tennant, ran from November 5-7 and November 12-14. Most of Sleepy Hollow's main flaws stem from its writing, but that is also where its strengths lie in wait.

Unfortunately, the first half of Mr. Tennant's Sleepy Hollow is muddled, rushed, and directionless. He's tried to squish too much narrative into the first act, which makes it confusing, plus, there are several flashbacks that aren't clearly delineated as flashbacks. Though this setup is meant to clarify the story, much of it could have been condensed. Additionally, there are several moments which should have been drawn out, but whose beats were cut off, as if the play was rushing off to the next scene -- which was disappointing, because the next scene did not forward the story. For the most part, the musical numbers, though not rushed, did not particularly forward the story or deepen the audience's understanding of the characters. Moreover, the choreography for these numbers was often bland and gestural.

Another problem with the play was its dialogue: many of the conversations were wordy and repetitive, padded by superfluous, cliche lines and As-You-Know-Bob's -- especially in the scenes with Katrina, Ichabod, and Elise. Many of these lines should have been clipped off here and there -- but as they weren't, it's no wonder this play lasted two and a half hours.

Though most of the production's weaknesses were the result of problems with writing, the writing was also one of its strengths. While the first half dawdled along, the second half picked up the pace with more shocking murders, suicides, and revelations that made up for the confusion prevalent in the previous act. The complete plot and back story, once they became clear, were fascinating. This play is not based on either Washington Irving's story, nor the Disney cartoon, nor the recent Tim Burton movie. The only things they have in common are places, character names, and the headless horseman. Tennant's twisting of the tale to include witchcraft, betrayal, and a love curse is suspenseful and satisfying to watch. Besides the surprising murders and suicide, some of the best parts came in the form of comic relief. When Brom Bones (Arthur Baum), Willy (Josh McLendon), Warton (Tory Reynolds) and the schoolchildren (Michelle Browning and Michael McLendon) show up on stage, the dialogue is cut short, sweet, and funny. Brom Bones chats up the ladies and sneaks around in a dress; Willy watches the headless horseman pee in the bushes, and both he and Warton attempt to use Bones's favorite pick-up techniques on the ladies.

Though there could have been some definite improvements in dialogue, clarity, and editing, the second act of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow made up for the first act's shortcomings. Brutal stabbings, headless bodies, hilarious villagers, and a curse that crossed generations of lovers saved this play and made it worth seeing.