Sleepy Hollow Productions
It’s Halloween season again in the Atlanta metro area. During this time many people look forward to the ongoing production of “The Sleepy Hollow Experience” at Serenbe Playhouse, which is located in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. This play premiered in early Oct. and will run through Nov 10. “The Sleepy Hollow” is based on the classic gothic short story by American author, Washington Irving, “The Headless Horseman.” The fictional story was written in 1820 and is based on folklore from the Middle Ages about a headless man on horseback. Since that time, the story has been recreated in the form of plays, books, cartoons, and even a television series. It is a classic scary story perfect for the Halloween season.
The story, which was adapted for Serenbe Payhouse by Brian Clowdus , the company’s founder and executive/ artistic director, is perfect for this theatre company which prides itself on its innovative use of outdoor backdrops for its productions. In fact, this year it was named one of the world’s most innovative theatre companies byFastcompany.com.
Chattahoochee Hills, where the theatre company is located, is a planned community that synergizes community with nature. The community has strict green building codes and prides itself on reducing its carbon footprint. The restaurants are farm to table, and many of the residents there drive electric golf carts, walk or ride bicycles.
The Serenbe Playhouse ascribes to this same green philosophy. All of the production are located outside at different locations around the community. The company seeks to create a truly immersive experience for the audience. Some productions require walking from setting to setting, and others take place in a small intimate stationary setting. During its production of “Titantic” this summer, people marveled at the there-story replica of the sinking ship that was located on a lake at Serenbe, and actually sank into the lake during the play. The production of “Carousel” featured a full carnival with games and rides.
“Sleepy Hollow” also takes place outdoors in a pastoral setting. Theatre-goers park their cars, then walk to the ominous sounding “Horseman’s Meadow.” The play begins with a 1 hour pre-show (I won’t spoil the fun, but be prepared for chills and thrills) and then evolves into a 75-minute traveling experience as the audience follows the action and the actors to different locations. Be warned that it is an interactive production that requires as lot of walking and standing. During intermission the cast and crew host a fall festival, with hot cider, popcorn, and old-fashioned games. For people with physical limitations, there are some accommodations, but they advise you to call ahead.
After her first-time seeing the production, Maria Matheson said that she will definitely go back again. “My family and I had an excellent experience! The torch lit path leading to the production area helped to create the creepy mood as did all the actors in character. The production itself was well organized and even though it was tagged as being a walking show, there were seats and places to rest along the way. Overall the cast was amazing and so was the show,” she recalled. She said that it may be too strenuous for the very elderly and too scary for very young children, but overall recommends it for the entire family.
Pam Sims, mid-50s, has been going to see “The Sleepy Hollow Experience” for the last three years. “The first year I went my kids were still at home in high school. They really enjoyed it. Now they are in college and I still make it a Halloween tradition and go with friends. I usually see three or four productions at Serenbe every year and they never disappoint.”
This will be the seventh year of the production, and there are no plans on stopping anytime soon. According to American Theater Magazine, the play is considered to be on the top five Halloween play’s in the country. Serenbe also provides a “Sleepy Hollow Family Experience” as well. This gives the younger children the opportunity to experience the play during the daytime.
This year because of the high demand and sold out dates, for the first time, the play has been extended until Nov. 10. It runs from Wednesday until Sunday, shows are at 8pm and there are matinees for the family experience on the weekends.
So, if you’re looking for something different from the standard haunted house and pumpkin patches this Halloween season, mark your calendars, put on your walking schools and make a date with “The Sleepy Hollow Experience” at Serenbe this year. Be prepared to add one more thing to your Halloween traditions.
