Photos: Richard Migot, Cindy Ragusa

It was one of those crisp October nights in Sandisfield, the kind that practically demands a good ghost story. And that's exactly what we got when the Sandisfield Players performed The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, adapted for radio from Washington Irving's classic tale by Anthony E. Palermo, at the Sandisfield Arts Center.

By the time the doors opened, cars were lined up along Route 57, causing a little traffic jam as theatergoers arrived. Inside, the warm glow of pumpkins and candles set a cozy autumn mood. The room buzzed with excitement. It was a packed house filled with neighbors, friends, and families eager for an evening of local theater magic.

This production was more than just a Halloween treat. It marked a joyful revival for the Sandisfield Players, the community troupe founded in 2012 by the late and beloved Ben Luxon. After the challenges of the pandemic and Ben's passing in 2024, the Players returned to the stage with renewed energy, creativity, and heart. It was clear that Ben's spirit of storytelling and connection continues to live on in every performance.

At the helm was director Jean Atwater-Williams, whose imagination and leadership brought the story to life in a way that was both spooky and full of warmth. The stage shimmered with pumpkins, candles, a softly lit moon on a moody night sky backdrop that transported the audience right into Sleepy Hollow.

Photos: Richard Migot, Cindy Ragusa

The storytelling began with the mesmerizing voice of Heather Fisch as Knickerbocker, the narrator, whose captivating delivery pulled the audience in from the very first line. Her expressive storytelling painted vivid pictures of dark forests, moonlit nights, and the mysterious Headless Horseman. You could feel the crowd hanging on every word as she guided them deeper into the legend.

Adding to the fun was "Alonso Nonymous," an internationally known performer who just happens to live locally. Playing Ichabod Crane, he brought energy, humor, and heart to the stage. His performance was full of wit and wonder, and his timing kept the audience laughing one moment and gasping the next.

Nikolas Michal Friedmutter was terrific as Brom Van Broont, bringing charisma and mischief to every scene. His playful chemistry with Leah Kammeyer as Katrina Van Tassel was lively and fun, and when he reappeared as the Headless Horseman, his chilling laugh sent real shivers through the room.

The live sound effects were another star of the night. Don Cingrani, A. Nonymous, Douglas Miner, and Louis Miner worked together seamlessly to create everything from galloping hooves to creaking doors and eerie wind. Watching them work their magic onstage was both fascinating and impressive.

Before the show began, Jean offered a touching acknowledgment of Ben Luxon, honoring his legacy of creativity and community.

In a note after the performance, Susie Crofut, Ben's wife and namesake of the Susie Crofut and Ben Luxon Theater and an active contributor to the Sandisfield Arts Center, captured the spirit of the evening perfectly: "From entering the theater until the dramatic conclusion of this engaging play, [everyone who contributed to this production] gave the audience a wonderful experience of how the stage offers such magic in telling stories."

When the final applause filled the hall, it was clear this was more than a play. It was a celebration of local talent, shared laughter, and the unshakable joy of community theater. The Headless Horseman may have haunted Sleepy Hollow, but in Sandisfield, he brought an evening of warmth, wonder, and hometown pride that will be remembered for years to come.

Photos: Richard Migot, Cindy Ragusa