Oct 6, 2005 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 7 min read

With a little imagination and some old, gray tombstones, the stage of the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown is suddenly transformed into a graveyard where dancers portraying spirits seem to float and glide through the air. The compelling score by Jace Vek complements the scene with nighttime sounds that blend into ghostly music. There’s a hint of something magical yet to happen. Is the Headless Horsemen near?

Kelly Jenkins, president and director of Ballet Lafayette, created this gripping new version of Washington Irving’s timeless tale of an early 19th century New York schoolmaster who has an encounter with the Headless Horseman.

The Ballet Lafayette will present its “Sleepy Hollow’ at the State Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. with Jenkin’s choreography, Vek’s score and special effects by Tom Savini, known for his work on such horror film classics as “Night of the Living Dead’ and its sequels. The community is also becoming involved, with students from Geibel High School in Connellsville helping as the stage crew and Fayette County Area Vocational-Technical School doing hair and makeup.

Sitting in the audience watching the dancers during a special media preview, Jenkins seems pleased with this version of the popular tale: “I took the baseline story and I altered it completely to be emotionally involved, scary, passionate – this is not your grandmother’s ‘Sleepy Hollow.”

In fact, Ballet Lafayette’s Headless Horseman makes more appearances than in Irving’s story. Savini’s special effects promise to add to the thrills. Zombies will even be seen in the lobby, greeting patrons. Special lighting and fog on stage will set the mood.

“And all the students are working hard to make this a success,’ says Jenkins. “They’ve put 100 percent into it as well.’

“Sleepy Hollow’ is the debut performance of the newly formed Ballet Lafayette, the ballet company for the State Theatre Center for the Arts. Marty Schiff, executive director of the State Theatre, says the ballet company is planning to do two shows this season with a second in the spring that would be oriented to children. “Sleepy Hollow’ is going after the junior high-high school crowd with the idea of introducing youths to ballet who may not have considered attending a more traditional show. The show is not recommended to children 5 and under but would be suitable for older children.

Schiff speaks enthusiastically about “Sleepy Hollow,’ noting, “I love it. The music is great. Kelly has choreographed a beautiful piece. The kids are having a good time and that’s exactly what we want them to do.’

He adds, “I think the audience will enjoy it because it’s not what they expect. They’ll enjoy all the special effects – the thunder and lightning and the Headless Horseman. They can enjoy themselves for two hours. Live theater is a fabulous experience.’

Vek of Uniontown is also pleased with his experience composing for the ballet: “I hadn’t done anything like this before. I wanted to be a part of it. When you look at the stage, you see something magical.’

Commending those who have worked to make Ballet Lafayette a reality, Vek says, “It took a lot of courage, and I feel lucky to be a part of this.’

With only three months to compose the score, Vek headed to his native Smithfield and visited country spots where he could record the sounds of nature at night.

“I realized there was a rhythm going on,’ he says.

Vek was able to expand on this theme, creating pieces that feature the Sleepy Hollow countryside as well as the terror of the Headless Horseman and the love between Ichabod and Katrina Van Tassel – another twist in Jenkins’ ballet. This time, Ichabod’s love for Katrina is returned.

Amanda O’Brien, 23, of Uniontown plays Katrina while Nathaniel Burich, 17, of Greensboro is Ichabod.

“It’s fabulous,’ O’Brien, who earned a degree in dance from Slippery Rock University and previously danced with Ginny Tanner, says of working with Ballet Lafayette. “I had never heard of (‘Sleepy Hollow’) being done as a ballet and it’s neat to see it come together.’

Burich, who is a senior at Mapletown High School and dances with the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmichaels, comments, “It’s a really good story – different from the original.’

And they are also fans of Vek’s music.

“It’s fabulous. The first time I heard it, I thought ‘Wow,” remarks O’Brien.

Says Burich, “I think it sets the mood for the whole show.’

Jenkins is also pleased with Vek: “The music is so brilliant. Jace gave me great music to work with and we work so well together.’

Altogether, about 45 dancers from 10 different schools are working this production of “Sleepy Hollow.’ For some, it’s the first time they have done a show. Those interviewed at the media preview said they are enjoying themselves.

Amber Sanders, 12, of McClellandtown, who is a student at Katy Lyon Dance Center and Albert Gallatin North Middle School, said, “I love it. It’s a lot of fun.’

Leah Gmutza, 12, of New Salem, who dances at Koza and Company and attends Brownsville Middle School, commented, “It’s really fun. I enjoy being in plays.’

Allison Pegg, 13, of Uniontown, who also studies at Koza and Company and Laurel Highlands Middle School, said, “It’s going to be very good. People will enjoy it.’

Jenna Show, 12, of Uniontown attends Koza and Company and Laurel Highlands Middle School: “I just like dancing. It’s going to be a good play.’

Falyn Davis, 8, of Uniontown, who is a student at Hatfield Elementary School and Koza and Company, said, “I like it. I being a little school child.’

Amber Love, 8, of Uniontown, who attends Hatfield Elementary and Fayette School of Ballet, said, “It’s exciting. We get to do three scenes: the wedding, school and the party scene.’

Kendall Lewis, 9, of Carmichaels is a student at Carmichaels Area Elementary Center and Center for the Performing Arts: “It’s a lot of fun but at the same time, you have to work.’

Abigail Walters, 10, of Waynesburg attends Waynesburg Central Elementary and the Center for the Performing Arts: “It’s fun. I like ballet.’

Krista Franks, 7, of Uniontown, who studies at Ben Franklin Elementary and Fayette School of Ballet, said, “I like it because it’s scary.’

Lauren Wilhelm, 7, of Hopwood attends St. Mary’s School and Fayette School of Ballet: “It’s fun because I get to dance.’

Johnna Purcell, 9, of Farmington is a student at Wharton Township Elementary and Fayette School of Ballet: “I learned a lot of new things from watching the bigger girls.’

Katie Batronis, 10, of Adah is home-schooled and attends Fayette School of Ballet: “I like that I get to do ballet because ballet is one of my favorite activities.’

Elizabeth Marks, 8, of Nemacolin, who studies at Carmichaels Area Elementary Center and Center for the Performing Arts, said, “I like to do ballet because it’s fun and you get to dance with older kids and younger kids.’

Jenkins is thrilled to be introducing these students to the theater.

She says, “If I don’t do anything else but touch students’ hearts and send them in the right direction, than I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.’

For ticket information, call 724-439-1360. Tickets are also available at the box office the day of the performance.