A 'Spirited' Evening Of Immersive Theatre In Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY — The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery will come to life this weekend and you're invited.

"The Hill: Stories from Spoon River," a unique piece of immersive theatre, is about to open at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Audiences are invited to follow a wandering minstrel named Fiddler Jones on a "lantern-lit journey across the historic necropolis to meet the residents of Spoon River who, though dead, still have a few things they'd like to say!"

"Each ghost is narrating their own epitaph," writer Cristina Noelle explained. "And those epitaphs are alternatively hilarious and heartbreaking."

Noelle, who adapted the script from the 1915 classic Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, said that she knew early on in the creative process that Sleepy Hollow Cemetery was the ideal location for the production.

"We’re so fortunate to be performing in situ, with this gorgeous, rural cemetery as our setting," she said. "And to present our play after dark, by lantern light, makes for an incredibly atmospheric experience for audiences."

The timing is also auspicious, as Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is celebrating its 175th Anniversary this year and proceeds from ticket sales will help to fund future preservation projects on the historic grounds.

"It’s a great example of the way art can give back to the community," Noelle said. "We’re hoping this will become a summer tradition, one locals and visitors look forward to each year."

Performances for the four-night limited engagement of "The Hill: Stories from Spoon River" will take place at 8:30 p.m. on June 14, June 15, June 21, and June 22. In the case of inclement weather, tickets will be honored on the rain dates of June 28 and June 29, at 8:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the cemetery's website.

Note: This is not a seated event. The audience will be walking or standing for the duration of the show. The route includes hills. Not recommended for children under 10. For any questions or concerns, call the cemetery's office at 914-631-0081.

This event is produced by The Sleepy Hollow Arts Collective in cooperation with Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.