The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Presented by Synetic Theater at Olney Theatre Center

Written by Rachel Migone, October 9, 2026

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This spectacular production showcased dynamic lighting, sound, and costumes, along with an athletic cast whose physical performances were nothing short of impressive. I had never seen a live performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and, admittedly, knew very little about the storyline. I am so glad this production was my first experience.

Olney Theatre Center is hosting Synetic Theater for a run from October 7 through November 1. Buy Tickets

The production opened in complete darkness before spotlights revealed the Headless Horseman and his enormous steed. Three dancers brought the horse to life in an extraordinary display of coordination and physical strength. The Horseman rode atop the shoulders of one performer, while a second manipulated massive horse legs, each appearing to be approximately four feet long, in a galloping motion. A third dancer held an enormous metal horse’s head. Together, the four performers moved in unison, galloping across a fog-filled stage as ominous music heightened the suspense.

The Story

The story began to unfold with the murder of the Horseman (Philip Fletcher) and the severe injury of his horse. As the Horseman lay motionless, the spirit of his horse (Maryam Najafzada) rose and hovered over its fallen master. Najafzada’s graceful ballet movements, including precise pirouettes and battement tendus, created a striking contrast to the violence of the preceding scene.

Fletcher portrayed the Horseman as a tall, imposing figure whose strength was evident in every movement. As he rose, retrieved his severed head, and stalked across the stage, his physical presence commanded attention. He then played the opening notes on a piano, signaling a transition to the next scene.

The Atmosphere

The ominous atmosphere gave way to a lively tavern scene, where cheerful music, energetic dancing, and warm autumn colors offered a brief respite from the darkness. The townspeople burst into a delightful country dance, dressed in colonial-era costumes featuring autumnal hues of burnt orange, olive green, brown, and cream. 

The tavern scene also introduced the principal characters. Vato Tsikurishvili brought strength and fluidity to Ichabod Crane, while Sia Li Wright portrayed Katrina with graceful movements and wonderfully expressive facial gestures. Tony Amante’s agile performance as Brom Bones communicated his character’s intentions with remarkable clarity.

What stood out most in this scene, and throughout the production, was how expressive the performers could be without uttering a single word. Dance relies on our familiarity with human gestures and behavior, allowing us to recognize relationships, emotions, and intentions through movement alone.

Unique Perspective

As the story progressed, we began to see events from the Headless Horseman’s perspective. The production conveyed his pain and desire for revenge with unexpected compassion. Through the Horseman’s recollections, we learned that Ichabod had killed him and gravely injured his horse. Brom Bones, witnessing the animal’s suffering, was forced to kill it to end its pain. This revelation cast Ichabod in a darker light and transformed the Headless Horseman from a terrifying figure into a tragic one seeking revenge.

What initially appeared to be senseless violence became the actions of a spirit seeking revenge against the man who had taken everything from him. The rivalry between Ichabod and Brom Bones over Katrina’s affection added another layer of tension to the story. Carefully choreographed violence and sudden theatrical blackouts heightened the suspense as the conflict escalated, eventually driving Ichabod into the haunted forest.

The forest sequence will remain with me for some time. It seemed to come straight out of a horror movie. Sinister spirits wearing ghoulish masks on both the front and back of their heads created a nightmarish effect. The ingenuity behind these theatrical elements was remarkable. Deep, foreboding music intensified the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The Production and Wordless Story

The production concluded on an unsettling note, resisting a neatly resolved ending and leaving the audience to contemplate the consequences of betrayal and revenge.

I was initially hesitant to see a production described as wordless. Aren’t words the best way to tell a story? Isn’t hearing characters describe their perspectives and challenges essential to understanding and connecting with a plot?

Apparently, there is another way.

Dance taps into one of the most human aspects of our nature: emotion. Just as music can tell a story, the combination of movement, imagery, and sound can communicate feelings that words sometimes cannot. Without dialogue, this production created an intense, visceral experience that held my attention throughout the performance and lingered long after the final scene.