Sleepy Hollow.

Horror Musical Theatre is perhaps one of the more obscure of the musical theatre sub-genres, but Murray Music and Drama Club have embraced the style and have managed to produce a very effective production of the scary Sleepy Hollow. Possibly the Western Australian debut of this musical, this large cast show allows a big cast to shine.

The atmosphere is beautifully set in the prologue, where a very effective graveyard set (Trevor Delaporte, Lori Anders and Abigail Thomas), effectively lit by Grace Crawford - shows us that this is not going to be a “pleasant little musical”. In the opening number we meet some of the spirits that haunt Sleepy Hollow - with delightfully disturbing performances from the Pirate (Les Smithwick), Indian Chiefess (Angela Edwards), the Woman in White (Abigail Thomas) and a number of other ghosts. They reappear throughout the production, including an unnerving entrance through the audience, which proved very effective.

The folk of Sleepy Hollow look picture perfect for the early 1800s, with lovely costuming from Charmian Oliffe and Kim-Lee Oliffe, and we quickly become invested in this little community. Catalyst character Ichabod Crane is played by Matthew Wake, in his first leading role, in a very compelling performance. We are never sure whether to trust this charming, but strange newcomer, but are drawn into his world. Matthew Wake is not the strongest singer in the production, but his vocal performance suits his character nicely.

Leading lady Bella Lambert is very sweet but strong as Katrina Van Tassel, centre of a love triangle between Ichabod Crane and possessive local boy Brom Bones, played with lovely swagger by Steven Jones.

Lots of lovely work in smaller roles including Adam Bond making a welcome return to the stage as Farmer Stuyvesant, Alana Dine showing subtle comic flair as Widow Van Doom, Lori Anders’ excellent exposition as Mrs Trembler and Siân Dhu’s great work as Mrs Van Tassel, among lots of fine performances.

Particularly sweet were the school-room scenes. Top-notch work from the Sleepy Hollow school children, Riley McGuire, Xavier McGuire, Isabella Pritchard, Aysha Wood, Saxon McGuire, Montanah Woods, Montana McGuire and Matilda Ellis as well as oversized school-boy Yost Van Ripper, nicely played by Andy Peckover. Special mention should also be made of youngest cast member Idris Wake, who made a scene stealing theatrical debut.

Director Carole Dhu describes this show as “odd little gem” which is a perfect description of this musical. Scary (in a way that is family friendly) and a bit offbeat - it was an enjoyable production that was vastly different from the usual. Good fun.

Kimberley Shaw