Echoes of Ichabod: Sleepy Hollow’s Old Dutch Church Brings the Legend to Life

The Old Dutch Church Brings Washington Irving’s “Legend” to Life Once More

Every October, as twilight settles over the Hudson Valley and mist drifts through the trees of Sleepy Hollow, the centuries-old Old Dutch Church transforms into something truly magical — a living stage for one of America’s most enduring ghost stories.

This year’s live reading of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow began this past weekend, and continues for four more performances on October 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 7 p.m. inside the historic Old Dutch Church at 420 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The event, hosted by the Friends of the Old Dutch Church, invites audiences to experience the classic tale exactly where it takes place.

The Heart of the Legend

“The church is central to the story,” says narrator Kerin McCue. “Irving refers to it several times during the narrative, and it’s the scene of the thrilling ending. To tell it within these walls feels like stepping directly into his imagination.”

For McCue, that connection between story and place is the key to its staying power. “A good story lasts forever,” he explains. “Think of Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain — all wrote simple tales about people and places we can relate to. Everyone loves a good story. It’s why children always ask to hear it again and again. The Legend endures because it’s worth repeating.”

Bringing the Atmosphere to Life

Lighting designer Glen Allen sets the perfect mood, blending the church’s 17th-century beauty with touches of autumn color. “The church itself is magnificent in its simplicity,” McCue says. “Glen dresses it with pumpkins, leaves, and berries — all by candlelight. Wall sconces and a big brass chandelier provide the only light, with one spotlight added to the mix. Once the sun sets, we’re off!”

Music completes the transformation. Jeremy Goldsmith, the church’s music director and McCue’s longtime collaborator, composed an original score performed on period instruments like violin, flute, and harpsichord. “Music makes everything better,” McCue says. “Add the sound of hoofbeats, chirping crickets, and musket fire — and the story truly comes alive.”

The Power of Storytelling

Each show takes on its own personality, depending on the audience. “A line that gets a laugh one night may fall flat the next,” McCue says. “But the story never changes. We stay true to Mr. Irving’s words.”

That authenticity comes thanks in part to Janie Couch Allen, the church historian and retired Reader’s Digest editor who refined the original text. “The unabridged version runs over 12,000 words — about two hours,” McCue explains. “Janie crafted a slightly shorter version, around 8,500 words, without losing anything essential. Our performance lasts about an hour and ten minutes, and most folks can’t tell what’s missing. Judging by last year’s audience response, it works beautifully.”

A Tradition Reimagined

Last year’s debut season proved that authenticity resonates. “We only scheduled four shows in 2024, unsure how people would react,” McCue recalls. “The first sold out immediately, and the others followed within days. This year we’ve added two more, and most performances are already sold out — and we just opened last night!”

History, Heritage, and Heart

The event isn’t only about entertainment — it’s about preservation. “The Old Dutch, now 340 years old, is in dire need of a new roof,” McCue says. “We’re helping raise the funds needed to start that work in spring 2026 so future generations can continue to benefit from this remarkable place.”

For McCue, the connection is deeply personal. He first visited Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside, as a fourth-grader, and soon after, his father took him to see the Old Dutch Church. “Dad was a great storyteller,” McCue recalls. “On the ride home, he told me The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in such a way that it came alive. When I stand before an audience in that church today, I sometimes glance at the back window and imagine that little boy being lifted by his father to look inside.”

The Spirit of Sleepy Hollow Lives On

McCue’s favorite line still gives him chills:

“The schoolhouse being deserted soon fell to decay and was reported to be haunted by the ghost of the unfortunate Ichabod Crane…”

“That passage perfectly captures what you feel walking through the burying grounds beside the Old Dutch Church,” he says. “It’s the magic of history, imagination, and storytelling all intertwined.”

In the end, the production’s appeal is simple. “Everyone loves to be scared at Halloween,” McCue smiles. “And everyone loves a good story.”

This year’s performances remind audiences why The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has never gone out of print since 1819 — and why, on crisp autumn nights in Sleepy Hollow, some stories truly do live forever.