Headless Horseman Sighted at The Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL (September 29, 2009) - The Headless Horseman rides again, this time at The Morton Arboretum with the "Theatre-Hike," Sleepy Hollow. This musical version of Washington Irving's classic tells the story of a love triangle, a restless specter and a demon-loving teen in a sleepy New England town. It's a wonderful show that lets visitors enjoy the Halloween season every October weekend.

"It is a performance that contemporary audiences are going to enjoy: light, with a good mix of humor and spookiness," says the show's lyricist, Owen Kalt.

The traditional fall tale is brought to life amid majestic trees from 40 countries-like a world of fall color all in one place. Visitors will watch as the young, burly Brom Bones and the scrawny schoolmaster Ichabod Crane vie for the attention of the beautiful heiress Katrina Van Tassel. This version of Sleepy Hollow takes a fresh, unexpected turn as a new character is introduced: Wanda, the know-it-all ghost and demon expert.

"I like characters who think they are normal but they are not," Kalt says of newcomer Wanda.

Each Theatre-Hike presents a different scene at a different location on the Arboretum grounds. Audience members hike to each location to enjoy the unfolding story.

Tickets are $10-$25 with special discounts for Arboretum members. All ages, Thornhill Shelter. Show dates: Weekends in October, October 12 (Columbus Day), and November 1: 3-5:30 p.m. A "low-impact" hike, suitable for walkers, strollers and wheelchairs, is held on October 10.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission - the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.

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