Washington Irving's haunting classic.
The first story by an American to "go viral."
Master Storyteller,
Jonathan Kruk
performing in-person @ virtual
Dramatic solo shows
for Historic Hudson Valley,
regional theaters, libraries, colleges, churches, and schools
"Thrilling!" ~ Wall Street Journal Online
"Best Storyteller in the Hudson Valley" ~ Hudson Valley Magazine
“His spirited, candlelit one man show has become a fixture of Halloween" ~ The New York Times
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, a dramatic retelling by Jonathan Kruk
Parents Choice Silver Award Review:
Washington Irving's well-known story of Ichabod Crane (a school teacher who competes with the community bruiser, Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt, for the attentions of the daughter of a wealthy farmer) has many twists and turns peppered with a headless horseman and other dramatic characters. Written in 1790, Irving's syntax and descriptive narration can be challenging in places, but this oral rendition enriches and complements the original version to the point where a "school assignment" could turn into a welcome pleasure. Most students encounter this classic story only through the printed pages of textbooks, storybooks, or anthologies. Here, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk delivers the story as an audio book, with colorful eloquence backed by orchestral radiance. While remaining true to Irving's original text, Kruk boosts the story's energy through his highly skilled reading. Even those who are already familiar with this well-known literary classic will revel in this spirited presentation.
Washington Irving's Classic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
A Dramatic Retelling by Master Storyteller, Jonathan Kruk
a film on DVD Produced and Directed by Andrea Sadler (1hr.11min)
Master Storyteller, Jonathan Kruk, enlivens Washington Irving's classic gothic tale with a rousing spirited solo performance. In bespoke sartorial splendour, his poetic persona beguiles the audience with a myriad of visages, voices, sounds and gestures. Written in 1819, ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ made Irving famous and continues to captivate audiences today. This horror-romance tells of a Yankee schoolmaster infatuated with a Dutch heiress, chased off by a goblin known as the Headless Horseman. True to the author's tale, Mr Kruk's dynamic performance delivers drama, mystery and wit.
Beautifully filmed in Sleepy Hollow's 1685 Old Dutch Church, the actual setting of Irving's 'Legend', this iconic church is the oldest religious building in NY. Nestled between the Sleepy Hollow cemetery where Washington Irving rests, and the bridge of the Headless Horseman's ride, the location provides a palpable ghostly presence.
LEGENDS and LORE of SLEEPY HOLLOW and the HUDSON VALLEY
Written by Jonathan Kruk
Many in the Hudson River Valley know Jonathan Kruk as a superb raconteur of the region's legends and lore. Inspired performing solo shows of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Mr. Kruk thoroughly researched the origins of the Headless Horseman and the spirits of Sleepy Hollow and environs. The book, in short, is a compilation of local legends and lore which have entranced each generation of Americans, with many great stories perfect for reading aloud to the family. And it also includes much scholarship which will appeal to students of cultural history. Highly recommended!
" A totally entertaining look at the local folktales of the country around Tarrytown, New York, mostly focusing on the legends mentioned in, and at the center of, Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The stories themselves are told in a lively style and the author also includes plenty of cultural and historical context that explains the stories to readers who may not be familiar with the rich legacy of the Hudson River Valley. You'll meet the headless Hessian and his surprisingly numerous kinfolk, the real Ichabod Crane, women in white, river imps, and other denizens of the early American imagination...or are they?" Amazon Review PLEASE BUY THROUGH THE AUTHOR HERE! Click the left Buy Now.
HALLOWEEN TALES by Jonathan Kruk
Children crave spooky, but not too scary stories. This recording delivers the ghostly goods without the nightmares. Kids actively listen, jump and giggle with knot-nosed goblins, the haunted hand and and a rolly head. Find out what happens if you wander into a cemetery. Meet the witch who puts happy into Halloween. Performed with varied voices, bewitching howls by Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk.