The Hive Collaborative is ringing in the Halloween spirit with its production of “Secrets of Sleepy Hollow.” With remaining shows happening Thursday, Friday and Saturday, this show is a perfect way to end the Halloween holiday.

The play, written by Mahonri Stewart, is performed with thrilling storytelling. The story follows Ichabod Crane as he comes to Sleepy Hollow and his interactions with the townspeople as he learns of their experiences with the Headless Horseman. This particular production, directed by Jason Purdie, seamlessly weaves together suspense, drama and some lighthearted humor, keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end.

The set design for this show was definitely something to take note of. Using ghostly shadows to tell stories behind the stories and with the room covered in trees and vines, it felt like somewhat of an immersive experience when watching the show, which doesn’t happen as often with larger productions. It combines dark elements with vibrant fall colors to really immerse the crowd in the early 19th century feel.

The cast was incredible. Joel Ackerman played Ichabod Crane and brought a Lin-Manuel Miranda-esque feel to his character. Ichabod has a nervous energy about him that is rooted in ambition. Ackerman portrayed that wonderfully. Darci Ramirez, who plays Alice Hudson, also did a great job in her role. She was the second in a love triangle between Ichabod and Katrina and had a lot of heart in her performance. Throughout the show, the audience seemed to feel for her character as she acted with equal parts humor and emotion.

Isabelle Purdie as Katrina Van Tassel brings a strong, feminine, independent spirit to her role. She gracefully maneuvers the crossed feelings of romance in her story, leaving the audience torn in their choice of a love triangle for Ichabod. Two other standout performances of the night included Alisha Laidlaw as Gertrude Goosen and Christina Craven as Gwenevere Goosen. These two excel in their role as sisters in the town of Sleepy Hollow and provide comedic relief throughout the show.

As the show progresses, the audience is drawn in more and more to the storyline, sitting on the edge of their seat wanting to know more. The production utilizes sound, lighting and special effects throughout the show to increase the tension, creating truly cinematic moments.

Overall, “Secrets of Sleepy Hollow” is an impeccable blend of horror and humor, appealing to both fans of the original story and newcomers, such as myself. This production in particular creates the opportunity for audiences to delve into the hidden secrets of Sleepy Hollow while immersing themselves into a thrilling theatrical experience. The production is a must see for those who love the Halloween season and a good ghost story. Whether you’re in it for the chills or thrills, this play offers something for everyone.