A cast of more than 40 young people will take the stage this weekend when Danville Light Opera presents "Sleepy Hollow," its 2005 youth musical.

The characters of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman have reigned for centuries, and the original story has been retold on stage and in film.

"Sleepy Hollow," based on the Washington Irving classic, combines romance, comedy and a touch of horror much as the original did. Add music, dancing and the young cast's enthusiasm and this old story seem new.

Drama director Angie Mansfield practically glows when she talks about "Sleepy Hollow" and theater in general.

"We have great kids from all over involved in this production," she said. "They come from Danville, Oakwood, Catlin, Rossville and even Covington, (Ind.). This is the first show for some, but others have lots of stage experience."

Mansfield stays involved in community theater all year.

Her name appears in programs for shows with DLO, the Beef House and the Fischer Theatre as a cast member, choreographer, set designer and director.

"I have a theater bug that I can't shake," she said. "I love to do this."

Allison Willard shares Mansfield's enthusiasm for community theater.

After appearing in several DLO shows last season, the Rossville resident and Bismarck-Henning High School senior wanted to stay involved during the summer.

"I asked Angie if I could help out with the children's show in any way," Willard said. "She offered me student director. I've gotten to do many things, including directing one scene completely myself."

Willard learned something about herself in the process.

"... (T)his has made me realize how much I enjoy the stage. I sing the songs along with the cast, and wonder how I'd say the lines if I was doing a certain part," she said.

Claire Cummings of Danville, cast as the Widow Van Dorn in "Sleepy Hollow," has a variety of interests.

The North Ridge Middle School eighth-grader listed track, student council and cheerleading among her activities, but said show choir is the most important.

"If there was ever a conflict with my extracurricular activities," she said, "I always chose Redcoats."

The orchestra pit, not the stage, drew Danville High School freshman Tyler Tarquini to "Sleepy Hollow."

The youngest member of the Danville Municipal Band, he has played the drums for five years and starts marching band at Danville High School later this summer.

"I did 'Kilroy Was Here' last summer with DLO," he said. "I made a lot of friends."

For those eager to experience "Sleepy Hollow's" montage of singing, acting and instrumentation, Tarquini described the score as "sometimes spooky and mysterious, sometimes like a march or a jazz waltz."

FYI

"Sleepy Hollow," Danville Light Opera's youth musical, will be on stage at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Danville Area Community College's Bremer Conference Center Theatre. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at BC Collectibles, from any cast member or at the door.