The community is invited to tag along for a comical adventure to the enchanted town of Sleepy Hollow, as the Middlesboro Little Theater (MLT) prepares to use the upcoming weekend to showcase their version of the critically acclaimed short story turned motion picture, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

While the slightly over-the-top comedy may be a bit of a change from the usual genre of productions performed by the MLT group, the cast and crew all seem to be in agreement on the undeniable amount of fun and work that they’ve put into the performance.

“We have all absolutely loved putting this show together for the community. It’s a little different for us, but it has been a blast to work on and I’m excited for everyone to see it,” said MLT Director Amy Simpson.

The production features leading actor Matthew Bonaventura, who portrays the famous character of Ichabod Crane, who- upon moving to Sleepy Hollow — hopelessly attempts to gain the affection of Katrina Van Tassel (played by De-Anda Herzig), before his encounter with the infamous Headless Horseman.

“The experience has been absolutely amazing, and everyone has been a complete pleasure to work with, especially Amy, who is always great to be around,” said Bonaventura. “I can’t wait to begin performing the play.”

Bonaventura, 19, first took an interest in performing during his early years of high school and has since continued to provide himself with opportunities to grow and flourish as an actor. His first production with the MLT was in 2016 when he portrayed Peter Pevensie in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

Although he plans to continue to revisit acting in the years to come, Bonaventura is also an aspiring writer currently in the process of editing his first novel, which he plans to publish in the near future.

While the play began on Thursday evening, showings will continue throughout the weekend, with a special high school performance on Friday, and public showings scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 — with students’ and senior citizens’ tickets being reduced to $6- and are available at the door.

Following the show, MLT has yet another productive year planned, as many upcoming productions are already underway. The group plans to collaborate with Pine Mountain State Resort Park in February to produce their annual Valentine’s Day dinner theater show. They will also soon begin working on their spring production of The Book of Job, which ran in The Cove from 1959-1979.

Anyone wishing to become a member of the group is welcome to stop by the theater and speak to Simpson, or simply contact her via social media. The group welcomes performers of all ages and encourages every aspiring actor of the community — as well as those preferring to work behind the scenes — to join and become a part of the theater.

“We are always welcoming newcomers to the stage because we truly want to provide as many people in the area as possible with the opportunity to express themselves,” said Simpson.