Customer Reviews

Legend of Sleepy Hollow

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My little one is like many little ones, with a somewhat short attention span. But driving through the Catskills one afternoon I popped this in for him, and was amazed to find him hanging on every word. I've seen Jonathan perform this live, in a necessary abbreviated version. But it was great to hear him do the full story. Some stories are best told, rather than read. And I couldn't imagine a better voice and spirit to tell this story. Knock off one star for the background music which at times distracts from his voice. But I'm guessing that's something only an adult would notice. My little boy thought it added to the story. If he could write his own review he'd give it six stars.

Jonathan Kruk is a captivating storyteller, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a perfect tale for him to tell ... for adults and children alike. So if you are taking a carload of kids on a trip, you can listen to the beep bonk blooey noises from Nintendos, or you can share a family experience with a master storyteller. Just plug in the CD and have fun.

Excellent version of this classic Washington Irving Story! This CD won a National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Honors award in 2008!

Their description says it all:

Enjoy Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in a dramatic reading by Historic Hudson Valley's master storyteller, Jonathan Kruk. Unabridged and complete with musical special effects, this lively performance will enchant and delight you.

Outstanding musical effects, too!

Here's more info from the CD cover:

Every October, thousands of brave souls are drawn to Philipsburg Manor in the heart of Sleepy Hollow Country, made world famous by Washington Irving. Visitors come from far and wide to meet the wailing ghosts and witches of the Hudson Valley, resurrected each year during a classic Halloween celebration, Legend Weekend.

Once the sunlight fades and darkness takes hold, Legend Weekend's chief spirit, "that of a headless Hessian galloping through the countryside," rides through Philipsburg Manor, thrilling and chilling all who dare face him.

Now, enjoy Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in a dramatic reading by Historic Hudson Valley's master storyteller, Jonathan Kruk. Unabridged and complete with musical special effects, this lively performance will enchant and delight you.

Historic Hudson Valley, which preserves six museums of history, celebrates an extraordinary American legacy. Supported by generous contributions from foundations, individuals, corporations, government agencies, and by revenue contributed by thousands of individual visitors, the non-profit organization owns and operates Washington Irving's Sunnyside, Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor, the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, and Montgomery Place. It operates public programming at Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, a property of the National Trust. For information: www.hudsonvalley.org.

Jonathan Kruk, the Hudson Valley's busiest storyteller, is known for his theatrical, interactive performances. His CD with Rich Bala, Revolution on the River, won the "Best of the Valley" award. Schoolchildren call his performance of The Rainbow Dragon "awesome," while The New York Times describes Jonathan's work as "intrepid," and The Wall Street Journal notes his Sleepy Hollow performances are "thrilling" and "a crowd favorite" at Legend Weekend. For information and booking info: www.jonathankruk.net, 800.578.4859.

The Bronxville-based Loft Studio serves the recording needs for stars from Rod Stewart to Rihanna to the Renovators. Matt Noble and Al Hemberger are renowned sound engineers and accomplished musicians. For information: www.loftstudio.com & www.bergerplatters.com

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.

All of Jonathan Kruk's CD's are excellent! The Rainbow Dragon and Barkface & Rootnose are great for kids from 4- 11 years old but I also know a 3 year old who loved The Legend of Sleepy Hollow too. Basically your kids and you will be mesmerized and carried on an enchanted journey each time you hear the stories. Jonathan truly is a Master Storyteller! You will not be disappointed and these CD's will be the ones to play over and over again!