Amphibian Stage Closes Season with Worth Premiere

Amphibian Stage prepares to open their final mainstage production of the 2022 season: the world premiere of The Hollow, a work based upon the stories of Washington Irving adapted by playwright John Rapson (October 12- November 6, 2022).

Irving and his awe-inspiring tales are best known as some of the first works of fiction in the United States. His writings laid the foundation for some of the world’s most popular authors, including Charles Dickens, Mary Shelley, Edgar Allen Poe, and Stephen King. In perfect timing with the spooky season, Amphibian Stage will transform their Black Box theater into Irving’s eerie world, bringing the lore to life through ghostly stories and astonishing magical elements that underscore the 90-minute theatrical experience.

THE HOLLOW John Rapson (Writer_Actor)
Courtesy of Evan Michael Woods

At the heart of The Hollow is an homage and exalting of Washington Irving’s vast and sadly forgotten influence on the literary world. Literary lovers can dive deep into this exploration of the man often cited as the father of American Fiction. This new world premiere brilliantly weaves traditional text with new imaginings creating an entry point for curious contemporary audiences.

When asked about the importance of bringing this production to North Texas audiences, Amphibian Stage Founder and Artistic Director Kathleen Culebro said, “Amphibian Stage is honored to welcome this outstanding talent to Fort Worth for the second world premiere this season! Viewers will be blown away by this reimagining of Irvin’s stories. Irving was one of the country’s first creative voices, and it’s fitting that today’s leading visionaries would choose to tell his stories. It’s a rare gift to see fiction come full circle from early 19th-century literature to the 21st-century stage. The Hollow offers creative insight into two brilliant men [Irving and Rapson] centuries apart and shows Irving’s work still has relevance today. We’re thrilled to invite North Texas audiences to experience this humorous and frightful production – closing the season on an eerie note.”

Left – Jeremy Landon Hays (Director)
Right – John Rapson (Writer_Actor)_
Photo by Evan Michael Woods

The stellar creative team includes nationally recognized actor, producer, singer, and writer Jeremy Landon Hayes. Hayes, who is directing the production, has developed work for Broadway and acted in television, film, and stage. Together with playwright John Rapson, the duo propelled Irving’s work into the 21st Century, conceiving theatrical illusions and surprises that will accentuate the storytelling and have guest questioning their own senses. This uncanny experience is made possible by NYC-based designer Caite Hevner who designed the sets and projection. Her designs have been seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, across the United States, and internationally. Joining the superb team are Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Gregg Barnes and beloved local theater professional Joel Ferrel as producer, who’s directed and choreographed extensively around the country (including FW and Dallas).

The Hollow re-acquaints us with the prolific creator of America’s earliest ghost stories; Washington Irving. Our narrator spins Irving’s tales into vivid light…only to find himself entangled in his own web of paranormal terrors. John Rapson’s new stage adaptation of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” brings horror and humor in equal measure, up close and in person in a new Halloween tradition.

Olivia King, John Rapson
Photo by Evan Michael Woods

In collaboration with visionary creatives such as Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots, Mean Girls, The Drowsy Chaperone) and Broadway scenic/projection designer Caite Hevner (Derren Brown: Secret, In Transit), this chilling one-act play will have you watching your back long after the lights go down.

Showtimes: October 12 – November 6

• Wednesday & Thursday, October 12 & 13: Pay What you Want Previews
• Friday, October 14: $100 (Special Opening Weekend Event; Catered Reception)
• Saturday, October 15: $60 (Special Opening Weekend Event; Catered Reception)
• Sunday, October 16, $40 (General Admission with Catered Reception)
• Thursday, 8 pm curtain: $25 per ticket
• Friday, 8 pm curtain: $40 per ticket
• Saturday, 8 pm curtain: $40 per ticket
• Sunday, 2 pm curtain: $40 per ticket

General admission tickets can be purchased by visiting amphibianstage.com or calling the box office at 817.923.3012.