There will be something "special" about the Stagemasters' production of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" that debuts tonight, March 21, on the Barrington High School stage and continues Friday and Saturday nights, March 22-23.

“What makes this show so different is the use of special effects we observed on field trips," said director Stephanie Spaziano, a teacher and drama club advisor at the high school.

The special effects were found at haunted-house attractions around New England, she said. Among the haunted houses the students visited were Spooky World in New Hampshire, Trails of Terror in Wakefield, and the Dark Manor in Connecticut.

"We wanted to expose them to this different type of theater," said Spaziano.

The backstage technicians for this show, therefore, she said, will get to play a more active role in the performances as they surprise and scare theater-goers.

Another highlight of Saturday’s performance, Spaziano said, will not even be part of the show.

“The BEF (Barrington Education Foundation) is awarding the money they raised for new lights in the auditorium,” she said.

BEF sponsored a special Spotlight on the Arts fundraiser last spring to raise those funds, and it has continued to raise funds with other activities. The goal was around $40,000.

Each show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. You can contact BHS-stagemasters@bps.org for more information.