Washington Irving’s haunting tale of ghosts and revenge comes to the stage at Barrington High School this week.

It will be complete with special effects found and used in haunted-house attractions around New England. 

The Stagemasters perform three shows of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, March 21, 22, and 23. The shows start at 7 pm. 

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

Spaziano said she has taken the students on field trips to Spooky World in New Hampshire, Trails of Terror in Wakefield, and the Dark Manor in Connecticut to “expose them to this different type of theater.”

For the first time, she said, the technicians, in particular, 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.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. You can contact BHS-stagemasters@bps.org for more information.