Kicking off our 50th season,
Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre is raising
When you join the Producer & Patrons Guild, you make a generous commitment to helping keep Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company strong.
Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company presents the works of Shakespeare, and other classical theatre, in ‘site-specific’ locations, to provide an environmental theatrical experience. Dedicated to the cultural enrichment and education of the borough and beyond, SIST strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.
Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre mourns the loss of our leader Cara Liander. As we grieve this monumental loss, we share this beautiful message from artistic director Frank Williams
I first met Cara Liander in about 2010, where else but Van Duzer Street, around the time Martini Red closed and the denizens of Staten Island’s “hipster” art scene moved to The Full Cup. We quickly developed a friendship, bonding over shared experiences: working for the Advance, writing and storytelling in general, theatrical training, and a love for the classics — especially Shakespeare. We talked about Shakespeare from day one. We talked about our love for Staten Island and how we could make it great from day one. What began as a conversation, over time, became a shared dream, and eventually it became a reality. I first became involved with the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company and joined the Board in the late summer of 2015. The company was still reeling from the loss of its theatre space in the previous decade and was barely hanging on, managing just one or two productions a year. The Board at the time had the wisdom to know it was time to reinvigorate the organization with new people — with young and energetic blood. Young? Energetic? Loves Shakespeare? Cara was the first person who came to mind. I can’t believe this was a decade ago, and she was only 31, barely out of her 20s. To be honest, she didn’t give me an answer right away. Maybe she felt how big this was going to be, but she took time to decide. Cara could be bold and assertive; nothing could get in the way of what she wanted to accomplish. But that boldness only came after careful decision-making. Her tireless energy was never impulsive. It came from foundation. She always felt her feet on the floor. Then, while appropriately dressed in classical ancient attire at my annual toga party, and with an equally appropriate glass of wine in hand, she agreed to send her résumé and be considered. I secretly knew it was a done deal — and the rest, as they say, is history. We championed each other as leaders. Before long we rose to Board Chair and Artistic Director, and learned how to produce theater together. We became a team, truly an unbreakable partnership, fueled with an unshakable belief in the importance of the borough’s theatre community and a mission to grow this particular classical nonprofit to its fullest potential. We were a balance. We kept each other going. And now I feel like a kid crashed down on a see-saw when the other jumps off. Sure, I could get the grant money and get the productions running, but I’m that somewhat prickly, introverted artistic type that may not go over well with the community’s movers and shakers, with its “50 most influential.” Enter Cara (and it was always an exuberant entrance). Her sincere belief in what we were doing, her shining charisma, her ability to turn a stranger into a friend within minutes, gave SIST an aura of respectability that we will always be indebted to her for creating. Then there was Cara as an artist herself. Though she didn’t perform with us, as director or assistant director she was a treasured teacher of the craft and beyond. Her constant encouragement, her reassurance, her knowledge and sharing of technique lifted countless actors to higher levels, both in the rehearsal room and in performance. She was instrumental in establishing our intern programs, and was always so welcoming and patient with teenagers learning the skills of tech. She was always proud when witnessing someone soar; when they accomplished what they once thought was impossible. Cara took careful watch over the development of our partnership with the Women’s Playwrights Collective. As the embodiment of a young, powerful female voice, her presence and contribution were invaluable, just as they were for all of SIST. Over the years, I witnessed her be an inspiring role model for so many talented, intelligent, and energetic young women, including my own two daughters. So we need not totally mourn the loss of Cara’s bright light because I see it burning in the hearts of all the young women she moved and affected. Cara has made the future luminous. As our volunteer Board Chair, Cara was the epitome and definition of an Advance Woman of Achievement, a local honor for dedicated volunteerism and community service that I always thought she was destined for. It is my hope that the committee awards it to her posthumously. I could tell so many stories about our time working together and getting the seemingly impossible done, but I have to wrap this up somehow. Cara was my friend, my colleague, my boss, my confidante, and my artistic partner. We could always count on the other being there. Sometimes we disagreed, sometimes we fought over the most ridiculous things, but we always stuck it out, because we believed in each other. Like everyone else on this Island, I was very lucky she believed in me. In the days ahead, the company and community, the entire borough, will gather to honor Cara’s life, her leadership, and her immeasurable impact on Staten Island theatre. There will be time and space for stories, for laughter, and for gratitude. All the things she loved the most. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” Cara, thank you for the dream. Frank Williams Producing Artistic Director
Final performance today of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at 2pm. Congratulations to the cast and team on a fantastic run! Tickets for the final weekend of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow are going fast. Don’t lose your head and secure your seat today! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinee at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frasier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
The Horseman Rides Tonight… Tickets for the final weekend of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow are going fast. Don’t lose your head and secure your seat today! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinee at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frasier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
Final weekend of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow starts tomorrow. Three performances left and tickets are galloping away fast! Best availability now Saturday night. Get your tickets now! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinee at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frasier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
What’s that you say? Tickets for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow are moving faster than our Headless Horseman! Don’t delay and get your tickets today! Best availability is Friday night! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinee at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frasier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
Today’s performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is at 2pm. But don’t fret, you have three more chances to join us next weekend as well. Come join us on this spooky adventure! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 19, 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinees at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frasier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
Five more performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow left. Tickets are moving quickly. Get yours today! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinees at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frasier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
Happy Opening to the Cast and Team of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”! Get “a head” and don’t sleep on getting your tickets! Tickets are moving fast for this seasonal treat. We look forward to welcoming you into the world of Sleepy Hollow! This production is dedicated to our dear friend, Ellen Mitchell. Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinees at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frazier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
Get into the Fall season by joining us for SIST Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson! Visit SIShakespeare.org for tickets!! https://www.silive.com/entertainment/2025/10/the-headless-horseman-stalks-st-george-shakespearean-theatre-to-present-the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow.html?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwZnRzaANeY0JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnjNcH9rw3_EdJHYWbHJT9RZXTDPQ9q4el4Y7x0ATMzKuQ0qoWs2T3M6SKUh_aem_z4H9Q2alqx7HS0eDETHKUQ
“However wide awake they may have been before they entered that sleepy region, they are sure to soon inhale the witching influence of the air, grow imaginative and see apparitions” The Legend of Sleepy Hollow opens tomorrow night for a six performance run. Don’t let the Headless Horseman find out you haven’t bought your tickets yet. Don’t delay, and get yours today! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinees at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frazier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
The Woman in White Come see The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow come to life this weekend and next! Get your tickets now…or else! Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinees at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frazier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander
“I am perhaps the only person to have been chased by him and survived. Do you understand?” -Brom Bones Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson Based on the story by Washington Irving Step into the shadows of Sleepy Hollow, where superstition lingers in the fog and the sound of ghostly hooves echo in the night. This movement-driven retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends classic storytelling with dark humor, theatrical invention, and an eerie, gothic sensibility. October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 8:00pm (Sunday matinees at 2:00pm) Staten Island Playhouse at Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301, Level 3 GENERAL ADMISSION: $30, STUDENTS & SENIORS: $27, MEMBERS $25 Purchase tickets online by visiting: sishakespeare.org Featuring: Phil Cosentino Helene Dubois Nick Easton Matt Gilleece John Hannan Patricia Keleher Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck Anthony Pollara Eric Rosen Madelyn Rothstein Evan Schmidlin Anna Sheehan Directed by Victoria Gullo Assistant Director: Amanda Rose Benjamin Music Director: Ariel Ubaldegaray Stage Manager: McKenna McQueen Sound Engineer: Michael Alesia Lighting Design: Jamie Casertano Fight Director: Vincent Lane Costumer: Phoebe Frazier Set Construction: Rob Yuzuk Graphic Design: Christopher Sorrentino Producers: Frank Williams and Cara S. Liander