ADK Shakes director Tara Bradway remembers how spirits were high as the new cast for their Fall season arrived from points all over in Albany two weeks ago.
That Thursday evening the actors were on their way in two cars to the house in North River where the company of 14 would live and rehearse. A terrible car accident changed everything.
A vehicle carrying five company members was hit head on and their SUV rolled over several times. A second car transporting other cast members came across the scene moments later.
The five were rushed to Glens Falls Hospital, with one, Sean, airlifted to Albany Med with severe head injuries. Sean has undergone two surgeries. The bumps and bruises on the other four actors are healing. More importantly, the emotional scars on the entire company have started to fade, as each day goes by.
Fast forward: The company had an immediate and very tough choice to make. Would they go forward with their Fall Season of Hamlet and A Winter’s Tale?
At that time there was good news on several fronts – Sean was out of the danger zone and was well on his way to making a full recovery. Ultimately thecompany made the decision to go forward. Their final performance is this Sunday, with a Farm To Table event proceeding a performance of The Winter's Tale at the Seagle Music Colony. There will be amazing array of food and drinks, including some delicious Paradox Ales. Get your tickets at the door! The event, starting at 6pm, is a not to be missed event on many levels.
If you can't make Sunday's event there are two other opportunities to see them in the North Country, performing Hamlet. Tonight, Friday, October 9 @ 7:30 p.m. @ View, Old Forge and on Saturday, October 10 @ 7:30 p.m. @ The Whallonsburg Grange, in Essex
You can read more about how the Shakes Company overcame this near tragedy, and their decision to go forward, after the jump.
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