Adirondack Shakespeare Company to Present LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, Begin. 10/10

When it comes to presenting labours of love, Adirondack Shakespeare Company can't lose. The professional theatre troupe is preparing for its first ever autumn tour with Shakespeare's delightful early comedy, Love's Labour's Lost.

This company has been wowing summer audiences for the past four years and it is wonderful to see them expanding their programming into the "off-season." Love's Labour's Lost will be presented at four venues, all brand new to ADK Shakes. The company makes its debut at the Wood Theater in Glens Falls on Thursday, October 10. In the morning they will present an educational matinee to area students, followed by a public performance that evening. Friday, October 11 sees the troupe traveling to the hamlet of Upper Jay to the local Recovery Lounge at the Upper Jay Art Center. They'll return to more familiar territory in Schroon Lake, but they will be generously hosted at the Seagle Music Colony on Saturday, October 12. This performance also features a Farm-to-Table Reception celebrating local vendors and food artisans. The fall season closes on Sunday, October 13 at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall in Essex.

Artistic Director Tara Bradway will be directing the first fall show and is excited about the company she's assembled. "This is the largest ensemble we've ever worked with," she says. "Usually our productions employ a cast of twelve, but this show features fifteen incredibly talented professionals. We are really looking forward to see what they do with this too-often overlooked play!" Although you may recognize several veteran performers who are returning to the ranks, the show also includes many newcomers who will be diving into the RAW experience head first.

ADK Shakes is known for its "Shakespeare IN THE RAW" method of performing with no sets, few props, minimalist costuming and incredibly shortened rehearsal period. The actors will arrive in the Adirondacks on Monday evening October 7 to begin rehearsals for a Thursday morning opening of the show. "They are going to have to be at the top of their game" says Bradway. "Everyone prepares extensively ahead of time, of course. That's the only way the RAW can succeed, but it also requires a leap of faith and great trust in your fellow company members. It makes for an incredible evening at the theater."

As excited as ADK Shakespeare is about its first fall season, they are also looking ahead to next year and the hope of expanding these "off-season" performances. Bradway tips us off to be the on lookout for a spring tour of Shakespeare's history plays with The Kingship Cycle featuring Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, andHenry V all performed by the same cast of actors. The company also hopes to expand its educational offerings with an extended tour to area schools of The Course of True Love, a collection of Shakespearean scenes, sonnets, and songs. It sounds like ADK Shakespeare has a lot on the horizon that is not to be missed.

For more information on upcoming productions, visit the company's website: www.adkshakes.org.