Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the arrival of 2,024 Irish settlers to our area, the play Crossing Over dramatizes the thrilling voyage of the emigrant transport ship, John Barry, the last of the nine Peter Robinson emigrant transport ships to depart Cobh Harbour on May 25, 1825.
The fundraiser, produced by Trent Valley ArchivesTheatre, is an exciting tale in words and music of storms, a near shipwreck, the misadventures of troubled teens, passenger rebellion, Irish ingenuity, and derring-do. Audiences will be immersed in a heartening story of courage and perseverance as the emigrants band together to overcome adversity. The drama’s message of hope is uplifting for these troubled times.
Crossing Over stars Eddy Sweeney and Abby Koshka as David & Mary Nagle; Nathan Govier and Robyn Hawthorne as Patrick & Elizabeth Ryan; Kaza Hesselink, Kalla Tahon, and Sianna Gaulton as the wayward teens Tim, Elinor, and Johanna; Lucas Pronk as Peter Robinson; Ashley Parker as Surgeon William Burnie, and Hugh Foley as narrator and seanchaí John Keleher.
The production includes a heavy component of lively traditional Irish music, performed by Crossing Over Musical Director Michael Ketemer, backed by the “Crossing Over Chorus.”
The dramatic voyage embarks at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, Peterborough, on May 29, 30, & 31, 2025 at 7:30 PM and on Saturday, May 31 at 2 PM. Tickets for the Trent Valley Archives theatrical “voyage" can be purchased by phoning the box office at (705) 749-1146 from Monday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m., emailing boxoffice@markethall.com, or any time online at https://tickets.markethall.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=433
The play is suitable for ages 14 to adult. The running time of this play is approximately 90 minutes. There will be a 20-minute intermission.
