Kanata Theatre's staging of Tom Stoppard's Rough Crossing is playing at the Ron Maslin Playhouse through Sept. 19. The production recreates a 1930s transatlantic cruise-ship setting and aims for broad comic effect, with mixed results.
Production design anchors the evening
The evening's most immediately noticeable element is the double-sided set, designed by Dean Flockton. It includes an elegant staircase and doors that open onto suggested cabins, which effectively extend the stage's visual depth. Props by Miranda Shelly — notably a piano, a large canvas painting and a chandelier — add texture and help sell the period atmosphere. Food-related props recur throughout and underline a running visual joke about one character's appetite.
- Run dates: Now through Sept. 19 at the Ron Maslin Playhouse
- Playwright: Tom Stoppard
- Scenic highlights: Double-sided set, period props, efficient scene transitions
Cast and comic balance
The cast includes Dave McIntyre as Sandor Turai, Favour Shittu as Alex Gal, Kane O’Donnell as Adam Adam, Sarah Hegger as Natasha Navratilova and Chisholm Pothier as Ivor Fish, with Shawn Anctil in the role of the steward, Dvornichek. McIntyre stands out for clear projection and stage ease; Anctil gives a committed performance. Other elements of the ensemble are less consistent, and moments that depend on repetitive slapstick can blunt the play's sharper comic instincts.
"Kanata Theatre's presentation of Tom Stoppard's Rough Crossing has pulled into harbour at the Ron Maslin Playhouse until September 19."
What local audiences should expect
The production leans into a nostalgic 1930s vibe, intentionally avoiding projection screens to preserve a theatrical, old‑style atmosphere. Scene changes are handled efficiently, an improvement on transitions that have challenged some earlier local productions.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Dave McIntyre | Sandor Turai |
| Favour Shittu | Alex Gal |
| Kane O’Donnell | Adam Adam |
| Sarah Hegger | Natasha Navratilova |
| Chisholm Pothier | Ivor Fish |
| Shawn Anctil | Dvornichek |
For Kanata residents, the show offers local theatregoers a chance to see a professionally mounted Stoppard comedy close to home. While the visual design and a few strong performances make the evening worthwhile, the production's persistent reliance on slapstick may divide audiences seeking the play's more nuanced wit.
