MEDIA RELEASE                                                   March 20, 2025

For Immediate Release

Behind the Curtain: Historical Highlights and Music From the Voyage of John Barry

The Trent Valley Archives Theatre production of Crossing Over is inspired by the voyage of John Barry, dramatizing the people and events involved in the emigrant transport ship’s perilous, six-week journey to Canada.

Behind the Curtain: Historical Highlights and Music of the Voyage of the ship John Barry is a presentation by historian Don Willcock examining the historical highlights that shaped this year’s production. It is accompanied by period music performed by local musician Michael Ketemer, who is also the musical director of Crossing Over. The contentwill focus on the facts of the voyage and some of the key historical figures involved in this small part of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration. 

The presentation will take place at the Right to Heal Ptbo Hall, 441 Rubidge Street on Sunday, April 13 at 2:30 pm. Doors open at 2 pm. Admission includes light refreshments. A cash bar will be open. This is a fundraiser for both Trent Valley Archives Theatre and Right to Heal Ptbo. A portion of the proceeds generated from this event will go to support both organizations.

Tickets cost $30 ($15 for students with a valid student ID) and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/behind-the-curtain-historical-highlights-of-the-voyage-of-the-john-barry-tickets-1276613367949?aff=oddtdtcreator

Park in the Right To Heal Ptbo lot on Brock St. between Rubidge and Reid Streets. Use the wheelchair ramp and red door to enter. At the end of the corridor, turn right.

Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring Crossing Over, TVA’s spring, summer, and fall walking tours, or both, should contact Harry Huffman, Vice-President of the board of directors of TVA, at 705-772-9286 or .

The public can also donate to the production. Trent Valley Archives is a registered charity. Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt and be recognized on the Crossing Over playbill, the TVA website, and in a special TVA e-newsletter – unless you prefer to remain anonymous. For more information on how to donate, click here or on https://bit.ly/TVATheatreDonations to read our donor information flyer.

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Poster Caption:

1. The sailing ship John Barry faced storms and ran aground during its June 1825 crossing over from Cobh Harbour to Quebec.

Media Contact:

Madison More at 705-298-2350 or .