Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) kicked off its 2025 season with a bang—well, more like a ‘clank’—with the opening of The Shawshank Redemption. Running until Saturday, March 15, this production marks a bit of a departure for OLT, which typically leans toward lighter fare such as romcoms, murder mysteries, and farces. While Shawshank may seem like a darker choice, at its core, it is a story of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.
From the moment the lights go down, the audience is transported into the harsh world of a 1950s American prison. The excellent set design and atmospheric lighting effectively immerse the audience in the bleakness of Shawshank, where protagonist Andy Dufresne begins his journey. The early scenes are intense, portraying the brutality and despair of incarceration, yet the production maintains a careful balance—never alienating the audience. Strategic one-liners woven into the script offer welcome moments of laughter.
As a first-time director of a full-length production for OTL, Joanne Farrell has done an excellent job assembling an outstanding cast. Dawson Flemming embodies Andy’s quiet intelligence and unshakable resolve, while Riley Stewart delivers a powerful performance as Red, the emotional counterpoint to Andy—worn down by time, yet profoundly soulful.
The balance of the 14-member cast is also worth noting, with standout performances from Steve Love as the menacing guard Bryan Hadley, Josh Kemp as the despicable Bogs Diamond, and Grant Moor as Tommy Williams, whose tragic arc exposes the deep corruption within the prison system.
The two-story cell block set adds to the production’s authenticity, emphasizing the cramped, tense atmosphere of prison life. Kudos to Farrell for this design and to the lighting and sound crew, whose work further enhances the play’s realism and emotional depth.
When the film The Shawshank Redemption—adapted from Stephen King’s novella—premiered 31 years ago, it struggled at the box office, only to become a modern classic. However, this stage adaptation (by Dave Johns and Owen O’Neill) is based on the original novella rather than the film, making it a fresh and compelling take on the story.
In her Director’s Notes, Farrell admitted she was initially hesitant to take on such an iconic piece, fearing it might “fall short of the very popular film.” Rest assured, there is no such risk. Farrell has crafted a cohesive, well-acted, and deeply engaging production that captures the heart of Shawshank’s enduring message: never give up, and always believe in the possibility of a better future.
The play runs Wednesday to Sunday until March 15 at Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue.
Tickets are available at www.ottawalittletheatre.com or by calling 613-233-8948.
*Due to adult content, strong language, suicide, and violence, OTL recommends this play for audiences 16 and older.
Photo: Maria Vartanova
Click here to check out Mckenzie Donovan’s article about his chat with Director Joanne Farrell.
