CULTURE GECKO
Crossroads is an Incredible Piece of Theatre Utilizing Vignettes to Create Something Funny, Poignant and Truly Unique
By Ezekiel McAdams
July 31 2026
Crossroads is the newest production from Saskatoon’s Two Bees Productions.
The production is a series of vignettes written by four playwrights; Kaydence Banga, Jonathan Pickrell, Kevin Moxley and Danielle Roy. Roy also stars in the production.
The four plays are directed by Judith Schulz, Peace Akintade and Johanna Arnott. Schulz is one of the producers of the company and Akintade also stars in the production and did poster design, while Arnott serves as sound designer and stage manager mentor.
Crossroads features an ensemble consisting of Danielle Roy, Danova Dickson, Peace Akintade and Grahame Kent.
The first story in Crossroads is “A Job to Do” written by Banga, directed by Schulz and stars Roy, Dickson and Akintade,
The premise features two mafia underlings who are their boss’s funeral when chaos ensues.
Schulz crafts a juxtaposition of zany comedy with strong performances from Roy, Dickson and Akintade and remains grounded which is no small feat. Schulz excels at getting great performances from the three stars while also letting the actors find their footing.
Roy embodies a "mafia" persona intermixed with a New York or new Jersey accent without sending like just a stereotype. Roy’s ability to utilize body language, physicality and vocal tones is a sight to behold.
Dickson is a great foil for Roy showcasing a ball of nervous energy with the Mafia accent with full display. Dickson has great range of facial expressions and physicality that differs from Roy’s that makes her performance sparkle.
Akintade embodies light hearted persona with a dagger hidden underneath, making her performance a wonderful balancing act of tone and presence.
The second story is “Crossroads” written by Pickrell and directed by Akintade and stars Roy and Kent.
This tale is the classic deal with a devil scenario, where a mortal will do anything for an item and hopes the Devil will oblige.
Akintade’s direction is sharp, nuanced, commanding and completely mesmerizing. Akintade has a real strength making a story that is relatively simple and surface level, that is has become a trope, feel fresh and magical. Akintade’s direction has sprinkles of comedy, tension and light horror that are amalgamated to become something truly memorable.
Roy’s performance as the Devil, is mesmerizing, funny and unique that makes what Roy achieves with physicality, vocal tone and cadence and body language award worthy.
Kent plays the character, Mortal, with impatience, arrogance and such strong insufferable energy that it would be a disservice not to highlight the impressive work he did as well.
The third story “Froggers” written by Moxley and directed by Schulz and features Kent, Roy, Dickson and Akintade.
Froggers is a tale about frogs questioning crossing a highway waxing on light philosophical issues. it is a light palate cleanser that is funny as it is poignant.
Schulz captures such humor, heart and charm with this story. The story straddles philosophy, aging and humor with what could be a silly premise with wonder and curiosity.
Kent plays the aging frog, Ribitt, with a weariness and fear while pontificating life advice and platitudes with ease.
Roy crafts such a unique energy with her portrayal of Croak, with her vocal tics and a youthful energy that she projects.
Dickson’s portrayal of Peep is charming and energetic.
Akintade exudes such childlike energy with her character, Chirp.
The final story in the production is “Curses” written by Roy and directed by Arnott and featuring Kent, Roy and Dickson.
Curses explores the idea of what if a curse was something to be bought on the black market.
Arnott’s direction is precise, whimsical and has an uneasiness throughout that blends comedic tension magnificently.
Kent steals this show with his performance of Darren the curse dealer weaving a mysterious charm that is both commanding as it is disarming.
Dickson balances an eager reluctance with her character, Fin.
Roy brings a quieter energy with her character, Brett, that is both stoic and loud in her reluctance.
The production wouldn’t be as magical and unique as it is without of the crew behind the scenes that include Dickson and Schulz as Co-Producers, Dillon Person as set and props designer, Calvin George as stage manager and Liam Scramstand and Miriam Corlan as venue technicians. Schultz also did the lighting design.
Two Bees' Crossroads is a deliriously entertaining, deliciously funny dripping with themes, subtext wrapped in a powerful piece of theatre. Surreal, powerfully directed, acted and performed.
Crossroads is must see theatre and deserves nominations for the big swing it undertook.
Crossroads runs from July 30th to August 8th 2026 at the Refinery in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada as part of the Saskatoon Fringe Festival. Tickets can be purchased online here, the box office or the venue itself.