(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) --  Crossroads Theatre Company’s World Premiere production of Freedom Rider has been rescheduled to run September 10 – September 20, 2020 in the Arthur Laurents Theatre of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC).  The play, which was originally set to run April 9-19, was rescheduled in response to federal, state and local mandates to address the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

“We value every aspect of our theatre family and we want everyone to be assured that the health and welfare of our audiences, performers, creative team and staff are our first priority,” said Anthony P. Carter, President of Crossroads Board of Trustees.

As a resident member company of NBPAC, Crossroads made the important decision to reschedule Freedom Rider to the Fall.  For members, patrons and groups who have already purchased tickets, Crossroads will honor those purchases with replacement tickets for the rescheduled performance(s).  “We are excited about the World Premiere of Freedom Rider and look forward to sharing this timely production with our theatre-goers,” Carter said. “We are especially honored that our play will once again open NBPAC’s season,” he added. Crossroads’ Paul Robeson opened NBPAC’s inaugural season last year.    

Crossroads appreciates individuals’ and organizations’ support over the years, and particularly now when the arts and other nonprofit organizations and businesses are inordinately compromised by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations and contributions can be made via the Crossroads website.

During this time and going forward, Crossroads encourages everyone to take personal precautions to prevent the spread of this or any respiratory disease and to visit the CDC website for the most current information here. Crossroads is actively monitoring this evolving health crisis, and as a resident member company of NBPAC, we are working with NBPAC and our sister companies as well as following the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and federal, state and local health officials.  For additional information please visit  or call (732) 545-8100. 

About Freedom Rider - Movements move mountains and young people of all races and ethnicities have always been at the forefront of change-making strides and gains.  Like the Freedom Riders, black and white college students who made the perilous history-making journey through the south for equal justice, young people today are taking their place in the fight for issues including voting rights, immigration, criminal just reform and gun control.  What motivates them to stand tall and strong?  Through Freedom Rider, you will experience how injustice brings people together and why taking risks for change brings change. The Freedom Riders drew national attention to their cause because of the violence pointed against them as they traveled from state to state. The play Freedom Rider, written by Murray Horwitz, Nathan Louis Jackson, Kathleen McGhee- Anderson, Ricardo Khan, and Nikkole Salter, runs September 10- 20 in the Arthur Laurents Theatre of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC).

The 1999 Tony® Award-winning Crossroads Theatre Company (CTC), now a resident member of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), is in its fourth decade of being a preeminent gateway for black theatre that has been the stage for many actors, directors, designers, writers and other theatre professionals. Since opening in 1978, CTC has built a rich and storied legacy, celebrating the culture, history, spirit and voices of the African Diaspora.  

NBPAC is a state-of-the-art performing arts center that is certain to be hailed as the region's premier venue for musical, dance and theatrical performances. NBPAC will offer a critically-acclaimed and diverse program of show-stopping theatrical experiences that will captivate, entertain and leave audiences chanting “Encore!” The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) Member Companies are among the region's most diverse, critically-acclaimed and multi-talented musical, dance and theatrical performing arts groups and include the American Repertory Ballet, George Street Playhouse, Rutgers University Mason Gross School of Arts and the Crossroads Theatre Company.