originally published: 09/16/2020
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Crossroads Theatre Company’s 2020-2021 season that officially kicks off October 6 will consist of a schedule of on-line (closed-captioned) and live theatrical productions, town hall conversations and fundraising events from its home stages at The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) as well as from the stages of several of Crossroads producing partners around the U.S. and globally.
The season begins with a Family Day for members on October 4 who will get a sneak peak of the season on-line.
Appropriately titled Stages of Change, Crossroads nine-month season is the culmination of much thought, empathy and ingenuity against the challenging backdrop of COVID-19, social justice and social distancing. “The advent of a new normal compelled us to design a way to channel our very important stories and voices of the African Diaspora to our supporters and audiences,” said Anthony P. Carter, President of Crossroads Board of Trustees. “Particularly in this moment of chaos, division, and derision the purpose of Crossroads existence is more important than ever,” Carter added.
Winner of a Tony Award™ for Outstanding Regional Theatre in America, Crossroads is recognized as one of this nation’s most important creative contributors to the cannon of American plays and musicals. The programming being offered for the upcoming season will expand Crossroads’ geographic reach nationally and internationally, while also maintaining its commitment to community.
“We must continue to stand true to our mission and purpose to educate, raise awareness, be a catalyst for thought, understanding, healing, change and bring folks together,” said Ricardo Khan, Artistic Producing Consultant to Crossroads Theatre Company. “The slate of programming put together will spotlight the issues of our day including the power of voting against a backdrop of voter suppression, the importance of community activism against the backdrop of systemic injustice and the value of diverse voices being heard,” Khan added.
The year 2020 has proven to be a very challenging year of uncertainty, loss and sadness. Crossroads Theatre Company is hopeful that the offerings of its new season will provide the respite people need to be entertained and hopeful for a brighter day. The 2020-2021 season consists of a combination of streamed, live and pre-recorded productions and activities. The live/streamed events include The Genesis Festival of New Plays and Voices and the A Night With Crossroads Gala in April. The season finale boasts the World Premiere of Freedom Rider by Murray Horwitz, Nathan Louis Jackson, Kathleen McGhee-Anderson, Ricardo Khan, and Nikkole Salter. The production commemorates the 60th anniversary of the freedom rides depicting the perilous journey of one of America’s most significant civil rights issues. It will be a live performance dedicated to the late Congressman John R. Lewis.
A snapshot of Crossroads Theatre Company’s monthly programming schedule for the season includes:
- Weeks 1 and 2 of every month - Pre-recorded distinguished productions and renowned artists from Crossroads’ archives. This series kick off with Anna Deavere Smith’s Twilight: Los Angeles, about the Rodney King verdict.
- Week 3 of every month – Streaming of Young, Gifted and Emerging Artists from around the World co-presented in partnership with Crossroads’ most popular global partners.
- Four Tuesdays spread over the season will offer Conversations to Inspire – Streamed live from NBPAC public conversations will focus on pressing issues facing communities today. This series will be co-presented with the New Brunswick NAACP Oct. 27, Nov. 24, Jan. 26, March 24 and April 27.
An in-depth look at the season
THE ONLINE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS (Pre-Recorded):
A. Weeks 1 and 2 of every month.
Distinguished Productions and renowned artists from the 42 years of Crossroads archives.
Streaming the first 2 weeks of every month. (Content still in progress and subject to change):
- October 2020- Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deavere Smith. Re-visiting the Rodney King verdict.
- November 2020- Following election day. “The Day After” Conversations. Part 1: Artists, Part 2: The Young Lions, Part 3: Parenting through danger waters.
- December 2020- Melba Moore: Sweet Songs of the Soul, an autobiographical musical about her life, starring Ms. Melba Moore.
- January 2021- Haarlem Nocturne, a musical starring the Tony Award winner André DeShields, conceived and co-written by André DeShields with book co-writer Murray Horwitz.
- February 2021- The Colored Museum, the brilliant satire by George C. Wolfe..
- March 2021- Sheila’s Day, the groundbreaking international Crossroads production filmed live at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- April 2021- Crossroads: the Story of a Theatre, the 1996 NJN documentary on the first black theatre in America to win the Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre.
B. Week 3 of every month.
Young, Gifted and Emerging Artists from around the World.
Co-presented in partnership with some of Crossroads’ most popular global partners and streamed the 3rd week of every month:
- October 2020- From Classical Theatre of Harlem, artist(s) to be determined.
- November 2020- From The Market Theatre in South Africa, artist(s) to be determined.
- December 2020- From ArtsCorps in Seattle, artist(s) to be determined.
- January 2021- And André De Shields choice of artist.
- February 2021- From Hi-ARTS in New York City, artist(s) to be confirmed.
- March 2021- A Re-Run from an earlier episode.
- April 2021- The Genesis Festival of New Voices (Live and then Streamed)
COMMUNITY TOWN HALLS:
Live from NBPAC the last Tuesday of every month.
TOWN TALKS- Public conversations on pressing issues facing our communities today.
Conversations To Inspire.
Co-presented and streamed live in association with the NAACP of New Brunswick and possibly the NAACP of San Fransisco (simultaneously). These events will begin on Tuesday October 27 and streamed for 2-4 weeks every month (depending on subject matter) until April 2021.
CROSSROADS’ ANNUAL GALA:
“A Night With Crossroads”- the theatre’s annual Gala, to be held live for a small audience and streamed online. Saturday, April 3, 2021
IN PERFORMANCE LIVE AGAIN!
A. April 20-25, 2021- The Genesis Festival of New Plays and New Voices. (also see “Week 3, emerging artists”)
Our one-week festival featuring new plays and insightful conversations with the audience and writers about their plays and the issues that they raise. (Held live at NBPAC and streamed)
B. June 2021- The world premiere production of FREEDOM RIDER conceived and directed by Ricardo Khan. The production will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides, and will be dedicated to one of the most famous freedom riders, the late Congressman John R. Lewis. June 19- June 27, 2021.
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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Misfits Theatre Company presents "Murder Me Always"
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Misfits Theatre Company presents a limited engagement of Murder Me Always, a rollicking comedy murder mystery written by Lee Mueller, directed by Dennis Connors, and stage managed by Angela Ronan. The production runs for two performances only (April 18-19, 2026) at Villas of Holmdel.
Fool Moon Theatre Company to Hold Open Auditions for "The Drowsy Chaperone"
(MARGATE, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company is holding open auditions for the five-time, Tony Award-winning meta-musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," a loving parody of the 1920s American musical comedy genre. Auditions will take place at the Margate Community Church (8900 Ventnor Avenue, Margate) on Saturday, April 18 from 11:00am to 2:00pm and Sunday, April 19 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
McCarter presents Steven Mackey's "Memoir"
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center, in partnership with the Department of Music at Princeton, is thrilled to present MEMOIR, a theatrical musical work by GRAMMY Award-winning composer and William Shubael Conant Professor of Music Steven Mackey, and director Mark DeChiazza. Performances take place at the Berlind Theatre on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30pm and Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:00pm.
The Actors Studio of New Jersey and The Sieminski Theater present "Finishing the Hat: The Music of Sondheim"
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Actors Studio of New Jersey and The Sieminski Theater present Finishing the Hat: The Music of Sondheim from April 18-19, 2026. This is a spectacular tribute to the legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.
Gateway Playhouse To Hold Auditions For The Classic Musical Comedy "Guys And Dolls" on April 18th and April 22nd
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse will hold auditions for Frank Loesser's Tony Award-winning musical comedy Guys and Dolls on April 18 and April 22, 2026. Anyone age 16 and older, with any theatrical background or experience, is welcome to try out for this much-adored show. No appointments are necessary; all roles are open. Phil Pallitto, artistic director of the Gateway, will direct the musical.
Literature to Life Announces Second Series of Books Unite, Free Community Events in Paterson Supported by NJEDA A.R.T. Phase II Grant
(PATERSON, NJ) -- Literature to Life (LTL) has announced their second series of Books Unite: Literature to Life in Paterson, consisting of a book club, two live performances, and an interactive workshop all centered around The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "Asuncion" by Jesse Eisenberg
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Jesse Eisenberg's 2011 play Asuncion on Sunday, April 23 and Monday, April 24, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The production will be directed and produced by Craig Tiede.
Centenary Stage Company to Hold Non-Union Auditions for Nextstage Repertory Summer 2026 Season
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company is seeking non-equity singer/actors who are excellent movers/dancers for the 2026 NEXTStage Repertory 2026 Summer Season. The summer season includes The Wedding Singer and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever. Auditions will be held by appointment on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00am–4:00pm in the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Bordentown Thespians present "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"
(BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz, will be presented on Saturday, April 25th at 2:00pm & 6:30pm at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail.
Magnolia Productions presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, "Crimes of the Heart"
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Crimes of the Heart across two weekends from April 17-25, 2026 at The Theater at the Navesink Library. The story follows the three MaGrath sisters as they reunite in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, following the shooting of Babe's husband.
