By Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 05/28/2026
Sizwe Banzi Is Dead.
Not to worry, that is simply the title of the latest show running at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. Set during South Africa’s apartheid era, the play follows a man faced with an impossible choice: disappear under the weight of an oppressive system—or reinvent himself in order to survive. What ensues is a powerful, funny and deeply moving story about identity, survival and ingenuity.
The play was written by Athol Fugard, Winston Ntshona, and John Kani. The latter of which originated the roles of Sizwe and Bunto. John Kani's son, Antandwa Kani now steps into the role originated by his father, alongside Kelcey L. Watson as Sizwe.
Jersey Arts is at Crossroads Theatre Company to meet the cast and crew bringing this show to life.
Crossroads Theatre Company presents Sizwe Banzi is Dead through June 14, 2026. Tickets are available for purchase online. The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) is located at 11 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This creative team includes Ricardo Khan and creative collaborator, Tony Award® winner John Kani. Beowulf Boritt (New York, New York Act One, Flying Over Sunset), Tony®, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and whose 1/52 Project—a non-profit founded by him, will receive the 2026 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre,is the production’s scenic designer. Returning to Crossroads is costume designer, Helen Hayes nominee Mika Eubanks (The MONSTERS; Twelfth Night); Obie Award Winner Victor En Yu Tan is lighting designer, Tony® Nominee and Grammy winner, Justin Ellington is sound designer; Stefania Bulbarella, a Tony®, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominee is projection designer; Andrea Zertuche (The Space Between, Past Lives), is projection associate and programmer; Anya Kutner is prop supervisor (Titus Andronicus; Meet the Cartozians); Norman Anthony Small, is production stage manager (American Buffalo; Leopoldstadt; The Shark is Broken), the assistant stage manager is Scott Yezzi, (Straight Forward, Girlboss), and Crossroads Managing Director Ezra Ezzard is a producer.
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "Game of Tiaras"
(BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Game of Tiaras on May 29-30, 2026 at Harmony Hall at Gloucester Township. Showtime is 7:00pm each night. Prepare for a hilarious royal showdown in Game of Tiaras!
MPAC presents Disney's Frozen, The Broadway Musical
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Let it Go! Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)'s 2026 spring production of Disney's Frozen takes the stage for five performances May 29-31. The show will be directed by Cathy Roy. Music Direction by Charles Santoro. The cast includes 50 young performers from throughout the region, representing seven New Jersey counties.
Brundage Park Playhouse to Hold Auditions for "Anything Goes"
(RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for the musical Anything Goes at the playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph. In-Person Audition Dates are on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 12:30pm-5:00pm and Monday, June 1, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Virtual auditions are also accepted. Callbacks by invitation are on Saturday, June 6th from 12:00pm-5:00pm.
The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "High School Musical 2 JR."
(BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents High School Musical 2 JR. on June 4-5, 2026 in the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater. The Wildcats are back for an unforgettable summer at Lava Springs Country Club!
Mile Square Theatre presents "7th Inning Stretch" with a twist
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre's beloved annual fundraiser, 7th Inning Stretch, returns with a new look for this year inspired by the World Cup coming to New Jersey. This year’s edition takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 and trades baseball for soccer, featuring seven original short plays celebrating the passion, humor, intensity, and culture of the game.
Gateway Playhouse presents "Guys And Dolls"
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Broadway's classic musical Guys and Dolls is primed to be a sure bet at Gateway Playhouse from May 28 to June 7, 2026. Filled with colorful characters, phenomenal dance numbers and cherished songs by Frank Loesser, the high-energy show follows the paths of smooth-talking gamblers, sassy showgirls and a very determined missionary as love and luck collide in the streets of New York City.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making"
(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making from June 5-7, 2026. Join them for a once-in-a-century theatrical event as they celebrate 100 years of music, memories, and moments that have shaped The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Broadway in New York City, and American culture itself.
Premiere Stages at Kean University Announces Semi-Finalists for 2026 Play Festival
(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has announced the 2026 Premiere Play Festival Semi-Finalists. The Play Festival panel and literary staff reviewed 894 submissions, an increase of 89 submissions from the previous year, before choosing the 65 Semi-Finalists. An eclectic mix of plays, the Semi-Finalists explore a wide range of topics in a variety of genres.
Maurer Productions to Hold Auditions for "Midnight at the New Dawn" June 6-7
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Maurer Productions OnStage and the newly formed Maurer TheaterWorks have announced a special co-production partnership — in association with Kelsey Theatre — for the world premiere of Midnight at the New Dawn. The ensemble comedy, written and directed by Dan Maurer, will hold open auditions on June 6-7, 2026.
Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026 Rising Star Awards Nominees
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the nominations for adjudicated production categories of the 31st Annual Rising Star Awards for Excellence in New Jersey High School Musical Theater. Often referred to as New Jersey's version of the Tony Awards for high school musical theater, the Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding achievement in performance, direction, design, choreography, music direction, and overall production.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
