Crossroads Theatre Company officially launched its 47th season with a celebratory benefit event and a powerful opening performance of Lynn Nottage’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, reaffirming the company’s legacy as a cornerstone of Black theater and cultural excellence in New Jersey.
Held in the heart of New Brunswick’s downtown arts district, the evening blended elegance, community, and artistry. Guests arrived to a lively welcome from the New Brunswick Kappa Leaguers before enjoying a cocktail hour that set the tone for the night. Following the performance, attendees gathered again for a post-show reception, extending the celebration and conversation sparked onstage.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from Crossroads Board Chair Professor Abena P. A. Busia, who underscored the significance of the company’s longevity and mission. Honorary Host Sandra Bookman followed with a heartfelt address, leading into a meaningful onstage exchange between Artistic Director Ricardo Khan and Managing Director Ezra Ezzard. Together, they reflected on the importance of the evening as both a fundraiser and a declaration of Crossroads’ continued vitality and vision.
At the center of the night was the production itself. Crumbs from the Table of Joy, directed by the acclaimed Nataki Garrett, unfolded with emotional depth and clarity, earning tears and thunderous applause from the audience. The five-member cast delivered standout performances that highlighted both individual talent and ensemble strength.
Enih Agwe led the cast as Ernestine, bringing nuance and intensity to the role. Gabriyèl Barlatier portrayed Ermina with a poise shaped by international training and screen experience. Jamil A.C. Mangan embodied Godfrey Crump with the authority of a seasoned, award-winning stage actor whose resume includes major works by Lynn Nottage and August Wilson. Cloteal Horne, playing Lily Ann Green, showcased her versatility as a performer known equally for stage, screen, and educational work. Lee Alexandra Harrington completed the cast as Gerte Schulte, drawing on a distinguished theater background that includes Broadway, regional, and classical productions.
Under Garrett’s direction, the production resonated deeply, balancing intimacy with urgency and honoring Nottage’s storytelling with care and precision. The result was a performance that not only launched the season but set a high artistic standard for what lies ahead.
As Crossroads Theatre Company enters its 47th season, the benefit event and opening night served as both a celebration of legacy and a promise of continued excellence. With community support, visionary leadership, and compelling storytelling, Crossroads remains a vital force in American theater, moving audiences and conversations forward one powerful production at a time.