LETTERS FROM ZORA, AUTUMN & More Set for Crossroads Theatre Company's 2014-15 Season

The life and times of Zora Neale Hurston, a family's lingering anguish over the Tulsa riots of 1921, and a political rivalry between friends provide the inspiration for three plays at the dramatic core of Crossroads Theatre Company's 2014-15 "A Family Affair" season featuring the works of emerging and veteran playwrights.

Entering its 37th year, Crossroads continues its tradition of showcasing the work of emerging playwrights of color and presenting themes that illuminate the black experience. Works by California playwright Gabrielle Denise Pina; actress/writer Nikkole Salter and veteran playwright Richard Wesley will be staged, along with Crossroads' annual holiday musical, Holiday Jubilee!, conceived and directed by Rick Sordelet.

This season is all about family - from the family-friendly Holiday Jubilee! and Salter's family drama, Repairing a Nation, to a reunion of Crossroads' family of artists and a salute to perhaps its most legendary artistic family member, the late Ruby Dee. "Crossroads is a family theater," says Marshall Jones III, Producing Artistic Director of Crossroads Theatre Company. "This season, we are exploring a variety of family dynamics and their impact on behavior. These four inspired writers bring very different perspectives, but with thought-provoking and uplifting messages."

Tickets for all productions may be purchased online at crossroadstheatrecompany.org, or by calling 732-545-8100. Subscription plans also are available at substantial savings off single ticket prices.

October 9-26
LETTERS FROM ZORA: In Her Own Words by Gabrielle Denise Pina

Veteran actress Vanessa Bell-Calloway brings the Harlem Renaissance writer to life in this play showcasing Hurston's life, literary triumphs and her unique view of the Jazz Age world she and her contemporaries inhabited and influenced. Novelist/playwright Gabrielle Denise Pina captures the legendary writer's life in this multimedia production.

December 11-21
HOLIDAY JUBILEE! 2014 concept by Rick Sordelet

This family holiday favorite returns for its fifth year at Crossroads. This year, "wedding bells" will be ringing, as the holidays are ushered in with music and audience participation. Holiday Jubilee! is sure to be fun-filled, multi-cultural celebration of the holiday spirit. Kids are free with the purchase of an adult ticket

February 26 - March 15
REPAIRING A NATION, a world premiere, written by Nikkole Salter:

The Davis family gathers for what should be a picture-perfect holiday celebration in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2001 - perfect until Lois insists they join a class-action lawsuit seeking reparations from the state for the Tulsa Riot of 1921, which injured hundreds and left 10,000 black people homeless. Obie Award-winning actress and playwright Nikkole Salter sheds light on a historic event in this riveting family drama.

April 16 - May 3
AUTUMN written by Richard Wesley

Franklin Longley is a veteran big-city mayor in line to become the first black governor of his state, when he finds his place in history threatened by a dynamic young black politician who also happens to be his own protégé. Renowned playwright/screenwriter and NYU Professor Richard Wesley brings his latest work to Crossroads' stage for its first full production.

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