Crossroads Theatre Company Brings Lynn Nottage’s “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” Back to the Stage in New Brunswick

The celebrated Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick is once again lighting up the stage, this time with a heartfelt revival of Lynn Nottage’s “Crumbs from the Table of Joy.” This deeply moving family drama, penned by one of America’s most acclaimed contemporary playwrights, continues its run through November 23, offering audiences a powerful and poetic exploration of race, identity, loss, and hope in postwar America.

Set in the 1950s, “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” follows the Crump family as they navigate a rapidly changing world following the death of their matriarch. When the family relocates from Florida to Brooklyn, patriarch Godfrey Crump seeks solace and direction through religion — while his teenage daughters, Ernestine and Ermina, struggle to find their place amid the shifting tides of culture and self-discovery. The arrival of their free-spirited Aunt Lily adds both humor and chaos, pushing the family to confront the tension between faith and freedom, tradition and transformation.

Lynn Nottage, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, is known for crafting stories that give voice to the overlooked and the resilient. “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” captures her signature blend of emotional depth and lyrical storytelling, weaving together themes of migration, gender, and social awakening through the lens of a family searching for meaning in the midst of turmoil.

Crossroads Theatre Company, based in the heart of New Brunswick’s vibrant arts district, is the perfect stage for this revival. Founded in 1978, Crossroads has built a national reputation for championing African American voices and staging works that challenge, uplift, and inspire. Their production of “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” continues that legacy — blending meticulous direction, standout performances, and immersive staging to bring Nottage’s world to life with authenticity and heart.

Audiences can expect an experience that feels both timeless and urgently relevant. The play’s exploration of belonging, resilience, and the search for joy resonates powerfully today, inviting theatergoers to reflect on how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go. The production’s design captures the era’s emotional and visual contrasts, from the simplicity of a 1950s Brooklyn apartment to the vivid imaginings that unfold in Ernestine’s mind as she dreams of a better, freer future.

For those looking to experience thought-provoking live theatre this fall, Crossroads’ latest production offers a perfect opportunity. The company’s intimate venue creates a uniquely personal connection between audience and performance, allowing every moment — from whispered conversations to emotional crescendos — to feel immediate and real.

Tickets for “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” are now available, with performances continuing through November 23 at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. Whether you’re a longtime theater lover or simply looking for a meaningful evening out, this revival delivers storytelling that is both soul-stirring and beautifully human.

To explore more live performances and theatre events happening across New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey’s theatre section. The state’s rich performing arts scene continues to thrive — and productions like this one remind us why New Jersey remains one of the most dynamic places for live theatre on the East Coast.