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Our Favorite Stories In Theatre - Freedom Rider

originally published: 02/01/2022


New Jersey Stage published its 25,000th story in December 2021. As the site approached the milestone, we posed the question on social media as how we should celebrate.  One response was to highlight our favorite stories from over the years.  We liked this idea, but could not narrow things down to just 25 favorites so we will present a favorite each day from different genres.  Every Tuesday we feature one of our favorite stories in theatre. Since today is the start of Black History Month, we are featuring an interview with Ricardo Khan on the play Freedom Rider.

The piece was published on March 23, 2020 and is available here. Ricardo Khan co-founded Crossroads Theatre Company with L. Kenneth Richardson in 1978. The company was the proud recipient of the 1999 Tony Award(R) for Outstanding Regional Theatre in the United States, becoming the first African American theater to receive this honor in doing so.

The historic journey of the Freedom Riders took place on May 4, 1961 when a group of young people, black and white, from colleges and universities across the country, boarded two buses southbound from Washington, DC on a journey to prove that love and compassion could conquer hate and that what was a right for one American should be a right for all Americans. For them, it was a cause worth fighting for in spite of the dangers they knew they would have to face along the way.

Ricardo Khan thought the story would make for a great play.  He envisioned the play Freedom Rider as following four characters on their way to the historic trip. One of the most challenging aspects of creating a play that involves several main characters like this is providing each with a unique voice and backstory.  Khan solved that problem by incorporating four different writers to each create their own character - each following the journey of a Freedom Rider from a different university, city, and background.  The play was written by Murray Horwitz, Nathan Louis Jackson, Kathleen McGhee- Anderson, Ricardo Khan, and Nikkole Salter.

We talk with Khan about the unique way the play was written by several writers, what inspired the idea behind the play, and why the Freedom Rider story is both important to him and should be important to young people of today.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Speranza

Speranza Theatre Company presents "Princess Pals"

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Speranza Theatre Company, joined by students from Speranza Studio's Summer Acting Intensive, presents its summer stage production, Princess Pals, from July 11-19, 2025 outdoors at the Museum of Jersey City History at The Apple Tree House. Written and directed by Nick Radu-Blackburn. Happily Ever was just the beginning... turns out "after" isn’t all it's cracked up to be. Bored after their fairy tale endings, princess-frenemies embark on a mischievous adventure. Can they put their differences aside to save their kingdoms, all while dealing with an unexpected twist?



"RIFT"

"RIFT" Returns To Luna For Two Nights Only Before International Debut At Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage's commissioned World Premiere play RIFT is headed to the Edinburgh Fringe for a four-week run at Traverse Theatre this August. On July 18-19, 2025 at 8:00pm each night, the powerful and timely new play returns to Luna for two benefit performances to support the company's travel to Scotland.



PHOTOS

PHOTOS from "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Pleasant Valley Productions

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Pleasant Valley Productions (PVP) is presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's iconic rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar at the Oscar Schindler Performing Arts Center (OSPAC). The production runs July 11-12 and July 17-19, 2025. This groundbreaking musical, which revolutionized the world of theatre, tells the story of the final week of Jesus' life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.



Centenary

Centenary Stage presents Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville from Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 20 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Featuring a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett, this play combines tropical vibes and feel-good humor with a collection of the singer-songwriter’s most beloved hits.



The

The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present the unstoppably joyous musical, Hairspray, over two weekends, July 11–20, 2025. Directed by Victoria Keiser, with musical direction by Lauryn Boyle and choreography by Samantha Amaral, the award-winning Broadway musical promises a fun-filled evening of laughter, energy and unforgettable dance numbers.



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The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

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The Mallard

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

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Good Riddance; A Gnarly Murder Mystery Dinner, Dude!

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: theatre


 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre


 

The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 



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