More Theater Monday - Freedom Rider

We were given complimentary tickets to Freedom Rider for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Freedom Rider

Where: Crossroads Theatre Company

             NBPAC

             11 Livingston Ave.

             New Brunswick, NJ 

Who: Teens and Up

When: Through June 26, 2022

Freedom Rider is a very compelling play. It is about a group of people participating in the Freedom Rides of 1961 whereby groups of African American and White activists rode buses through the South to protest segregation. While the show provides a good history lesson making it a good choice for attending with teenagers, it is not a good choice for younger children due to some subject matter and depictions of violence. The playwrights do a good job of balancing historical context with character development which really draws the audience into the show. 

It is an extremely powerful show. It stirs up a variety of emotions both good and bad. It can be funny,  touching, and even heartwarming at times, particularly with regard to the relationships that develop between the characters. However, it is also sad, scary, and even horrifying at times. It is hard to believe that some of these things could happen and that people could treat other human beings in such despicable inhumane ways. Unfortunately, however, we know that they did and often times they continue to do so. 

Ultimately though, the show leaves us with hope and inspiration. If people could ban together and make a difference then we can continue to do so now. We can and should always keep striving to make this a better, kinder, more equitable world.

And that's our view. For more about Freedom Rider or to purchase tickets, visit crossroadstheatrecompany.org/show/freedom-rider

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.