The grant will support Crossroads' 30th anniversary season, which kicked off last week with a revival of George C. Wolfe's The Colored Museum that continues through Oct. 5.

American Express serves as the principal sponsor for the season line-up that also includes It Ain't Nothing But the Blues (Nov. 6-23) and Sheila's Day (April 16-May 3, 2009).

"American Express is committed to preserving the rich and diverse cultural heritage found in local communities across the country. We are pleased to give this grant to the Crossroads Theatre Company to support our nation's diverse cultural heritage and help contribute to the vibrancy and growth of the local downtown community," Timothy J. McClimon, president of the American Express Foundation said in a statement.

Crossroads' founding artistic director Ricardo Khan added, "Crossroads Theatre Company is launching this historic anniversary season comprised exclusively of Crossroads' classics — three of its most celebrated plays that have enriched the canon of the American theatre and brought national and international acclaim to the Company. Since 1978, Crossroads has remained true to its mission including creating and presenting theatre that celebrates the culture, history, spirit and voices of the African Diaspora and presents honest and positive portrayals of people of color. What will, in fact, be launched now is a one year celebration of all that was and all that is possible, of an American dream that came true!"

Crossroads Theatre Company is located at 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. For tickets to Crossroads Theatre Company's 2007-2008 season call (800) 766-6048. Further information is available by calling (732) 545-8100 or by visiting www.crossroadsnb.com.