Now in its 21st season presenting works devoted to African-American writers and actors, NJ's Crossroads Theatre will be honored for excellence by the 100-year-old National Arts Club in a ceremonial dinner held Feb. 26.

Founded in 1978, Crossroads has staged works by August Wilson (Jitney), Pearl Cleage and George C. Wolfe and has maintained a production level on a par with major regional theatres across the country. The Arts Club honor also lauds Crossroads for "its significant contribution to the development of new work."

Previous NAC award winners include Edward Albee, La MaMa ETC., Christopher Plummer, Celeste Holm and the Whitney Museum.

Upcoming shows at Crossroads include the current bio Ali, through March 7, followed by the company's 10th annual Genesis Festival of new African-American plays (March 10-22), then Charlotte A. Gibson's Lost Creek Township (April 8-May 16). In between, the company's mounting of It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues will travel to Off-Broadway's New Victory Theatre (March 25-April 11).

For information about the National Arts Club gala (places must be reserved by Feb. 22) call (212) 475-3424. -- By David Lefkowitz