March 28, 2023 at 10:42am

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Experience the story of Passover like never before with Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences’ (NTYA) upcoming production of Across the Sand: A Passover Theatrical Experience!

Across the Sand transports audience members to Ancient Egypt for an interactive retelling of the Passover story complete with live music. Audiences will bring to life the basket floating down the Nile, become sheep in a grassy field, discover the burning bush, and experience the crossing of the Red Sea. The intimate production will take place on the Northbrook Theatre stage with a limited number of interactive table seats for children.

The production will run between March 29-April 9 at the Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Avenue. Dates and times vary.

Across the Sand: A Passover Theatrical Experience is written by Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, a New York theatre native turned Northbrook local creating educational theatre experiences for the Jewish community. Chapman is on the faculty of the theatre department at Northwestern University, and founded The K’ilu Company which uses theater and imaginative play to bring Jewish education to life for young audiences. NTYA’s production of Across the Sand is directed by Chapman and features original music compositions by New York-based composer Ty Citerman. Across the Sand is brought to life through a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, tabletop puppetry and immersive design.

“In the celebration of Passover, tradition tells us to retell the story ‘k’ilu’ – which means ‘as if’ – we ourselves were the ones leaving Egypt alongside the Israelites,” said Director Jonathan Shmidt Chapman. “I can’t think of a better way to share the Passover story with children and family audiences than through immersive theater and sensory play. I’m so excited for the community to experience Across the Sand and feel as though they are a part of the story as it comes to life around them.”

Showtimes include:

Advanced ticket purchases are recommended. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or in person at the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Avenue. Group sales can be arranged by contacting Performing Arts Supervisor Drew Kambach. For more information, call 847-291-2995.