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‘Secret of the Alabaster Box’ asks characters, audience what’s important

Everybody’s looking for something, including the main characters of Overshadowed Theatrical Production’s “The Secret of the Alabaster Box.”

Sometimes it’s money. Sometimes it’s a partner. Other times it’s a greater meaning to life.

The production explores the theme in shows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through March 10 in Itasca.

What’s the most important thing in your life? That’s the intrinsic message inscribed in the alabaster box that surfaces in an antique shop owned by character Mary Beth.

“Before this comes along she’s caught up in things that might not have any real value, living for the moment and not having a plan to her life,” said Kendra Jones, 38, of Itasca, who plays Mary Beth.

“She realizes that there’s so much more joy and greater fulfillment in life to be had when she gets her priorities straight.”

The actual message in the alabaster box reads: “Mary, she has chosen the better part.”

The words put Mary Beth and her sister Mattie on an adventure to decode the words. It’s in the journey, not the destination, that they uncover the true meaning, said Director Kady Debelak, 28, of Winthrop Harbor.

“Are they distracted by other things? Are relationships the most important thing in their life, or are they letting other things distract them?” Debelak said. “They’re really re-evaluating their priorities.”

With a cast of 11 and a crew of 13, the production takes place in Overshadowed Theatrical Production’s intimate setting at 210 S. Walnut St., which accommodates about 120 people.

The journey includes a split timeline between present day and biblical times.

The set reflects the time split with a background of brick plaster representing the contemporary that blends into an ancient Mediterranean stone wall.

As they’re trying to figure out the history of the alabaster piece on one side of the stage, the reality of the story is being played out on the other side.

“What they’ve learned is portrayed in full on the other side of the stage,” Debelak said. “That’s what both sides learn, essentially.”

For a video preview, search for “The Secret of the Alabaster Box” on YouTube.com. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, through March 10.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors. For details, call (630) 250-7518 or visit overshadowedproductions.com.

If you go

If you go

What: ‘The Secret of the Alabaster Box’

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 10

Where: Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca

Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors

Info: (630) 250-7518 or overshadowedproductions.com

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