The Classic Stage Company production of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's Nathan The Wise officially opens Off-Broadway April 13 starring Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham (The Grand Budapest Hotel) in the title role and two-time Tony nominee Stark Sands (Kinky Boots). Abraham takes on one of the greatest Jewish characters in Western literature in this production, adapted by Edward Kemp and directed by Brian Kulick.

The limited engagement began performances March 24 is scheduled to run through May 1.

The cast also includes George Abud, Austin Durant, John Christopher Jones, Shiva Kalaiselvan, Caroline Lagerfelt and Erin Neufer.

The classic stage work is set in Jerusalem in 1192, when Muslims, Christians and Jews lived side by side thanks to a fragile truce. “As the tension mounts a question arises from the ruling Sultan: 'which religion is the one most beloved by God?' Nathan, a pious Jewish merchant, is charged with answering this question to help secure the continued safety of his people,“ state press notes.

Set design is by Tony Straiges with costume design by Anita Yavich, lighting design by Joe Novak and sound design by Matt Stine.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit classicstage.org.