Maroulis, Huberman, Etc. Set for Bway Purim Shpiel, 3/4

Cast members from Broadway shows Chicago, Jersey Boys and The Wedding Singer will join "American Idol"'s Constantine Maroulis and "Broadway Idol" Jacklyn Huberman in the "3rd Annual Broadway Purim Shpiel" at the Hudson Theatre, Monday, March 4, 2007 at 7pm.  For one night only, stars from Broadway's biggest shows join together before an audience of 700 for the Broadway Purim Shpiel, a hilarious retelling of the Purim story, hosted by Seth Rudetsky (Seth's Broadway Chatterbox, Actors' Fund concerts).  All proceeds from the event benefit Taglit-birthright israel, an organization dedicated to sending young Jews from across the world to Israel on free 10-day educational trips.

"This really is the most exciting Purim event in town. Where else would you find an 'American Idol,' a 'Broadway Idol,' major Jewish philanthropists, the Israeli Consul General, and hundreds of young people in their twenties under one roof celebrating the holiday of Purim?" says Rebecca Sugar, Director of Alumni Programming for birthright israel in New York. "What an incredible way to support birthright israel, the most exciting and innovative project in the Jewish community today."

This cutting-edge charitable event is part of NEFCA's mission to foster and maintain an appreciation for Jewish culture through the arts, and to innovatively promote the strengthening of Jewish identity. Due to the underwriting of Michael Steinhardt, Charles Bronfman, and Lynn Schusterman, all proceeds from this year's Broadway Purim Shpiel will go to Taglit-birthright israel to help send more young adults on birthright israel trips.

"Taglit-birthright israel provides the gift of first time, peer group, educational trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26.  Taglit-birthright israel's founders created this program to send thousands of young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift in order to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants' personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people," state press notes.

The performance will be held at the Hudson Theatre at 141 West 44th Street in New York City.  The event begins at 4:30pm with a Megillah reading, complimentary cocktails and food.  The Purim Shpiel kicks off at 7pm, followed by a wine and dessert reception at 9pm.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.3rdbroadwaypurimshpiel.com.

Photo of Constantine Maroulis by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.