TORONTO — In a unique partnership, Beth Tzedec Congregation and Jewish Family & Child have teamed up to present this year’s original Purim musical and celebration at the synagogue.

The cast of The Las Vegas Megillah in rehearsal

The cast of The Las Vegas Megillah in rehearsal

TORONTO — In a unique partnership, Beth Tzedec Congregation and
Jewish Family & Child have teamed up to present this year’s original
Purim musical and celebration at the synagogue.

Proceeds of The Las Vegas Megillah: What Happens in Shushan Stays in Shushan will support children at risk in the Greater Toronto Area Jewish community who have been abused or marginalized because of their economic circumstances.

Created by Cantor Simon Spiro, a British pop singer, and his wife Aliza, an American singer/songwriter, the show is complete with a full professional orchestra, state-of-the-art sound and lights, glittering sets, jugglers, acrobats and the king’s horse.

The Las Vegas Megillah will also feature a king who looks like Elvis, an evil man named Hamanilow, and showgirls of all shapes and sizes.

The 60 actors and 30 behind-the-scenes workers, all Beth Tzedec members or employees, range in age from five to 75 and include two mother/daughter duos, one mother/son duo, one set of twin sisters, nine husband/wife teams, four entire families, four rabbis, two rebbetzins, and synagogue staff and their spouses and children.

Aliza Spiro said they are raising money and raising awareness of JF&C because new financial challenges have arisen as the result of a funding crisis facing the agency and other Ontario children’s aid societies, as well as the growing needs of the community being served.

In the lobby before the show, audience members can learn about the organization they are helping to support, she said.

“It is a tough time for them, and by piggybacking on this production, everyone coming will be exposed to the agency and its good work.”

There will be four performances of The Las Vegas Megillah – March 7, 8 p.m.; March 8, 2 and 7 p.m.; and March 9 after the Megillah reading, approximately 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for children 13 and under. Call 416-781-3514, ext. 218.