2019 OST: A Misérable Purimshpiel
2019 Ohef Sholom Temple
A Misérable Purimshpiel
Graphic & Web Designer | Ohef Sholom Temple | Norfolk, Virginia
During the Purim holiday, the largest, most anticipated production of the year is Ohef Sholom Temple’s annual Purimshpiel Dinner Theatre. Every year, a different musical, play, or theme is chosen to parody the re-telling of the Book of Esther, complete with songs that spoof the originals, while accentuating each scene with ensuing hilarity and good fun for all ages. A great “beauty pageant” is held in Esther’s honor during the play, so people – especially the kids – dress up in costume for the holiday and participate with the production.
2019’s Purimshpiel theme was to Les Misérables, calling it A Misérable Purimshpiel not because it was miserable (Purim is actually a very fun, happy, good-natured holiday) but for two reasons: 1) to parody the original Les Misérables musical and 2) because the lead actress portraying the main character Esther, was actually pregnant during the time of production (could be miserable, right?). In the tradition of parody, I did a re-creation of the Broadway playbill imagery for Les Mis, changing out the French flag with an Israeli flag, and using a stylized photo of our own “Queen Esther” in place of the character Cosette. Admittedly, this is always one of my favorite assignments to design for, as I am usually given the freedom to have as much outlandish, punny fun as I like with the designs, while delivering a nod to the original. This is one of the few instances in design where tackier is better – and it’s always amusing!
Flyer, Playbill, Event Signage, Online Media and Production Background Slides
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