If you spot a unicorn girl, a mini “Star Wars” stormtrooper, a child dressed as a giant crab, and assorted airline flight crew members on the streets of University City, it must be Purim.
A gathering of nearly 150 joined the merriment for the annual Purim reenactment and march on March 3. The tradition began in 2003, when Rose Ann Ariel and a few volunteers dressed up as characters from the Purim story. Over the past 23 years, Ariel said, the repertory cast has evolved, and no one has portrayed the two principles—Haman and King Mordecai—more than once.
This year’s Haman was played by Dan Vianello, a member of Congregation Bais Abraham. As he was walking to the reenactment starting point at Gay and Gannon avenues dressed in full regalia, Vianello strolled past several Spire gas hardhat workers on Stanford Avenue.
“They didn’t say anything when they saw me,” he said. “I’m sure they were a bit confused, unless this wasn’t their first Purim.”
