The notorious “Purim Spiel” has become a core tradition of Heschel’s Purim festivities. This year, standout performances by seniors Charlotte Levine and Abby Bruhim as High School Assistant Head Anne Cohen and Math Teacher and Department Chair Edy Lucas, respectively, impressed the crowd, sparking laughter throughout the gym. 

When asked why she took on the role of playing Anne Cohen, Levine explained that she had a history of being very late to school and frequently getting into conversations with Cohen, whose job is to strictly enforce the rules for the students. Levine felt it would be fitting to take on the character of Cohen, given their ironically contrasting relationship. To truly get into character, Levine said, “Once I knew Anne approved of the blonde wig I wanted to wear, even commenting how funny it was, I felt confident in going full out.” Throughout the filming of the Spiel, Levine said she was “very comfortable in Anne’s office,” a space that allowed her to fully embrace the role. 

Bruhim highlighted the close relationship she shares with Edy Lucas, her math teacher, and believed it was only fitting to portray her. A crowd favorite from the Spiel was a scene where Lucas kicked students out of the elevator, a policy she enforces thoroughly. Bruhim said, “Whenever a student is thinking about using the elevator, they wonder if Edy is around to catch them.” Bruhim cleverly leaned into this well-known stereotype of Lucas’s firm elevator policy, turning it into a hilarious scene that truly resonated with the audience. 

Not only were the individual characters of Cohen and Lucas fan favorites, but the dynamic between the two in the Spiel also became a hit among the student body. Both Cohen and Luas are deeply committed to ensuring everyone follows the rules, so it felt fitting to include a scene where Cohen called upon Lucas to be her “eyes and ears.” The way the two characters played off each other with humor and charm made their on-screen relationship especially enjoyable to watch.