The star of the evneing, Jason Alexander, avoided all the straight lines. Photo: Maxine Dovere

Presto, it’s Purim! The Jewish Museum’s annual Purim Ball brought more than 500 art and magic aficionados to the Waldorf Astoria for the Museum’s twenty-fifth yearly holiday masquerade.  Its current exhibition, Houdini: Art and Magic, provided inspiration for the evening’s theme.

The evening of magic, music, and masks honored Joshua Nash, Chairman of The Jewish Museum’s Board of Trustees, and trustees Betty Levin and James A. Stern.  The ball’s Honorary Co-Chairs included Toby and Leon Cooperman, Carol and Gershon Kekst, Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joseph Neubauer, Adrianne and William Silver, S. Donald Sussman, The Joan and Bob Tisch Families, Jean and Raymond Troubh, and Roy J. Zuckerberg.

Highlighting the evening’s entertainment was a spiel based on that ancient account straight from the Megillah – this one, According to Alexander – Jason, that is – which jacketed the narration in a magical cloak.   The genuinely Jewish comedian embellished the traditional story with memories of Harry Houdini, whose presence (dare we say, specter?) could be felt throughout the ballroom.  His original Purimspiel (Purim play) was accented with amusing physical comedy that recalled one of the magician’s famous escape escapades.

The Jewish Museum offers “exhibitions and educational programs that inspire people of all backgrounds.  A wide-ranging schedule of significant art exhibitions, innovative educational programs, memorable family events, and stimulating presentations attracting visitors of all ages, demonstrates how The Jewish Museum illuminates art, culture and ideas for today’s diverse audiences.”

Well known author Francine Klagsbrun and her husband, psychiatrist Dr. Samuel Klagsbrun joined the festivities at the Jewish Museum. Photo: Maxine Dovere

Morris Offit, Chairman Emeritus of the Jewish Museum, and wife Nancy costumed as New York Sophisticates at the 2011 Purim masquerade. Photo: Maxine Dovere

Susan Goodman, Senior Curator of the Jewish Museum, and husband Jerry Goodman, "after the Ball was over..." Photo: Maxine Dovere

Philanthropist Ira Rennert celebrating at the Jewish Museum's Presto! It's Purim gala. Photo: Maxine Dovere

The star of the evneing, Jason Alexander, avoided all the straight lines. Photo: Maxine Dovere

Honorary Co-Chairs, including Carol and Gershon Kekst, helped create the evening's festivities. Photo: Maxine Dovere