Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Alex Edelman deconstructs prejudice in JUST FOR US, a hilarious and insightful act of empathy

• By drediman
• February 2, 2022
• No Comments

There’s something to be said about the phrase “if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry”. In the world of comedy, the very best performers are the ones who are able to satisfyingly transform deeply troubling aspects of the human experience into comic gold, especially when supported by a sort of sustained narrative thread. Indeed, rightfully acclaimed comics like Hannah Gadsby (Nannette, Douglas), Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), and Mike Birbiglia (The New One) have mastered the integration of theatrical monologue and stand-up comedy, which have allowed them to explore complex issues with astonishing nuance and escalating hilarity. Alex Edelman, whose Just for Us I caught earlier this week at the Cherry Lane Theatre, attempts the same hat trick.

In his one man show, Mr. Edelman endeavors to deconstruct prejudice, particularly against Jews. Raised an observant Hassidic Jew, Mr. Edelmen is in the unique position to shed light on the people of his religious community – and the increasing prejudice it has had to to face – through his comic gifts, especially in a way that’s accessible and comedically self-referential. As with a good majority of similar solo shows, Just for Us draws from autobiographical experiences, namely a hilarious but potentially dangerous incident in which Mr. Edelman haphazardly crashes a gathering of White Supremacists. Armed with an array of personal, often very funny anecdotes, as well as an uncommonly large capacity for empathy, Mr. Edelman depicts the various forms and shades in which prejudice comes in. What’s ultimately disconcerting – and insightful – is how much more complicated and difficult to navigate prejudice is when you think about it in a larger sense (the imagery of a jigsaw puzzle is aptly used in the show).

As a performer, Mr. Edelman has an easy, laid-back stage presence. He also has a natural way with jokes and punchlines – as well as a youthful, appealingly geeky energy – which makes the well-balanced Just for Us a deceptively easy pill to swallow. Only further along in the show does one begin to see hard-edged (even unpleasant) aspects of his personality pierce through the carefully fabricated facade. Of course their appearance is intentional, but it gives an indication that Mr. Edelman is bidding to become a serious comic, which as we’ve established, is contingent upon turning darkness into light, or more interestingly, the other way around.

RECOMMENDED

ALEX EDELMAN: JUST FOR US
Off-Broadway, Comedy
Cherry Lane Theatre
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Through February 19