Review: Alex Edelman: “Just For Us” – The most Jewish comedy special since Jackie Mason
A confession: Until last week, when he won an Emmy Award, I had never heard of Alex Edelman.
Alex Edelman
Watching the Emmys, I discovered that he had also recently won a Tony. Somehow, this 35-year-old Jewish comedian was halfway to achieving an EGOT, and I didn’t even know who he was.
Upon further investigation, I discovered that the awards were for his solo play/comedy performance, “Just for Us”. The show began as an off-Broadway production, moved to Broadway, toured the US and overseas to sold-out crowds, and culminated in an HBO special. He even made it to the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2018, where he was nominated for Best Show!
To my delight, I found out that the HBO special is now available in Australia—albeit without much fanfare or publicity—for viewing on Foxtel and Binge.
Alex Edelman’s “Just for Us” is a masterclass in storytelling, brimming with sharp humour, insightful commentary, and an undercurrent of vulnerability that makes it not only laugh out loud funny but deeply engaging. Not only that, but it is also one of the most “Jewish” comedy specials ever filmed. One would probably need to go back to Jackie Mason’s “The World According to Me!” in 1989 to find a comedy special so consistently steeped in Judaism.
Edelman opens by reflecting on his Jewish upbringing and the microaggressions he encounters in everyday life. “Being Jewish is, like, a thing for me,” he quips, acknowledging that his identity is both a source of pride and tension. From these personal reflections, he transitions to the broader story of how he ended up in a room full of people who hate him for his identity.
This striking and curious event forms the backbone of the show’s narrative, but what truly stands out is how Edelman weaves this experience into a broader exploration of identity, belonging, and prejudice. He expertly balances the tension of the situation with his signature wit, effortlessly landing jokes that make heavier themes feel accessible without diminishing their importance.
Around this central anecdote, Edelman incorporates stories about his family, particularly his Orthodox Jewish upbringing and sibling rivalry with his Olympic athlete brother. These recollections provide light-hearted counterpoints to the darker subject matter while highlighting the complexities of identity. For instance, he jokes about his family’s reaction to his career choice compared to his brother’s athletic success, saying, “It’s hard when your brother’s an Olympian, and you’re just… doing stand-up.”
Edelman’s humour is smart, self-deprecating, and often veers into absurdity, yet it never feels forced. He takes the audience on a journey from his Orthodox Jewish childhood in Boston to his experiences navigating a world that doesn’t always know what to do with someone like him. His delivery is conversational and fast-paced, with punchlines that hit hard and linger long after the laughter fades.
What truly sets “Just for Us” apart, however, is Edelman’s ability to forge a genuine connection with his audience. He speaks candidly about the complexities of being Jewish in the modern world, dealing with everything from subtle insults to blatant hate, but he never allows the material to become preachy or overwhelming. Instead, he finds humour in discomfort and common ground in the awkwardness of confronting bigotry and ignorance head-on.
So, whether you have already a devotee of Alex Edelman or have yet to discover his irresistible mix of humour and insight, be sure to see “Just for Us”.
