Just For Us by comedian-playwright Alex Edelman has a robust following on streaming platforms for the past several years, and now Jewish Repertory Theatre is bringing the live experience to us until June 7.

It’s a monologue, skillfully delivered by Jordan Levin and he is amazing – onstage for 90 minutes – bringing Edelman’s stand up act to life. Director Charmagne Chi keeps the pacing brisk and energetic as Levin was all over that stage extolling Edelman’s passionate and hilarious patter, first about his comedy act and his pride in writing truly dumb jokes. Then we recounts his experience after spotting a rather cryptic Tweet that led him to a group of white nationalists who are meeting in Queens. Yes, he attends. No, he doesn’t confront. Yes, he makes his point. No, he doesn’t get the girl, but, why would he want her after all this? Wow.

Edelman as the playwright packs a lot into this show and Levin as the actor nails every word, every sight gag, every nuance of a man, a Jew, smart-thinking human, entering what could have been a scene gone way ugly.  There are ways to tackle social injustice and flagrant disregard for humanity…or you can find a way to make a life situation intentional and funny. Edelman does it, and this production – thanks to superb interpretation, a great team and clever use of music, sound effects, and projection – knits it all together. Yes, there is a deep and painful message here, but the laughs are so at the ready, you’re wrapped in that…and then you remember why you’re in this moment. All told, it’s a perfect night of theatre.

Chris Cavanaugh designed the simple and effective set, lit by Brian Cavanagh, with Tom Makar’s sound design. I loved the brief pops of illustration and the music that included some bits of comedy duo Garfunkel and Oats. Good stuff.

It’s beautifully ironic that across town, MusicalFare’s production of Hairspray tackles social injustice and race relations on stage, too. Yes, theatre has the ability to hold up that mirror to humanity and to entertain us for cause.

Just For Us runs 90-minutes with not intermission until June 7. Find details and tickets at https://www.jccbuffalo.org/jewish-repertory-theatre/.