Congregation Beth Shalom and The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah are partnering to present “Just for Us,” a one-man play by Jewish comedian Alex Edelman.
The critically-acclaimed show will be presented for one performance on Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m. at Yardley Hall (12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210).
“This is a historic event for two reasons,” said Stephanie Kavanaugh, event co-chair for Beth Shalom. “This is the first time in recent years that Kansas City’s two largest synagogues have partnered for such an event. Second, it will be the only local performance of this award-winning production.”
In “Just For Us,” Edelman explores how personal experiences with antisemitic abuse online led him to attend a meeting of neo-Nazis incognito and raises the larger questions about Jewish identity that the experience forced him to ask.
Following runs in cities across the globe, “Just For Us” arrived on Broadway last summer to positive reviews. It was a “Critic’s Pick” in The New York Times, which described the show as “Brisk, smart, and belly-laugh funny.”
The show has cemented Edelman’s reputation as a writer-performer of impressive ambition and technical skill. In its latest edition, Time Magazine named Edelman to the Time100 list of the 100 most influential people for 2024.
“We are so fortunate to be able to present a show of this caliber in Kansas City,” said Jennie Stolper, co-chair for B’nai Jehudah. “We hope that many members of both congregations and anyone else from the community will be able to attend.”
Beth Shalom and B’nai Jehudah are splitting show expenses, and each congregation is offering sponsorships, the proceeds of which they each keep. The synagogues are still soliciting sponsor packages, which include show tickets. Sponsorship information is available by calling either synagogue.
Single tickets are now on sale and are available by calling the Yardley Hall box office at (913) 469-4445.
