Bad Jews 

Reviewed by Lara J. Altunian 
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble 
Extended through June 24 

RECOMMENDED 

Joshua Harmon’s dark comedy Bad Jews takes place in the aftermath of a family funeral and centers on a debate sparked among the dead patriarch’s grandchildren as they fight over a family heirloom. Their arguments and petty spats give rise to discussions of what it means to be Jewish and to what degree their culture should influence their lives. Dana Resnick’s direction and the cast’s portrayal of these clashing but interconnected personalities make for a powerful production that cleverly employs humor to address touchy topics many of us are familiar with.

On the evening of their “Poppy’s” funeral, Daphna (Jeanette Deutsch) is spending the night at her rich cousins Jonah (Austin Rogers) and Liam (Noah James)’s studio apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Right away, the audience is introduced to Daphna’s incessant talking and obnoxious personality. She is a know-it-all elitist who loves bringing up her dedication to Judaism, but in a way that is critical of her fellow Jews, specifically Liam. Daphna tells the timid and quiet Jonah that she believes his brother is too cavalier about their heritage, especially because he could not even make it in time to the funeral as he was too busy skiing in Aspen. All of this is intended as a fantastic argument for her inheriting Poppy’s “Chai,” a traditional golden chain containing the Hebrew word “life.”

Moments later, Liam arrives with his non-Jewish girlfriend Melody (Lila Hood) — a ditzy-sounding blonde with a heart of gold and a degree in opera that she hasn’t used. Daphna immediately starts picking on her. Then — lest Daphna appear the sole villain of the story — Liam launches into a tirade of insults, accusing Daphna of acting like a “super Jew” and unjustifiably coveting the Chai for herself. Daphna then attacks Liam as a hypocrite, maintaining that his lax religious observance is purposefully intended to make him seem cool and aloof. According to Daphna, Liam is just as undeserving of the religious necklace as she because he only practices Judaism at his convenience.

Physical comedy figures heavily into each character’s mounting rage. The animated James repeatedly tightens his stance to show when his character attempts to stifle his anger and frustration. Conversely, when he finally lets loose, he makes use of the entire space to express his rage, kicking objects as his voice cracks every time he mentions Daphna’s name. Deutsch’s mocking facial expressions are the classic signs of a self-righteous person who gets through life believing she’s better than the rest by putting others down first. She eggs Liam on with each swishy gesture and sly smile.

Their matching senses of entitlement manifest in their belief that each knows the “better” way to be Jewish. Together they pore over such matters as religion vs. ethnicity, rich and poor stereotypes, and Judaism’s evolution from the past. They discuss what each aspect of their culture means to them and what the future could look like depending on how much they allow themselves to blend in with the rest of America. 

These are heavy topics, and even the less vocal Jonah and Melody turn out to have their own, differing views. The blunt way in which everything comes to light is hilarious and indicative of typically overblown family arguments and screaming matches. And the details surrounding the Chai, and why each party believes it should be theirs, is fascinating and adds depth to the motives of each character, which become more visible with every verbal attack.

Bad Jews, which left audience members laughing loudly on opening night, also provides insight into the problems of any ethnic group trying to preserve their identity within America’s mainstream, and prompts audience members to reflect on their own values and choices.

Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles; Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m.; Extended through June 24. (866) 811-4111(866) 811-4111(866) 811-4111811-4111(866) 811-4111811-4111 or https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/987269. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.