The Old Man and the Pool at Steppenwolf Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...He figured out long ago that he knows how to talk about love, a topic that many male comedians avoid, and, given his history of health issues, he also is adept at conveying his most significant message: enjoy each quirky moment, for tomorrow is not promised. And feel the love. That's what you get for some 75 minutes for your 75 bucks downstairs at Steppenwolf, and it's like a warmth bath in a chilly spring with time left to get dinner."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"..."The Old Man and the Pool," playing through May 22 at Steppenwolf Theatre's Downstairs Theater, serves as the story of how Birbiglia continually faces the very real prospect of death with his own version of calm: by joking about it. His willingness to allow his insecurities and awkwardness to stand in as the butt of these jokes is what elevates the show to a higher form of gallows humor."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Birbiglia's delivery remains deliciously dry and deadpan, with offhand observations on even the smallest details. Like how some doorbells just scream "We're rich!," or how all toddlers sound like they're from Boston when announcing they're ready for a nap: "I'm TAWRehd!" (Being from Massachusetts, Birbiglia adds that Boston toddlers say, "I'm WICKED TAWRehd!")"

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...Mike Birbiglia is a comic who tries to put talk about death, sickness, and dying in as funny a light as possible. Sometimes he succeeds and sometimes he doesn't, depending on your expectations and your sense of humor. Birbiglia bases his one-man comedy routine on his autobiography, replete with sadness and tragedy. He nicely interweaves diverse anecdotes and reflections throughout his 80-minute performance, and this part is well done: We never lose interest in his story. My guest and I laughed at some of the jokes, but far from all. We seemed to be in the minority. The audience was roaring, and most gave him a standing ovation at the end."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...And if Birbiglia has a signature style, it is that: his deft ability to hone a story to its most essential, impactful moments, imbuing his humor with heart. Or is it his heart with humor? Either way, it remains a winning combination and The Old Man and the Pool confirms it."