“If you’re in the dumps, perhaps because you, too, have been contemplating life’s evanescence, I can think of no better way to cheer you up than a visit to Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool, whose motto should be, “Come on in, the water’s fine.”.”
PLAYCLOSED
Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool
Opened Nov 13, 2022 · Closed Jan 15, 2023 · Ran for 2 months
10 Rave
8 Positive
1 Mixed
Critics' Take
Birbiglia delivers his best and most mature solo show yet, masterfully blending hilarious storytelling with poignant reflections on mortality and health. Critics praise his expert circular narrative structure and ability to find profound humor in dark subjects.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
19 reviews10 Rave
8 Positive
1 Mixed
Sort:
“I was thoroughly enraptured by every word of a performance that flew by, and became the most fun I've had at a show in years, if not ever.”
“The Old Man & the Pool is one helluva sandwich.”
“In that respect, The Old Man and the Pool is Birbiglia at his most truthful.”
“Birbiglia is excellent at his craft, knowing when to guide the audience through an emotion and when to perfectly execute a gag that has slowly been building.”
Audience Scorecard
597 audience reviews
A-
Liking It
Awards Scorecard
2022-23 season7
Nominated
Outer Critics:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool?
Birbiglia delivers his best and most mature solo show yet, masterfully blending hilarious storytelling with poignant reflections on mortality and health. Critics praise his expert circular narrative structure and ability to find profound humor in dark subjects. (CriticScore 84/100 from 19 reviews.)
Is Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool worth seeing?
Absolutely — Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool is one of the season's most acclaimed shows, earning a rare 84/100 from 19 critics. Don't miss it.
What is the CriticScore for Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool?
Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool has a CriticScore of 84/100 based on 19 professional reviews. This is considered a "Critical Gold" show.
Is Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool still running on Broadway?
No, Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & The Pool has closed. It played at Vivian Beaumont Theater and closed on January 15, 2023.
Theater Scorecard
Great VenueThe Vivian Beaumont Theater offers exceptional sightlines and sound quality due to its unique thrust stage design, ensuring a great view and auditory experience from nearly every seat. While the ambiance is enhanced by its location within the Lincoln Center, the comfort level is average with some reports of tight seating, and facilities are typical for a Broadway venue.
Original Broadway Cast
- Mike BirbigliaPerformer
Creative Team
- Seth BarrishDirector
- Mike BirbigliaPlaywright
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 84/100 (19 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Nov 13, 2022
- Closed
- Jan 15, 2023
- Run Length
- 2 months
- Synopsis
- Mike Birbiglia (; born June 20, 1978) is an American comedian, actor, director, producer and Emmy-nominated writer. He has written and performed a series of award-winning solo shows worldwide.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
