‘The Old Man & the Pool’ Review: Wading Into Mike Birbiglia’s Comfort Zone

The comedian once again proves his virtuosity as a narrator, weaving a new harrowing tale in his latest Broadway show.

Mike Birbiglia in his new solo show, "The Old Man & the Pool," at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

Mike Birbiglia knows what he's doing: At this point, his act is baked to golden perfection. Exploring new territories or branching out into unexpected formal terrain is not in the cards for this comedian. His new solo show, "Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & the Pool," directed by his regular collaborator Seth Barrish, is built along the same lines as his previous outings.

To wit, the circular storytelling that elegantly returns to its starting point, leaving little doubt that we will meet the first scene's physician again at the end. As usual, the derision is mostly selfdeprecating, though Birbiglia's family is also the object of ribbing that can be infused with a touch of passive-aggressive edge. Once again, the descriptions of his health issues are graphic and groaninducing: Birbiglia's body is his greatest foe and keeps coming up with new ways to betray him. Other people's bodies are just as discomforting. It's easy to imagine an alternative universe in which Birbiglia's shows are horror movies.

Potentially life-threatening ailments take center stage in Birbiglia's new production, which opened Sunday at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater after playing various other venues around the country. Here he is largely concerned with his own mortality - a troubling feeling at any time, but especially for a man who is just in his early 40s.

The story is kick-started by a checkup during which Birbiglia struggles to blow into a tube to test his breathing. "Am I having a heart attack?" he asks the doctor, who answers with the terrifyingly noncommittal "I don't think so."