'The New One': Journey of a reluctant dad

‘THE NEW ONE’: Mike Birbiglia. Photo: Joan Marcus

THE NEW ONE
Written by Mike Birbiglia
Directed by Seth Barrish
Through January 20, 2019
Cort Theatre
138 West 48th Street
New York, N.Y.
212-239-6200, www.thenewone.com

By David NouNou

The New One focuses on a hilarious rite of passage as a gentle soul regales the audience with his life ups and downs and we relate to his travails in one form or another.

The show starts with solo writer/performer Mike Birbiglia (Sleepwalk with Me) in his early 20s obtaining his first important purchase, a couch, and all the events that take place on this couch. He jokes about the diagnosis of his various ailments over the years and the comfort he got from the couch, the times he’s shared with his wife and cat on this couch, and eventually his daughter’s takeover of the couch.

Throughout this journey, Mr. Birbiglia guides us into his personal thoughts and viewpoints on his life. From the onset he warns us that he never wanted to have a child because of his weak gene pool and his dislike of children. Before he got married, he and his wife decided they would never have any kids, especially when all their friends and relatives constantly told them how kids change their life and the joy they bring is boundless. Well, as every good thing has to come to an end, their life as a duo changes when his wife announces she is pregnant.

The next stage is coming to grips with the pregnancy and the expectancy of becoming a father and all the changes it entails. Of course, there is the birth of a child, and it’s a girl. Again more changes ensue until the final resolution. This journey is a nonstop roller coaster of unbridled storytelling and Mr. Birbiglia is a consummate pro. His ease of recounting his past is consistent hilarity and his humor is never forced and in your face. He just glides, smooth as butter.

Seth Barrish, the director, has paced the evening with a smooth flow and keeps everything a constant delight. The New One is a clever, insightful look at how even guys who never wanted to can become great dads. Mike Birbiglia rules.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published November 15, 2018
Reviewed at November 14, 2018 press performance.