ABOUT THIS SHOW
On the heels of his award-winning Broadway show The New One, comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia comes to the Steppenwolf stage with a tale of life, death, and a highly chlorinated YMCA pool. With his unique form of comedic storytelling, Birbiglia chronicles a coming-of-middle-age story that asks the big questions: Why are we here? What’s next? And what happens when the items at the doctor’s office that you thought were decorative become quite useful?
Steppenwolf members receive a special discount on tickets for The Old Man and the Pool. Members received an email with a promo code for $45 tickets when purchasing tickets online or over the phone. Our Audience Services team is available at 312-335-1650 for assistance.
Having difficulty purchasing tickets online? Please call our Audience Services team at 312-335-1650 for assistance. We're happy to help!
Running Time
Content Advisory
This show is recommended for ages 12+.
Additional information
Downstairs Theatre Info & Seat Map
This show is a produced by a visiting company. Rush tickets and student rush tickets are not available for this production.
Accessible Performances
ASL interpreted:
Friday, May 20 at 8pm
Closed Captions:
Saturday, May 21 at 4pm
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Written and Performed by Mike Birbiglia
- Directed by Seth Barrish
- Production Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn
Reviews
“After honing his craft for so long, Birbiglia has become a unique hybrid between a straight stand-up comic and a storyteller” – Chicago Tribune
“A gorgeous longform piece of storytelling that unspools slowly… it’s the most moving, most honest, most surprising and tender, and it’s also wildly funny” – Vulture
“A diarist with first-hand experience of existential extremes” – Los Angeles Times
“His comedic observational skills are sharp as a tack… peppered with hysterical one-liners that sneak up on you like comedic stealth bombs. By the end of the evening, you feel less like an audience member than an old friend” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Empathetic character study with comedy-club pizzazz” – Variety
“Mood-altering miracle that is stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia” – Chicago Tribune
Vaccination and mask policy
Steppenwolf is part of the growing coalition of Chicagoland performing arts venues and producers that have agreed upon COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements for all audiences, artists and staff. Learn more about Steppenwolf’s policies at steppenwolf.org/welcomeback.
Photo by Sasha Israel