Watch The New One

The New One is a one-man show performed by comedian and writer Mike Birbiglia. It premiered Off-Broadway in 2018 and had a limited run on Broadway in 2019. The show deals with Birbiglia's reluctance to have a child with his wife and his eventual journey to becoming a father.

The show begins with Birbiglia discussing his marriage and love life with his wife in a comedic manner, but as the show progresses, the theme turns to a serious one. Birbiglia delves deep into his fears and insecurities about becoming a parent and how he is scared of losing himself in the process. As he navigates through the decision of whether or not to have a child, he realizes that several others in his life view parenthood differently than he does. His sister sees it as a milestone in her life, and his best friend sees it as a way of avoiding his problems.

Birbiglia dissects these different viewpoints through his inimitable brand of storytelling, throwing in impeccable punchlines to break the tension. He also discusses the joys and trials of becoming a parent, including the struggles of Ivf, fears of genetic defects, and the realization that his child will have its own unique personality that he can't control.

The show highlights the anxieties that come with age and responsibility, but also the importance of prioritizing values in life. Birbiglia’s delivery and storytelling create an intimate and experiential atmosphere for viewers. By peppering the narration with accurate and relatable anecdotes, Birbiglia creates a show that is both humorous and thought-provoking.

Birbiglia's writing is impeccable as ever, with each phrase as sharp as a blade. His use of callbacks, mimicry, and wordplay are also masterful. Birbiglia’s performance style has always been more laid back than most stand-up comedians, which translates well into this show, and his facial expressions and vocal intonations make the experience even more immersive.

The staging of the show is also worth mentioning. The set is minimalist, which means that nothing distracts from Birbiglia's storytelling. He uses a few props, such as old toys, a hospital wristband and a microphone, to illustrate points in his story, but again, the focus is almost entirely on his words.

The New One is a must-watch for all comedy lovers and anyone interested in the experiences of parenthood. While it is impossible to give away the ending of the show, rest assured that Birbiglia’s trademark style of seamlessly merging humor and vulnerability through his outstanding storytelling is ever-present and manages to leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

In conclusion, The New One is a masterpiece in storytelling that explores the theme of parenthood through Birbiglia’s hilarious and honest perspective. The show captures life truths and presents them in a highly entertaining manner that makes it an unforgettable experience to watch. Birbiglia’s show is so relatable that it reminds you of your own unique experiences, struggles, victories, and mistakes, making it an excellent evening of entertainment. It is an exceptional piece of theatre that is deservedly acclaimed.

The New One is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on November 25, 2019.