The Apiary

For most people, fear is an emotion that resides deep within. For Mike Birbiglia, fear is a jackal that looms over his bed every night. Birbiglia is a master story teller who draws you into his world: in Sleepwalk With Me, every moment motivates the next. Much of the story focuses on his lingering inability to face his problems. As Mike lets his whole life drift away and he distances himself from everyone he meets, the literal and metaphorical implications of running around with one's eyes closed becomes apparent.

Although there were many fans of his comedy in the audience, the majority of attendees in the packed house were theatrepeople who probably hadn't heard of him before but trusted the judgment of experienced actor/first-time producer Nathan Lane. During a brief Q & A after the show, Mike stated that he was still adjusting internally to the dramatic paradigm, where his goal was no longer to deliver maximum laughs per minute but instead to guide us on a journey filled with at least as many downs as ups. He appears to be doing a good job in his new role, as the show's run (which officially opened Off-Broadway Nov. 11) has been extended into March 2009.