University Productions hosts comedian Mike Birbiglia

Actor, director and comedian Mike Birbiglia delivered an hour-long stand up routine to a packed Zoellner auditorium Thursday night as part of his “Thank God for Jokes” tour, which will visit one hundred different cities. The show was planned and put on by Lehigh’s University Productions.

Following the success of his specials, “What I Should Have Said Was Nothing” and “Mike Birbiglia’s Secret Public Journal,” in addition to his 2012 directorial debut, “Sleepwalk with Me,” the thirty-six-year-old comic has garnered public acclaim for his playful demeanor and awkward but effective delivery. Thursday night’s show was no different, as Birbiglia slowly rambled about the stage discussing a variety of different topics in his signature gawky style.

Crowd favorites included stories about his wife and cat, his early career, and the time he accidentally dropped the “f-bomb” while doing a show with the Muppets. During a bit on the use of profanity, he even made a subtle jab at Bill Cosby, pointing out that just because a comedian doesn’t swear, doesn’t mean he isn’t a criminal.

Birbiglia continually interacted with the audience throughout the show, including a joke towards the end where he had one member recount his memory of being arrested, in detail, to the rest of the room. His unorthodox approach to story telling and his ability to improvise made for a thoroughly entertaining performance. The crowd reciprocated with standing applause as he closed out his set.

“He was hilarious,” William Pagano, ’15, said. “I love his whole presence and how he moves himself and his props around the stage — just how he uses the mic-stand and the stool.”

The audience made its way out of the auditorium, and Zoellner’s main lobby was filled with the sounds of laughter and attempted impersonations.

“Overall it was great,” Brian Swanick, ’15, said. “Gotta’ love to laugh. Mike has great jokes and the message clearly hits home with Lehigh students.”

Opening for Mike Birbiglia was burgeoning comic, and Lehigh favorite, Josh Rabinowitz. An aspiring writer and stand-up comedian in his mid twenties, Rabinowitz has been recognized as one of Comedy Central’s “Comics To Watch,” and as a “Breakout Artist” at the New York Comedy Festival.

He entertained the crowd with a short, playful set that covered everything from time travel to genital herpes, and even serial muggers. His performance received very positive reactions from both the crowd and Birbiglia, who repeated Josh’s last joke as he began his own show.

“I think they made a good choice,” Deborah Sacarakis, artistic director of Zoellner Arts Center, said. “I enjoyed both Josh and Mr. Birbiglia’s performances and found their presentation to be both thoughtful and entertaining. Thanks to University Productions for organizing.”