McClanahan, Forte, and Burstein Join 'SLEEPWALK' Star Birbiglia in Upcoming 'Awkward' Talkbacks

By: Mar. 25, 2009
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"Awkward 10 Minutes With Mike" continues into April once a week after a select evening's performance of Sleepwalk With Me starring Mike Birbiglia at The Bleecker Street Theater.

The new lineup:

March 27th: Will Forte (Saturday Night Live, Beerfest, "Baby Mama")

April 3rd: Nanette Burstein (Academy Award nominated Director; "The Kid Stays In The Picture," "American Teen," "Going the Distance")

April 10th: Rue McClanahan ("The Golden Girls," Wicked, "Maude)

In "Awkward 10 Minutes With Mike," Mike Birbiglia interviews a new guest each week about a personal story that they're uncomfortable about discussing in public. "It's a fun add-on to the show because thematically, Sleepwalk With Me is about telling people the things we're not supposed to talk about," said Birbiglia. "It opens the whole thing up so it's not just about my stories but about everyone's stories. The only danger, of course, is that people will leave and say, 'my favorite part was when he talked to other people at the end!"

In his theatrical debut, comedian Mike Birbiglia takes the audience on a hysterically funny and intensely personal journey through his struggles with sleepwalking and his reluctance to confront his fears of love, honesty and growing up.

Produced by Eli Gonda, Ryan Scott Warren, Mark Turtletaub, Peter Saraf & Nathan Lane and directed by Seth Barrish (The Tricky Part, Old Wicked Songs), the creative team includes set design by Beowulf Boritt (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, My Two and Only), lighting design by Jason Lyons (HurlyBurly, The Threepenny Opera) and sound design by Jim Corona (Movin' Out) and Jody Elff ("My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs," "Oddville").

"This is a project that I've been working on secretly for 4 years and my dream was always that it would cross over into theater," said Mike Birbiglia. "The fact that Seth Barrish is directing and these incredible producers believe in the show- it really feels like great timing in a way that I could never have imagined. Doing this show in NYC is a huge honor. It's also very convenient - roughly about 30 blocks from my apartment."

"Every once in a while, someone comes along who renews your faith in the art of stand-up comedy. It happened when I first saw Mitch Hedberg, and it happened again when I saw Mike Birbiglia" said Nathan Lane. "The energy in the room changes, and you realize you're in the presence of a fresh and original voice. And that is very rare. You know you're getting the real turtle soup, not merely the mock. Like any great comedian, it's hard to categorize Mike - he is his own unique creation. You should definitely just go see him, and get lost in his world. It's a fun and hilarious place to be."

Tickets for Sleepwalk With Me are $55.00 with premium seating available. Sleepwalk With Me plays Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 4pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 4pm. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Telecharge at www.telecharge.com or calling (212) 239-6200.

For more information, please visit: www.SleepwalkWithMike.com.

 



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