You Got Older Off-Broadway Review: Alia Shawkat and Peter Friedman Shine in Quirky Cancer Comedy

Clare Barron’s new play You Got Older has opened at the Cherry Lane Theater, delivering a bold mix of humor, heartbreak, and eccentric family dynamics. Despite its bleak premise—a daughter returning home to care for her father after his cancer diagnosis—the production finds comedy in unexpected places.

A Quirky Take on Family and Illness

The play follows Mae, played by Alia Shawkat, who moves back home after a breakup to support her father, portrayed by Peter Friedman. What unfolds is a family-centered comedy that embraces awkwardness, gross humor, and surreal tangents. Barron’s script meanders, but its oddball turns keep audiences engaged.

Standout Performances

Shawkat and Friedman deliver understated yet powerful performances. Shawkat conveys affection through subtle gestures, like cautiously biting into her father’s homegrown peppers. Friedman, meanwhile, dismisses a grandson’s phone call with a casual wave of a hospital sponge, embodying his character’s quiet resilience. The ensemble cast adds depth, particularly in scenes where Mae gathers with her siblings. Director Anne Kauffman’s attention to detail ensures each character feels distinct, even with minimal dialogue.

Loopy Humor and Surreal Fantasies

Barron’s writing veers into unconventional territory, including Mae’s encounters with an old classmate and a recurring cowboy sex fantasy. These moments, both absurd and provocative, highlight the play’s willingness to explore discomfort with wit. Disease permeates the narrative, surfacing in unexpected ways, often paired with perverse humor. While the play lacks a tidy conclusion, its refusal to resolve neatly mirrors the unpredictability of real life.

A Bold Theatrical Experience

You Got Older may not offer a conventional ending, but its blend of comedy, family drama, and surreal fantasy makes it a compelling theatrical experience. Shawkat and Friedman’s performances anchor the play, while Barron’s script challenges audiences to find humor in life’s darkest corners.