Artist Bio

(Bio as of March 2018)

Learn more about the world premire of David Cale’s We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time, September 15 – October 21 in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre >>

David Cale previously appeared at the Goodman in the premiere of his musical Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky, for which he wrote the book, lyrics, co-composed the music and played Floyd. The work was also commissioned by the Goodman. Cale’s additional Goodman shows include the premieres of the solos Lillian, Somebody Else’s House (Goodman commission), Deep in a Dream of You (Goodman commission), Smooch Music and The Redthroats. Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky went on to a run in New York at Playwrights Horizons, receiving an Outer Critics Circle Nomination for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical. Lillian also ran at Playwrights Horizons, receiving an Obie Award, and Deep in a Dream of You ran at The Public Theater, receiving a Bessie Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement. Lillian was recorded live at the Goodman Studio Theatre for National Public Radio’s This American Life. Mr. Cale’s other solo shows include The History of Kisses, Palomino and A Likely Story. His duet works include The Blue Album (in collaboration with Dael Orlandersmith) and Betwixt. He composed the songs for 600 Highwaymen’s Employee of the Year (Under the Radar Festival at The Public Theater, Bessie Award nomination) and has written lyrics for songs sung by artists including Debbie Harry and Elvis Costello. A show of his songs Nightclub Dream, performed in collaboration with Matthew Dean Marsh, is ongoing. As an actor, Mr. Cale’s film and television credits include The Slaughter Rule, Pollock and The Good Wife. He has performed in plays on Broadway and off, most recently The Total Bent (Public Theater). A work-in-progress of We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time was recently part of the 2018 UTR Festival (Public Theater). His new solo work Harry Clarke starring Billy Crudup premiered off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre, was recorded by Audible and is currently running at the Minetta Lane Theater. 

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