Written and Performed by David Cale
Lyrics by David Cale
Music by David Cale and Matthew Dean Marsh
Directed by Robert Falls
Arrangements and Music Direction by Matthew Dean Marsh
???? (out of 4)
– DAILY HERALD
We’re Only Alive for a Short Amount of Time
Sep 15 – Oct 21, 2018 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
90 minutes, no intermission
A musical memoir of hope, family and transcendence.
Growing up, writer/performer David Cale escaped his parents’ fraught marriage by singing in his bedroom and tending to birds in his backyard animal hospital—until a tragedy changed everything. Lush songs—featuring “an exquisite six-piece orchestra” (PerformInk)—and an intimate portrait of his mother unite in Cale’s vivid “survival story, deeply moving in its courage” (Chicago Tribune).
Critical Praise
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“Deeply personal, indisputably courageous”
– Chicago Tribune
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“Strikes a resounding chord”
– Chicago Sun-Times
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“Frequently shocking and deeply moving”
– Chicago Tribune
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David Cale is “a spell-binding storyteller”
– Los Angeles Times
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“Deeply affecting”
– Daily Herald
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David Cale delivers “a singular kind of fusion, merging music with his one-man recitations”
– Chicago Tribune
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Cale’s work combines “reality, fantasy and an almost clairvoyant insight into personality”
– The New York Times
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“A story of survival…of striving to transcend”
– Chicago Tribune
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David Cale is “a warm and gracious emcee to the story of his life”
– Chicago Sun-Times
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“Cale’s storytelling is so compelling”
– Daily Herald
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A “deeply moving autobiographical show”
– Chicago Tribune
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Features “a quintet of superb Chicagoland musicians”
– Chicago Sun-Times
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“Cale has been working his whole life toward this one show”
– Chicago Tribune
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“Engrossing”
– Daily Herald
Audience Feedback
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Fascinating; indeed, riveting.
Judith D. via Facebook
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Fantastic performance of a heartfelt story. David Cale is magnificent!
Goodman Patron via Rosemary K.
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This was one of the most marvelous experiences we have had at the theater.
Mark W. via Facebook
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Cannot recommend it enough. Life-changing.
Frank M. via Facebook
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This might be the best play I’ve ever seen at the Goodman.
David H. via Facebook
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Original piece that transcends time and generations.
Debra S. via Facebook
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Phenomenal. The acting, the music and the flow of the story.
Nancy A. via Facebook
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A must-see. Run, don’t walk. This is the real deal.
Frank M. via Facebook
Artists
