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

Sept 15 - Oct 21, 2018 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

Around 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).

 

 

Exclusive music video

What audiences are saying

Playwright and performer David Cale in his world premiere solo musical memoir "We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time", directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

Director Robert Falls

Playwright and performer David Cale in his world premiere solo musical memoir "We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time", directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

Sneak a peek at the show

Social media responses

Playwright and performer David Cale in his world premiere solo musical memoir "We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time", directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

Exclusive music video

What audiences are saying

Playwright and performer David Cale in his world premiere solo musical memoir "We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time", directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

Director Robert Falls

Playwright and performer David Cale in his world premiere solo musical memoir "We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time", directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

Sneak a peek at the show

Social media responses

Playwright and performer David Cale in his world premiere solo musical memoir "We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time", directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

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Artists
  • David Cale

    David Cale Playwright, Performer, Lyricist, Composer

  • Matthew Dean Marsh

    Matthew Dean Marsh Composer, Arrangements and Music Director

  • Robert Falls

    Robert Falls Director

  • Dave Belden

    Dave Belden Viola

  • Michelle Campbell

    Michelle Campbell Harp

  • Desiree Miller

    Desiree Miller Cello

  • Jered Montgomery

    Jered Montgomery Trumpet

  • Anna Najoom

    Anna Najoom Clarinet

  • Kevin Depinet

    Kevin Depinet Set Design

  • Paul Marlow

    Paul Marlow Costume Design

  • Jennifer Tipton

    Jennifer Tipton Lighting Design

  • Mikhail Fiksel

    Mikhail Fiksel Sound Design

  • Neena Arndt

    Neena Arndt Dramaturg

  • Briana J. Fahey

    Briana J. Fahey Production Stage Manager

  • Kimberly Ann McCann

    Kimberly Ann McCann Stage Manager

Critical Praise

  • "Deeply personal, indisputably courageous"

    - Chicago Tribune

  • "Strikes a resounding chord"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

  • "Frequently shocking and deeply moving"

    - Chicago Tribune

  • David Cale is "a spell-binding storyteller"

    - Los Angeles Times

  • "Deeply affecting"

    - Daily Herald

  • David Cale delivers "a singular kind of fusion, merging music with his one-man recitations"

    - Chicago Tribune

  • Cale's work combines "reality, fantasy and an almost clairvoyant insight into personality"

    - The New York Times

  • "A story of survival...of striving to transcend"

    - Chicago Tribune

  • David Cale is "a warm and gracious emcee to the story of his life"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

  • "Cale's storytelling is so compelling"

    - Daily Herald

  • A "deeply moving autobiographical show"

    - Chicago Tribune

  • Features "a quintet of superb Chicagoland musicians"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

  • "Cale has been working his whole life toward this one show"

    - Chicago Tribune

  • "Engrossing"

    - Daily Herald

Talks & Events
  • Drinks & Discussion Events

    Drinks & Discussion Events

    Throughout the run

    Enhance your theater-going experience with one of our Drinks & Discussion Series events! Stay after select performances for a Post-Show Discussion, arrive a bit early to select performances for a PlayTalk Session, or enjoy an Artist Encounter event.

    LEARN MORE

Audience Response

  • Fascinating; indeed, riveting.

    Judith D. via

  • Fantastic performance of a heartfelt story. David Cale is magnificent!

    Goodman Patron via

  • This was one of the most marvelous experiences we have had at the theater.

    Mark W. via

  • Cannot recommend it enough. Life-changing.

    Frank M. via

  • This might be the best play I've ever seen at the Goodman.

    David H. via

  • Original piece that transcends time and generations.

    Debra S. via

  • Phenomenal. The acting, the music and the flow of the story.

    Nancy A. via

  • A must-see. Run, don't walk. This is the real deal.

    Frank M. via

Recommended Reads
Accessibility

Join us for any of the following accessible performances.

Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.

Touch Tour and Audio Described performanceTouch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, October 13
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2pm Performance

For reserved seating for this service, use promo AUDIO.

Reservations for the touch tour are available at check-out for no additional charge. For more information, please call the Box Office or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.

American Sign Language Interpreted PerformanceAmerican Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Wednesday, October 17 at 7:30pm

For reserved seating for this service, use promo SIGN.

Open Caption Performance Open-Captioned Performance
Saturday, October 20 at 2pm

For reserved seating for this service, use promo OPEN.

 See All Accessibility Information for We're Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time

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