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David Cale

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BIO

DAVID CALE is an English-American performance artist, playwright, songwriter and actor based in New York City.



His solo musical memoir "We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time", for which he wrote the book, lyrics, co-composed the music with Matthew Dean Marsh, and starred, premiered at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago and The Public Theater, New York City and was the recipient of the 2019 Jeff Award for Best New Musical, a NY Times Critics Pick, a 2020 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, a 2020 Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Show, a 2020 Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance and a 2020 Obie Award.

Cale’s solo play "Harry Clarke", starring Billy Crudup, premiered at the Vineyard Theatre, NYC and transferred to the Minetta Lane Theatre produced, and recorded, by Audible, receiving a NY Times Critics Pick and a 2018 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show. His follow-up solo play "Sandra", starring Marjan Neshat, premiered at the Vineyard Theatre.

Cale’s earlier works for which he was both writer and performer include "The History of Kisses", "Palomino", "A Likely Story", "Lillian" (Obie Award), "Deep in a Dream of You" (Bessie Award), "Smooch Music" and "The Redthroats" (Bessie Award).

His self-performed solo shows have been presented throughout the U.S. including at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons, The Public Theater, Second Stage, New York Theatre Workshop and The New Group and regionally at venues including the Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Goodman Theatre, where six of his solos have been presented.

Cale wrote the book, lyrics, co-composed the music for and starred in the musical "Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky" (Playwrights Horizons, Goodman Theatre, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Best New Off-Broadway Musical), inspired by his experience portraying Floyd Duffner in Alex and Andrew Smith’s film, "The Slaughter Rule". He composed the songs for 600 Highwaymen’s "Employee of the Year" (Bessie Award nomination), lyrics for Debbie Harry’s recordings with The Jazz Passengers, as well as many songs with his musical collaborator Matthew Dean Marsh.

His stage acting credits include "The Threepenny Opera" (The Roundabout at Studio 54), Stew and Heidi Rodewald’s "The Total Bent" (Public Theater), "The Seagull/Woodstock, NY" (The New Group). Film acting credits include "Winter in the Blood", "Two Lovers", "Private Life" and "Light From Light".

He was the first recipient of the Sun Valley Playwright’s Residency, to live and work in Ernest Hemingway’s home in Ketchum, Idaho, where he wrote his newest solo show "Blue Cowboy". "Blue Cowboy", with Cale performing, was recently developed at Berkeley Rep’s 2023 Ground Floor Residency directed by Les Waters. "Harry Clarke", starring Billy Crudup, directed by Leigh Silverman, ran at Berkeley Rep in Fall 2023 and will transfer to London’s West End, to the Ambassadors Theatre, in the Spring 2024., marking Cale's U.K. debut.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
The New Group Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2023
Samuel


[Off-Broadway]
Public Theatre Off-Broadway Production, 2016
Byron Blackwell


[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere, 2012
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
2008
Frank


[Off-Broadway]
2008
Jonathan


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2006
Floyd Duffner

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2006

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2006
Matthew


Mr. Peachum (Understudy)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1998
Captain Tock


[Off-Broadway]
1997
Bernie


[Broadway]
1996
Morris Dixon


Garry Essendine (Understudy)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Performer


Productions

 
[West End, 2024]
Writer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Playwright

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Composer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2020 - Special Citation

David CaleWe’re Only Alive For A Short Time​


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Solo Performance

David CaleWe’re Only Alive For a Short Amount of Time


winner
Obie Awards - 1999 - Special Citations

David Cale, Lillian

Videos

News


The Bushwick Starr Reveals 2025-26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jul 16, 2025

The Bushwick Starr has announced its upcoming 2025-26 Season, which features premieres from three artists: David Cale, La Daniella and Michael Oluokun, and more.
Pangea's INCUBATOR FESTIVAL Returns with New Shows
by Emmy Rice - Jul 12, 2025

The East Village supper club Pangea is presenting the second edition of its cross-disciplinary “Incubator Festival,” with nine new shows in a three-week stretch from Sun July 20 to Sun Aug 10.  
Amanda Seyfried Reveals She Auditioned Six Times for the WICKED Movie
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 27, 2025

During a recent podcast appearance, Amanda Seyfried shared more details about her audition as Glinda for the Wicked movie, revealing that she auditioned six times for the part.
PANGEA PRIDE June Lineup Includes James Jackson Jr., David Cale, Tjasa Ferme and More
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 3, 2025

Pangea has put together a lineup of diverse  entertainers in June for its contribution to Pride Month. The venue will present eight new shows throughout the month.
Ancram Center For The Arts Reveals 2025 Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

Ancram Center for the Arts has announced its 2025 season which includes, in addition to its renown storytelling programs, a regional premiere, three site-specific original performances, and two staged readings.
LEFT ON TENTH and More Set for GableStage Theatre Company 27th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025

GableStage has unveiled its 27th Season at the historic Biltmore Hotel. Spanning October 2025 through June 2026, the five-play lineup features four premieres and a production written and directed by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz. Learn more!
Amanda Seyfried Recalls Intense Stage Fright During Off-Broadway Play
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

In a new interview, Amanda Seyfried talked about her experience in the off-Broadway play The Way We Get By, sharing the intense stage fright she felt during the production.
A Guide to Upcoming Movie Musicals- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, GUYS & DOLLS & More
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 14, 2025

Though many are eagerly awaiting Wicked: For Good, there are plenty of other upcoming movie musicals to get Broadway fans on their feet, some of which we will see before November. Take a look at our guide to all upcoming movie musicals!
Broadway's OTHELLO: Meet the All-Star Cast as Previews Begin at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

Discover the star-studded cast of Broadway's OTHELLO as previews launch tonight, February 24, 2025, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Premiere set for March 23.
Photos: ENGLISH on Broadway Opening Night Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 24, 2025

Sanaz Toossi's Pulitzer Prize-winning play English, directed by Knud Adams, is officially open on Broadway at The Todd Haimes Theatre. Check out photos from the red carpet here! 
Pangea to Launch New Pop-Up INCUBATOR FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

A new cross-disciplinary festival, Pangea's “Incubator Festival,” is about to launch in the East Village. See full programming and learn how to attend the festival!
Meet the Cast of ENGLISH, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jan 3, 2025

Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Sanaz Toossi's English, directed by Knud Adams, is officially coming to Broadway, and is now playing. Meet the cast of English here!
Amanda Seyfried to Star in New Musical Movie ANN LEE About Religious Leader
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 12, 2024

Amanda Seyfried has wrapped filming on Ann Lee, a musical based on the story of Mother Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker Movement. She will appear in the film alongside Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, and more.
Playwrights Horizons Renames Mainstage 'The Judith O. Rubin Theater' After Longtime Board Chair
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 29, 2024

Playwrights Horizons  has renamed its Mainstage Theater the Judith O. Rubin Theater,.
Photos: Todd Almond's I'M ALMOST THERE Opens at Audible Theater
by Bruce Glikas - Sep 29, 2024

The New York premiere of I’m Almost There, written and performed by Todd Almond and directed by David Cromer opened on Thursday, September 26th and Broadway World was there to capture the festivities. Check out photos here!
Sun Valley Playwright's Residency Announces Fall 2024 Programming with The Argyros Performing Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 6, 2024

Sun Valley Playwright’s Residency announced its 2024 lineup, featuring Max Posner, Rajiv Joseph, Sarah DeLappe, Samuel D. Hunter, Billie McBride, and Jeremy Shamos in Wood River Valley this October.
South Coast Repertory Names Suzanne Appel As Managing Director
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 23, 2024

South Coast Repertory and its Board of Trustees have announced that Suzanne Appel will be the theatre’s new managing director. The appointment follows a national search. Appel joins Artistic Director David Ivers as co-chief executive officer of the Tony Award-winning theatre, now celebrating its 60th season.
Vivid Stage Will Host SUMMER SOLOS Every Week in July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 17, 2024

Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, will present Summer Solos readings every week from July 1 through 24 at 6:30 pm at the Visual Arts Center of NJ at 68 Elm Street in Summit.
Everyman Theatre Presents BALTIMORE, BROADWAY, AND BEYOND
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 15, 2024

Everyman Theatre has announced a new summer music series, Baltimore Broadway and Beyond, featuring a diverse lineup of performances celebrating local and Broadway talent.
TheaterWorks Hartford Extends SANDRA
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2024

TheaterWorks Hartford has announced an extension of their season closer SANDRA written by David Cale, with original music by Matthew Dean Marsh, which will now close on Thursday, June 27, 2024. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has David Cale been in?

David Cale has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has David Cale been in?

David Cale has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has David Cale been nominated for?

Special Citation (Obie Awards) for We’re Only Alive For A Short Time​, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for We’re Only Alive For a Short Amount of Time and Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Lillian.

What awards has David Cale won?

David Cale has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won a Special Citation from the Obie Awards for We’re Only Alive For A Short Time. Additionally, he earned the Outstanding Solo Performance award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for We’re Only Alive For A Short Amount of Time. He also received Special Citations from the Obie Awards for Lillian.

How many shows has David Cale written?

David Cale has written 6 shows including The Redthroats (Playwright), Lillian (Playwright), Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky (Bookwriter), Motherhood Out Loud (Playwright), Harry Clarke (Playwright).

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