About the Show

Second Stage presents Young Jean Lee's non-musical/non-play/non-concert that is not about dying.

From the show:

It's a celebration of the things we do, say, and sing to keep ourselves going as we hurtle toward the finish line. Through a series of stories and songs both hilarious and heartbreaking, Young Jean Lee’s We're Gonna Die, under Raja Feather Kelly's new direction, offers proof positive that being alive is about more than just awaiting the inevitable.come

Critic Reviews (12)

"In ‘We’re Gonna Die,’ Pop Songs for the Reaper: Young Jean Lee offers upbeat tunes about downbeat lives and inevitable ends."
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4/5 Stars. "'We're Gonna Die' is in no way sentimental, but it's full of earnest emotion. As our guide and avatar, McDermoth is charming and sounds great, and the band behind her gets our blood pumping even when our hearts are breaking."
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"Lifeboats and Lifelines: Two Musicals Make the Case for Not Giving Up"
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"Face Your Mortality the Fun Way: With Young Jean Lee's 'We're Gonna Die' Janelle McDermoth stars in Second Stage's new production of Lee's theatrical concert."
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"The sounds are as mellow as good whiskey enjoyed in the midnight hour of a troubled day that is swiftly receding into memory."
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"This uncategorizable show...presents one of the frankest reflections on death, aging, rejection and isolation that you are likely to see on stage. Yet, it also happens to be one of the most exhilarating, reassuring, and life-affirming performances you may experience this year."
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4/5 Stars. "A surprisingly lively look at death, 'We're Gonna Die' directly confronts human mortality with some songs, a few stories, and a matter-of-fact attitude."
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4/5 Stars. "If I said you were going to have a great time at a musical called 'We're Gonna Die,' you probably wouldn't believe me. But Young Jean Lee's show will send you off with a smile on your face."
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Trailer

Creative team

Director / Choreographer