David Cumming is a composer and musician working across musical theatre, film, and television. His collaborative approach to songwriting, often working with lyricists and composers to create distinctive theatrical moments, brings a sharp sense of dramatic timing and character voice to his work.
Why we love this
This number captures a specific theatrical tension: the moment when characters must reckon with whether their elaborate plan actually worked. The songwriting balances uncertainty with momentum, giving singers genuine dramatic material to sink their teeth into rather than a formulaic song beat. It's the kind of piece that reminds audiences why they came to the theatre.
What to expect
Tense, intelligent, and propelled by curiosity. The music sits in that space where humour and anxiety coexist; the melody keeps moving forward even as the lyrics express doubt. It has the conversational sharpness of modern musical theatre writing.
Who it's for
Singers preparing audition material or soloists in a musical theatre program will find a contemporary song with genuine character work. It's accessible to intermediate and advanced singers and works well for performers exploring pieces from recent musical theatre.
How to get the most out of it
Find the subtext beneath the surface question. The lyrics ask 'Did we do it?' but the emotional stakes vary for each character. Vocal clarity matters here because the audience needs to hear doubt, hope, or victory in how the question is sung.
Collaborate closely with your pianist on the pacing. Broadway piano parts often drive the song's forward motion, especially during transitions or moments of textual uncertainty.
Test the vocal demands early in rehearsal. Seven pages gives you room to build stamina, so work the song in sections before running it top to bottom.
How to use it
Insert this into a cabaret or song recital program featuring contemporary musical theatre writing. It pairs well with other character songs that examine pivotal moments, and it offers singers a chance to show both vocal control and dramatic nuance in the same five to seven minutes.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining character voice through a longer contemporary song
Coordinating vocal expression with piano accompaniment in theatrical context
Building emotional stakes across multiple phrases without relying on volume alone
Reading and interpreting modern musical theatre notation and phrasing
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