So many of the great Black entertainers of the past had insurmountable obstacles to overcome before opening doors for us all. Nat “King” Cole is definitely one of those people who dealt with racism and cancellation, but he also showed the world that Black people are intelligent, talented, charming, elegant, and sophisticated.
With “Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole,” playing at the New York Theatre Workshop, Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor give us Cole at the last taping of his fabulous “Nat ‘King’ Cole Show.” We learn that Madison Avenue would not continue to sponsor the first Black television host. We see, behind the scenes of the show, what Cole had to endure and how he struggled to figure out how to end his last live taping on December 17, 1957.
From the time that Dule Hill steps out on stage as the entertainment icon, you know you are in for a treat. Hill carries himself with such quiet dignity. He has a magnificent voice that does justice to the many beloved songs that Cole was known for. As the character struggles with how to handle his last show, he interacts with his best friend, Sammy Davis Jr., who wants him to go out letting the rich white sponsors know, “you may have cancelled me, but 10 more will come back in my place.”
The audience gets a taste of the delightful times that Cole would have on his show with guests like Eartha Kitt, who stop by and sing with their good friend. We also get the treat of Natalie Cole singing with her father. Another time, Cole, nervous in his dressing room, gets a visit from the spirit of his mother, Perlina, who comes with words of wisdom. There is a magnificent tap number where Cole and Davis dance with great energy, style, and panache.
Daniel J. Watts is funny, delightful, and supportive as Sammy Davis Jr. He appears to be having a great deal of fun playing this unconventional singing/tap dancing/acting entertainment icon.
Experiencing this performance first-hand is truly what I recommend. You will be engrossed and empathetic to the indignities this incredible man had to suffer.
The cast in this production is marvelous. In addition to Hill and Watts, the ensemble cast members seamlessly play multiple roles, memorably. Krystal Joy Brown is sexy and funny as Eartha Kitt and endearing as Natalie Cole. Kenita Miller is touching as Perlina and others. Walter Russell III has a stunning vocal instrument and a delightful stage presence as he plays Billy Preston and others. Kathy Fitzgerald is engaging as Candy and others — Cole’s makeup person, who has to apply powder to lighten up this beautiful Black man. Christopher Ryan Grant seems conflicted as he plays the show’s producer and others. Ruby Lewis is quite versatile as she plays Betty Hutton, Peggy Lee, and others. Elliott Mattox delivers his role as stage manager and others with heart.
This production has a stellar creative team that includes music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by John McDaniel; choreography by Edgar Godineaux; breathtaking tap choreography by Jared Grimes; and poignant direction by Patricia McGregor. The tech team does a fantastic job, with scenic design by Clint Ramos; costume design by Katie O’Neill; lighting design by Stacey Derosier; video design by David Bengali; and fascinating hair, wigs, and makeup design by Nikiya Mathis.
You have to get to the New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th Street) to experience this remarkable production. For more info, visit www.nytw.org. The show only runs through June 29.