Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole

ABOUT

By Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor
Directed by Patricia McGregor
Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by John McDaniel
Choreography by Edgar Godineaux
Tap Choreography by Jared Grimes

2024/25 Season

April 30, 2025—June 29, 2025

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On December 17th, 1957, it was LIGHTS OUT on “The Nat ‘King’ Cole Show.”

Despite being the voice that built Capitol Records, Nat “King” Cole’s groundbreaking television show was rejected by Madison Avenue, unwilling to sponsor one of America’s first black television hosts. Now, on the night of his final broadcast, Nat must grapple with the complexities of his psyche, personified by his best friend and alter-ego, Sammy Davis Jr., and decide whether to quietly step out of the spotlight or go out with a bang.

Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo (Rustin, Sing Sing) and NYTW Usual Suspect and Artistic Director Patricia McGregor (The Refuge Plays) bring us this electrifying exploration of the soul of an American icon who fought to break through America’s color barrier in the early days of television. Starring Emmy Award nominee Dulé Hill (“The West Wing,” “Psych”) as Nat “King” Cole and Tony nominee Daniel J. Watts (The Refuge Plays, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) as Sammy Davis Jr., LIGHTS OUT features Nat’s hit songs, like “Nature Boy,” “It’s a Good Day,” “Smile” and “Unforgettable” with music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by John McDaniel, and choreography by Edgar Godineaux (City Center’s Jelly’s Last Jam) with Tap Choreography by Jared Grimes (Funny Girl).