In this electrifying exploration into the soul of an American icon, Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor imagine Nat 'King' Cole as he faces the final Christmastime broadcast of his groundbreaking variety show and weighs the advice of his friend Sammy Davis Jr. to 'go out with a bang.' Cole's hit songs, such as 'Nature Boy,' 'It's a Good Day' and 'Smile,' underscore this boldly original homage to the renowned performer who struggled to break through America's color barrier in the early days of television. (more...)
Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole/book by Colman Domingo & Patricia McGregor/music supervision:John McDaniel/directed by Patricia McGregor/Geffen/Gil Cates Theater/through March 17
A much anticipated musical in Los Angeles has been Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole, which has received previous tryouts back east. Penned by Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor, who also directs the piece, the show is supposedly based on real facts from Cole's life and includes most of his standard hits arranged by John McDaniel. Currently onstage at the Gil CatesTheater of the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, Lights Out is spectacular entertainment, especially from Dule Hill as Cole and Daniel J. Watts as Sammy Davis Jr. but its book is in need of some major retooling.
It is December 17, 1957 in the NBC Studio in Burbank where Cole's final 30 minute TV variety show is about to be presented live with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and Randy Van Horn Singers. Fifteen minutes to air time, Cole is in a deep state of depression over this being the final show. Why? He has millions of fans. Southern states have refused to continue paying for advertising on the show. Cole is a Negro, pure asnd simple. In spite of his fame, it's Lights Out for him. Guest star Peggy Lee has not shown up and friend Sammy Davis Jr. comes in to replace her with his amazing style of frantic comed (more...)
The ALASKA ONE-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL (#1MPF) returns to for its sixth year, in partnership with Perseverance Theatre at the Alaska Center For The Performing Arts. The 6th Annual Alaska 1MPF runs two performances only; Sunday, March 17 & Monday, March 18 at 8pm. (more...)
Director Patricia McGregor returns to the Geffen Playhouse after her successful directorial stint of Dominique Morriseau's SKELETON CREW last year. This time, Patricia directs the west coast premiere of LIGHTS OUT: NAT 'KING' COLE (now, already in previews), co-written by herself and Coleman Domingo. Patricia took some time after a long day of rehearsals to chat with me over the phone. (more...)
Vineyard Theatre announced that the 2019 Gala fundraiser will celebrate Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, and Drama League Award nominated artist and Vineyard Board Member, Colman Domingo. The annual benefit Gala will take place on Monday, May 6, 2019, beginning at 6:30pm at Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street). (more...)
Recording artist Sir Ari Gold, who also performs under the name GoldNation, will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, February 10th with two different sets at The Cutting Room. The event will also honor the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall and the role of dance music as the defining soundtrack to LGBTQ liberation and equality with music from his album 'Soundtrack to Freedom' and the upcoming 'Remix to Freedom.' The evening will contain an acoustic set at 7:30 and an electronic dance set at 9:30. (more...)
Vineyard Theatre Artistic Directors Douglas Aibel and Sarah Stern announce dates and casting for the New York premiere of Mara Nelson-Greenberg's DO YOU FEEL ANGER?, directed by Margot Bordelon. Performances will begin at Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street) on Wednesday, March 13 with opening night set for Sunday, March 31. (more...)
Previews begin tonight for the world premiere production of The Convent, a new play by critically acclaimed playwright Jessica Dickey (The Amish Project, Charles Ives Take Me Home), directed by Daniel Talbott. (more...)
The BAFTA Tea Party was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 5, 2019. The event was presented by American Airlines, BBC America and Jaguar Land Rover. (more...)
Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, continues its 2018-19 season with Nina Simone: Four Women, written by Christina Ham and directed by Kenneth L. Roberson.Nina Simone: Four Women runs January 24 - March 2, 2019 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie. The press opening is scheduled for Friday, February 1, 2019 at 8pm. (more...)
by BWW News Desk - Dec 19, 2018
Geffen Playhouse today announced the full cast for its production of Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole (more...)
The 8th ANNUAL BOSTON ONE-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL (#1MPF) returns for its eighth year, in partnership with Boston Playwrights' Theatre. The marathon evening of one-minute plays by 60 established and emerging Boston area playwrights and directors plays three performances only. Saturday, January 5th at 8pm, Sunday, January 6th at 8pm, & Monday, January 7th at 8pm. (more...)
HBO salutes Ailey at 60 with a social media video series to launch during Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 60th Anniversary New York City Center season November 28 - December 30. This tribute video series will introduce new audiences to the Ailey legacy through moving commentary from music, film, and TV stars - Jussie Smollett, Vanessa Williams, Jillian Hervey, and Black Thought - who share how Ailey has inspired their artistry, impacted American culture, and continues to reach people of all ages backgrounds around the globe. (more...)
Weathervane Productions, Rising Phoenix Repertory, in association with Rattlestick Playwrights Theater announce casting for the world premiere production of The Convent (more...)
The Movement Theatre Company is proud to announce the extension of the New York Premiere production of WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN by Aleshea Harris (Is God Is), directed by Whitney White (Macbeth in Stride). Originally scheduled to play its final performance on December 8, 2018, WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN will now play an additional week through December 16, 2018. (more...)
SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical will close on Broadway Sunday, December 30, 2018. A North American Tour will launch on September 30, 2019, playing dozens of cities across the US and Canada, including Los Angeles, Nashville, Rochester, Washington DC and West Palm Beach. (more...)
Actors Theatre of Louisville announces the lineup for the 43rd Humana Festival of New American Plays. A cultural highlight for theatre lovers, artists and producers across the country, the Humana Festival runs March 1 through April 7, 2019 in Louisville. (more...)
Geffen Playhouse Announces Second Extension For LIGHTS OUT: NAT KING COLE
BWW Review: LIGHTS OUT Is an Entertaining Tantalizer
Sixth Annual Alaska One-Minute Play Festival Returns to Anchorage
BWW Interview: Storyteller Extraordinaire Patricia McGregor Ruminates on Nat, Sammy, Dominique & Her 3 P's
MACRO Lodge At Sundance Film Festival Concludes Four Days Of Programming To Champion Diversity, Inclusion And People Of Color
Vineyard Theatre to Honor Colman Domingo at 2019 Gala
Sir Ari Gold Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall with SOUNDTRACK TO FREEDOM Concert
Vineyard Theater Announce Cast For DO YOU FEEL ANGER?
Previews Begin Tonight For Jessica Dickey's THE CONVENT
The BAFTA Tea Party Was Held January 5
Northlight Theatre Continues its 2018-19 Season With NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN
Amy Berryman, Annabel Capper, and More Among All-Female Cast of THE CONVENT
Aleshea Harris's WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN Extends Through December 16
Breaking: Last Dance! SUMMER Will Take Final Broadway Bow in December; National Tour Will Launch in 2019
Wake Up With BWW 11/28: HADESTOWN Will Transfer to Broadway, and More!
Vineyard Theatre Opens New Rehearsal Studio, Open House Tonight
Actors Theatre Announces 43rd Humana Festival Of New American Plays
