Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole
Closing: June 29, 2025Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole - 2025 Off-Broadway History , Info & More
New York Theatre Workshop
79 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
Despite being the voice that built Capitol Records, Nat “King” Cole’s groundbreaking NBC variety show faced cancellation as they could not find a sponsor. Now, on the night of his final broadcast, Nat must decide whether to quietly step out of the spotlight, or, as his friend Sammy Davis Jr. urges, “go out with a bang.” Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo (Rustin) 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 Award 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.”
Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole - 2025 - Off-Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole
New Play ‘Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole’ Focuses on the Many Tribulations Endured by the Pioneering Black Entertainer
8 / 10
Daniel J. Watts is a shinier, more buoyant presence as Sammy Davis Jr., who cajoles and haunts Nat throughout the taping, which grows more and more surreal, evolving into a sort of fever dream — or more of a nightmare, with David Bengali’s video design and Stacey Derosier’s lighting conspiring to create a hellish atmosphere. “Lights Out” nonetheless proves uplifting, delivering a message of resilience as much as defiance. And while not technically a musical, it offers some of the most delightful music, and singing, available on New York’s stages at the moment.
Lights Out, Nat King Cole: Smile When Your Heart Is Breaking
6 / 10
That blunt messaging proves endemic throughout the 90-minute show, resulting in a serious bummer of an evening. Which is why, when Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. (a tremendous Daniel J. Watts) engage in a fabulous tap-dancing duet, choreographed by Jared Grimes, on “Me and My Shadow,” the joy of their terpsichorean skills provides a badly needed lift and becomes the highlight of the show. (It doesn’t help that the Davis character, who acts as a sort of Greek chorus, is so dynamic compared to the glum Cole that you wish you were watching an entire show about him instead.)
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Video: It's Lights Up on Daniel J. Watts
by Robert Bannon - June 13, 2025
by Robert Bannon - June 13, 2025
Daniel J. Watts comes now to the iconic NYTW for Lights Out:Nat King Cole now playing until June 29. D is playing the incredible Sammy Davis Jr. and receiving rave reviews while doing it. We had the chance to talk about our mutual love of Sammy, what it is like to do this show with Dule Hill and this incredible cast, and what is next for Daniel Watts on his artistic journey. Watch in this video.
Photos: LIGHTS OUT: NAT "KING" COLE Opens At New York Theatre Workshop
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop is now presenting Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole, written by Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo and NYTW Artistic Director and Usual Suspect Patricia McGregor, and directed by McGregor. Check out photos from opening night.
Review Roundup: LIGHTS OUT: NAT 'KING' COLE at New York Theatre Workshop
by Nicole Rosky - May 21, 2025
by Nicole Rosky - May 21, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop is now presenting Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole, written by Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo and NYTW Artistic Director and Usual Suspect Patricia McGregor, and directed by McGregor. Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole runs through June 29, 2025. Let's see what the critics are saying about the new play...
New York Theatre Workshop Announces Two-Week Extension For LIGHTS OUT: NAT 'KING' COLE
by A.A. Cristi - April 30, 2025
by A.A. Cristi - April 30, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop has announced that due to popular demand, Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole has extended its run for an additional two weeks.
Video: Dulé Hill Shares What Drew Him to off-Broadway's LIGHTS OUT: NAT 'KING' COLE
by Josh Sharpe - April 23, 2025
by Josh Sharpe - April 23, 2025
On a recent visit to The Kelly Clarkson Show, Broadway alum Dulé Hill sat down with the host to discuss some of his latest projects, among them the off-Broadway play Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole. Watch the interview!
Krystal Joy Brown and More Complete LIGHTS OUT: NAT 'KING' COLE Cast
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 25, 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 25, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop has revealed the full cast for Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole, written by Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo. See who is starring and learn more!
Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole History
Other Productions of Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
NYTW Off-Broadway Premiere Off-Broadway |
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