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
Lights Out
7 / 10
Despite the show’s occasional frivolity, the piece can be terrifying as Cole lets loose with his anger through a letter Davis “encourages” him to write or as he is forced (alongside a teenaged Natalie, who was actually seven at the time) to recite the copy of a potential commercial that is downright racist and condescending. “Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark,” Cole is told repeatedly. Even “Mad Men” wasn’t this damning.
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.
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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.
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.
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...
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.
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!
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 |
Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole - 2025 Off-Broadway Awards and Nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Choreography | Edgar Godineaux and Jared Grimes (tap choreography) |
| 2026 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical | Dulé Hill |
| 2026 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations | John McDaniel |
| 2026 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical | Alex Hawthorn & Drew Levy |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Choreographer | Edgar Godineaux |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Choreographer | Jared Grimes |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical | Dulé Hill |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical | Daniel J. Watts |
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