Dule Hill: Nat King Cole Tribute Lights Out Review
Dulé Hill Shines as Nat “King” Cole in ‘Lights Out’
Updated June 11, 2025
Dulé Hill’s conversion into Nat ”King” Cole in Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole is more than just a performance; it’s a captivating reincarnation. Hill embodies the legendary singer’s voice, mannerisms, and style, creating a powerful experience for the audience.The musical, penned by Colman Domingo and directed by Patricia McGregor, delves into Cole’s internal conflicts during the final broadcast of his groundbreaking variety show in 1957.
The 90-minute production, playing at New York Theatre Workshop, explores Cole’s memories and regrets as figures from his past confront him. Hill’s portrayal captures both the public persona and the private struggles of a Black artist navigating a challenging era. His renditions of classics like “unforgettable” and “The Christmas Song” resonate deeply, evoking Cole’s spirit.
Hill’s performance reveals the emotional burden carried by Cole,particularly during a powerful tap dance sequence with Sammy Davis Jr., played by Daniel J. Watts. This scene becomes a symbolic release of fear and a party of Black identity, echoing similar themes found in works like Sinners. The musical highlights the compromises Black artists often face and the resilience required to express their true selves.
Domingo and mcgregor’s narrative structure, centered around the final broadcast, creates a sense of urgency and introspection. While the shifting timelines can feel fragmented at times, the core themes of legacy, identity, and code-switching remain powerful.lights Out serves as a reminder of the battles Black artists continue to face and the importance of authentic expression.
Hill gives us a masterclass in embodiment. From his vocal performance, eerily accurate and emotionally generous, to the smallest of mannerisms… Hill channels Cole in a way that feels spiritual.
What’s next
lights Out: Nat “King” Cole continues its run at the new York Theatre Workshop through June 29, 2025, offering audiences a chance to reflect on Cole’s legacy and the ongoing struggle for Black artists to be seen and heard.