New York Theatre Workshop | New York, NY
REVISED
Breakdown revised; Music Director added to personnel.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)
BREAK: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Off Broadway
$1158 weekly minimum (Off-Broadway BB)
Equity actors for roles in LIGHTS OUT: NAT KING COLE (see breakdown).
Please bring sheet music and prepare a song in the style of the show. Please bring a headshot and resume, stapled together.
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St
16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
Written by Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor
Music by Nat King Cole
Tap Choreography by Jared Grimes
Directed by Patricia McGregor
New York Theatre Workshop
Artistic Director: Patricia McGregor
Associate Artistic Directors: Aaron Malkin, Rachel Silverman
Music Director John McDaniel
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Senior Associate Producer: Yang-Yang Chen
Casting: Claire Yenson
First Rehearsal: March 25, 2025
First Preview: April 30, 2025
Opening Night: May 19, 2025
Latest Closing Date: Jun 29, 2025
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.
An Equity Monitor will be provided.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
SYNOPSIS: 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.
NAT KING COLE: [THIS ROLE IS CAST - Dulé Hill] Character portrayed is a Black man in his late 30s. The iconic American singer, jazz pianist, and actor, on the final night of his eponymous television show. Grappling with whether to quietly step out of the spotlight or leave with a bang. A strong singer and dancer.
SAMMY DAVIS JR.: [THIS ROLE IS CAST - Daniel J. Watts] Character portrayed is a Black man in his 30s. The legendary singer, actor, comedian - and activist. Supportive of his friend Nat and outraged by the harm done by NBC, Sammy believes Nat should make a splash with his final show. A strong singer and dancer.
CANDY/OTHERS: Character portrayed is a white female, 50s plus. To portray multiple roles, including CANDY, Nat’s makeup artist. Been in the business for a thousand years. She is nicotine personified. Some movement required, could be a singer or a character singer. NOTE: Tap dance experience a plus.
STAGE MANAGER/OTHERS: Character portrayed is a white man in his late 20s-30s. To portray multiple roles, including the STAGE MANAGER of the Nat King Cole Show. He appears somewhat uptight but is deeply kind. An excellent singer and mover. NOTE: Tap dance experience a plus.
EARTHA KITT/OTHERS: Character portrayed is a Black woman in her 30s. To portray multiple roles, including EARTHA KITT, singer/actress/icon. The epitome of worldly charm. Her hello is always a purr. An excellent singer and mover. NOTE: Tap dance experience a plus.
BILLY PRESTON/OTHERS: Character portrayed is an 11 year old Black boy. To portray multiple roles, including BILLY PRESTON, a musical prodigy who appears on the Nat King Cole Show. Vulnerable but full of joy. An excellent singer and mover.
BETTY HUTTON/PEGGY LEE/OTHERS: [THIS ROLE IS ON OFFER] Character portrayed is a white woman in her late 20s-30s. To portray multiple roles, including BETTY HUTTON, a brash, brassy comedienne who appears on the Nat King Cole Show, and PEGGY LEE, America's sweetheart and a good friend of Nat’s. An excellent singer and mover. NOTE: Tap dance experience a plus.
PRODUCER/OTHERS: [THIS ROLE IS ON OFFER] Character portrayed is a white man, 40s-60s. To portray multiple roles, including the PRODUCER of the Nat King Cole Show. Cares about Nat, but also cares about his business. Used to being in charge, not concerned with changing the world. NOTE: Some singing and movement required.
PERLINA/OTHERS: [THIS ROLE IS ON OFFER] Character portrayed is a Black woman in her 50s. To portray multiple roles, including PERLINA, Nat's mother. Loves music and teaches her young son to love it too. An excellent singer.
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