“Just One Of Those Things: The Nat King Cole Story” reviewed by Frank Meccia

***** “Just One of Those Things: The Nat King Cole Story” transported the audience on a nostalgic journey through the life and music of one of the greatest voices in American music history. This musical tribute showcased the timeless songs and remarkable story of Nat King Cole. The one-man show starred the talented Gregory Stewart Jr. whose performance as Nat King Cole was nothing short of captivating. Stewart effortlessly embodied the charm and vocal prowess of the legendary crooner. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, it was evident that he had immersed himself in the character, paying homage to Cole’s distinctive style while adding his own flair to the renditions. I sometimes wished he would have smoked that cigarette to add to the illusion of his character.

The production skillfully interwove Nat King Cole’s hits with anecdotes from his life, creating a seamless narrative that provided insights into the man behind the music. Written and directed by Janine Stroemer, it had the perfect balance between informative storytelling and musical performance, allowing the audience to connect with Cole on a personal level.

I Never realized he had 5 children, or the family curse, his father, himself and his daughter all died young from lung disease. The set design was simple yet effective thanks to Ameer Roberts’ the idea of featuring iconic images of Nat King Cole and evoking the ambiance of a jazz clubs from the era made the night enjoyable, adding Mr. Coles favorite drink, and it made me wish I could smoke again. The lighting by Levi Wilkins enhanced the mood of each song, creating an intimate atmosphere that complemented the heartfelt performance.

The musical arrangements were a highlight of the show, showcasing the brilliance of Nat King Cole. Classics such as “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Nature Boy” were flawlessly delivered. My only problem was the constant static of the wireless mic. At a certain point, I wished they turned off the mic, and he use the older 1950’s style mic they had on stage. The live band accompanying him added an authentic touch to the performance, capturing the essence of the jazz and swing. Will Oats on Piano, William Whitehead III on drums, and Isaiah Horne on Bass were absolutely perfect performers, I could have stayed all night , sipping my “old fashion” to listen to them.

Throughout the production, Stewart engaged with the audience, inviting them to sing along and share in the collective nostalgia. The seamless transitions between songs and storytelling kept the energy alive, preventing any lulls in the performance. And in keeping with the holiday tradition, we all got to sing to one of his favorite holiday tunes. “Deck The Halls”. While “Just One of Those Things” celebrated Nat King Cole’s musical legacy, it also didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges he faced as a trailblazing African American artist during the 40’s and 50’s. To learn that he was the man who built Capitol Records, or the first Black man to have a TV show, . This added depth to the narrative, making it a poignant tribute to Cole’s resilience and impact on the music industry.

In conclusion, “Just One of Those Things: The Nat King Cole Story” is a must-see for fans of classic jazz and anyone who appreciates the enduring legacy of Nat King Cole.

For tickets go to Mercurytheaterchicago.com,

Show dates are December 10, 21, 22, 23, January 5, 6, and 7. Time is 7pm,
But its cabaret, they never start on time, which is good because parking is tough. My complaint, the one
close parking lot was $35 to park. I wish they would bring back Valet parking.

The Mercury Theatre /Venus Cabaret is located at 3745 N. Southport in Chicago, right down the street from The  Music Box.

Lots of great dining in the area.

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