The Amun Ra Theater in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday will host the world premiere of a one-man musical, “Route 66: Finding Nat King Cole.”
If you don’t know who Cole is or what his significance to Route 66 is, this little clip should suffice:
The Amun Ra production stars jeff obafemi carr (yes, that’s how his name is capitalized), who also wrote it. It is directed by T’Keyah Crystal Kemáh, who’s worked in television for “In Living Color” and “Cosby” and has directed several films.
Business Clarksville magazine has this summary of the play:
In Route 66, carr plays a singer/actor who finds himself backstage at an opening performance of a Nat King Cole revue. He is charged with the task of becoming the legend, only he’s paralyzed by fear and self-doubt over his ability to do the singer’s storied life justice. By exploring the path his life has taken to prepare him for the task of playing Cole, he discovers through reflection, poetry, and song, the special gifts given to him by the people in his life who taught him life lessons through the music of the King.
The play will run through Oct. 31, with evening performances on Thursday through Saturday, plus Sunday matinees. Tickets can be purchased here.