Audience members will be treated to a host of stories, scenes and familiar songs when Unforgettable — The Music of Nat King Cole comes to the Sid Williams Theatre on Jan. 20.
The production is narrated by Vancouver jazz musician Don Stewart, the writer/lead performer who sings Cole classics such as Too Young, When I fall in Love, Ramblin’ Rose and — of course — Unforgettable.
“I’m really proud of the show, and really proud to be doing some of Nat’s stuff,” said Stewart, who performed in town a couple of years ago with Dal Richards. “It’s a lively show. You’re going to hear some great music, believe me.
“He was definitely a groundbreaker,” Stewart added.
Cole made television history in 1956 when he became the first African-American to host his own program — The Nat King Cole Show — which Stewart touches on in his production.
The show also touches on an incident in Alabama where white supremacists tried to pull Cole offstage.
“But Nat just wanted to put his music out,” Stewart said. “If nothing else, it brings people together.”
In some ways Stewart was literally born to portray Cole, considering the parallels. Cole’s father was a baptist pastor and his mother was a church choir director. He first learned to play piano around age four.
Stewart’s father was a minister while his mother was a missionary and a choir director.
Born in Amherstburg, Ont., Stewart began singing at age nine at church and family gatherings. At 13 he was performing in his first band.
His a capella quartet, The Welcome Changes, won a talent contest that paved the way to the Salem School of Art in Detroit, Mich.
He later honed his singing and acting skills while touring Eastern Canada and the U.S. with various theatre productions. He has also appeared in films and television shows.
Stewart will be accompanied Friday by Cayla Brooke, who plays the part of Peggy Lee, and a quartet of musicians featuring Ron Johnston on piano.
“We’re excited to come over,” Stewart said. “We’re ready to give it to Courtenay.”
Show time is 7:30 p.m. at the Sid. Tickets are $45, $40 for SWTS members and $25 for students. Visit sidwilliamstheatre.com.
