This Will Be: The Spirit & Soul of Natalie Cole
Written and Directed by Joe Hanrahan
The Midnight Company,
April 11, 2025
Kimmie Kidd
Photo by Todd Davis
The Midnight Company
Joe Hanrahan’s Midnight Company has another “Cabaret Theatre” piece in its repertoire now, having just opened at the Blue Strawberry as a showcase for the works of a celebrated singer (well, two really), and serving as a showcase for three excellent performers, and particularly the stunningly talented headliner, Kimmie Kidd. Structured as something of a staged documentary, This Will Be: The Spirit & Soul of Natalie Cole is a fairly comprehensive overview of Cole’s music and career. It’s also a tribute to themes of nostalgia, growing up, and parents’ enduring influence on their children.
The structure is a little odd, but it works, especially as a vehicle for the Kidd’s remarkable talents and presence. Kidd is essentially the narrator, telling Cole’s story and singing most of the songs, as well as sharing some personal remembrances of “Little Kimmie” discovering Cole’s music as a child growing up in St. Louis. The role of Natalie Cole is acted primarily by Christina Yancy, who along with Dareis Lambert as Natalie’s father Nat King Cole–sings backup along with Kidd on a series of Natalie’s hit songs like the memorable title song, as well as “Inseparable”, “I Live For Your Love” and more, including a tribute to her late father on the classic “Unforgettable”, which Natalie recorded as a duet with her father’s recorded vocals, and which Kidd performs her with Lambert, who has a few memorable solo moments including the Nat King Cole classic “Nature Boy”.
Backed by an excellent combo featuring music director Colin Healy on piano, Bradley Rohlf on percussion and backing vocals, Kidd is the undisputed star of this show, although Lambert and Yancy lend excellent support as well. Kidd sings Cole’s classic songs with energy, style, and sheer vocal power and excellence. The story of Cole’s life is also compelling, as young Natalie grew up fairly sheltered as the daughter of one of America’s first “mainstream” Black celebrities, and then discovered more of the world after her father’s death when she was a teenager and she grew up and attended college in Massachusetts and became involved in a more varied music scene including rock ‘n roll. The story covers her relationship with first husband and musical collaborator Marvin Yancy, along with struggles with addiction and the continuing influence of her father throughout her life, even long after his death. Front and center throughout is Kidd and the memorable soundtrack of Natalie Cole’s enduring hits.
It’s a thoroughly entertaining evening, especially for fans of Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole. There’s only one more performance scheduled, but judging from the full, enthusiastic audience on opening night, I won’t be surprised if this gets additional dates, like previous cabaret theatre productions from The Midnight Company. It’s a fun, educational celebration of musical talent from two legendary singers as well as the remarkable talent of its headlining performer.
Dareis Lambert
Photo by Todd Davis
The Midnight Company
Christina Yancy
Photo by Todd DAvis
The Midnight Company
The Midnight Company is presenting This Will Be: The Spirit & Soul of Natalie Cole at the Blue Strawberry, with one more performance on April 18th, 2025