CAMELTON
(Written & Performed by Stephen Cole)
Twenty years ago, Award-winning musical theatre writer Stephen Cole met his first camel…and he hasn’t been the same since. Stephen tells his hilarious story of writing a musical for the Emir of Qatar. Picture this! Two Brooklyn Jews, some Middle Eastern producers, flying carpets, Croatian acrobats, Russian ballet dancers, an Italian director, the desert, camels (a lot of camels!) and, of course, music. You will laugh and you will cry (from laughing) in this outrageous, once-in-a-lifetime, unbelievable-but-true tale of how Stephen and his collaborator wrote the first American Musical to premiere in the Middle East. The show will be directed by Rick Pulos. Camelton’s original world premiere at the Ryan Repertory Company of Brooklyn, NY was cancelled in 2020 due to the great toilet paper shortage. Running time is approximately 60 minutes
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Photos from January 9 & 10th at Polaris North NYC
SOME AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON
JOSHUA ELLIS ( Fabled Broadway press rep) says:
“TWO PERFORMANCES OF "CAMELTON" ARE NOT ENOUGH.
CAMELTON, written and performed by Stephen Cole, is the fastest, most fun, 60 minutes in a theatre that I can recall in recent show biz history. His sustained energy level is a marvel. The direction and graphics by Rick Pulos add to the joy. The second and final performance tonight [Saturday, January 10] is SOLD OUT. It must return.”
DONNA MCKECKNIE (Tony Winning star of A Chorus Line) says:
“Thank you for tonight, Stephen. You did a great job, so much fun. Really masterful. I wish you the very best with this. ”
GREGORY JOHNSON says:
“CONGRATULATIONS ON A BRILLIANT, WONDERFUL AND LAUGH FILLED JOURNEY. I ADORED EVERY MINUTE. HAVING BEEN TO THAT PART OF THE WORLD YOU WERE SPOT ON. JUST BRILLIANT AND WHAT A MARVELOUS AUDIENCE.........WELL DESERVED. ONWARD”
JIM MIDDLETON says:
“Had an Absolute Blast last night in the Good Company of Stephen Cole and his Marvelous and Hilarious Presentation, Camelton! It was like a Who's Who of our Theatre Community, Including the Glorious Donna McKechnie and Wonderful Richard Skipper! There remains one more show tonight, which I hear is already SOLD OUT!! Rock ON, Stephen, and a Multitude of THANKS for a Most-Pleasant Entertainment!!
You are an Incredibly Talented Whirling Dervish of Delightful Creativity, Stephen!! What Joy You Imparted to Your Audiences, of Which I Was Honored to Be a Part! Bravos! What a Story!!”
JAMES DYBUS (Broadway veteran) says:
“Bravo, Stephen. I loved the show and your fabulous writing & performance. What a treat!!! So glad to have been part of this sold out audience this evening. Hope that you’ll extend the run or move it to an off Broadway house so that others can enjoy this fun filled evening.”
JAMES HARRIS (Writer) says:
“Stephen Cole's entertaining one-man mini-musical CAMELTON.
I thought when Stephen told us the first night was nearly sold out that I had better reserve for the second night and help "dress the stage" if it was underattended. It was packed, and although John and I sat in the first row, it ceased to BE the first row as they kept adding seats in front of us of additional patrons.
It was all very festive and funny and a good time was had by all. The history of the Qatar musical is a fantastic anecdote.
Anyway, congratulations, Steve!”
ROBIN FITZSIMMONS says:
“Such a great show...such great energy and humor!!!!”
ANTHONY CASTELLANO says:
“Fantastic. Loved the story, loved the message of saying yes, witty songs. …multi-talented and an excellent story teller. Don't know where you get your energy.”
RICHARD SKIPPER (Veteran Performer) says:
“What a great show tonight and it’s a cliffhanger. You can’t wait to hear what’s gonna happen next. It really is a great show and I hope it travels.”
MICHAEL GILDEN (Musical Director) says:
“Had a great time. You are a consummate showman—Comden and Green rolled into one.”
MICHAEL GLENN-SMITH (Veteran Broadway Actor) says:
“I LOVED your show. It was a delight from start to finish. Hope you take it to Edinburgh!”
