Cole Escola

Show Description

 "Blending boyish mischief with dizzy charm and the ruthless coyness of a starlet bent on fame, Escola’s comic persona suggests a street urchin raised by The Match Game. His set at Joe’s—directed by Ben Rimalower, the man behind the semilegendary Leslie Kritzer Is Patti LuPone at Les Mouches (and a personal friend of mine)—will include such unlikely selections as Nina Simone’s “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” and a sexed-up version of Sweeney Todd’s “The Worst Pies in London.” Prankish yet committed, Escola is an old-fashioned entertainer in ways that somehow seem fresh. His sensibility may bespeak profound immersion in the heritage of camp, but he is not the type to stay submerged in it for long before bursting up to make a splash of his own."
-Adam Feldman, Time Out New York

“Cole Escola somehow manages to be a throw-back and cutting edge at the same time. His comedic talent and brilliant timing are those of a classic live art star, but his personality and material are right NOW! Plus, he's cute as a button, or a kitten, or any of a number of other things he may choose to be. Go see him before he gets too big for his britches, I insist!”
-Justin Vivian Bond

"Fiercely adequate!"
-John Cameron Mitchell

Cole Escola, acclaimed for his inspired musical performances in Joe’s Pub’s recurring smash Our Hit Parade and Casserole Live, the live performance component of his hit television series, Jeffery & Cole Casserole, makes his eagerly anticipated solo debut. With Cole's broad showmanship and sweetheart charm, his act will hearken back to a time when the great ladies of stage and screen dazzled the crowds in smoky rooms all over town. An exciting bill of standards, showtunes, Motown and original material brought to life by Cole's decidedly fresh perspective and raw energy under the direction of Ben Rimalower (Leslie Kritzer is Patti LuPone at Les Mouches) and featuring a band led by Bistro Award winner Ray Fellman.