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Queering the Screen with Cole Escola’s Trailblazing Work
The Unapologetic Brilliance of Cole Escola: A Trailblazer in Comedy and Theater
In a world where identities are constantly evolving, one person has made it their mission to redefine the boundaries of comedy, theater, and self-expression. Cole Escola, a 37-year-old non-binary comedian, actor, singer, and playwright, is taking the entertainment industry by storm with their unapologetic wit, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Born on November 25, 1986, in Clatskanie, Oregon, Cole Escola’s journey to stardom began in the humblest of circumstances. Growing up in a mobile home with a gun-wielding father who chased their family out, Cole quickly learned to find solace in the world of theater. They participated in community theater, starred in high school productions of iconic musicals like Fiddler on the Roof and Les Misérables, and eventually moved to New York City to study humanities at Marymount Manhattan College.
A Career
Cole Escola’s foray into comedy began with a series of surreal YouTube videos under the moniker “Very Good Looking (VGL) Gay Boys,” alongside fellow comedian Jeffery Self. The duo’s irreverent humor, wit, and charm quickly garnered attention, leading to a development deal from Logo TV and a two-season run on their own show, Jeffery & Cole Casserole.
In 2015, Cole Escola
However, it’s Cole Escola’s solo work that has truly cemented their status as a comedy trailblazer. Their hour-long show Help! I’m Stuck premiered at Joe’s Pub in 2017 to sold-out crowds and critical acclaim. More recently, they wrote and starred in the Broadway production of Oh, Mary!, which earned them two Tony Award nominations and a Pulitzer Prize finalist nod.
A Passion Project: Cole Escola’s Play Oh, Mary!
Oh, Mary! is more than just a play – it’s a love letter to Cole Escola’s own identity and experiences. Written in collaboration with director Sam Pinkleton and starring Conrad Ricamora and James Scully alongside themselves as First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, the show has been hailed as “the funniest play in years” by Time Out New York.
But what sets Oh, Mary! apart is its unflinching examination of the complexities of identity, family, and historical trauma. Cole Escola’s commitment to authenticity shines through in every performance, making this production a must-see for anyone interested in theater that truly matters.
A Legacy of Reinvention and a Question for You
As Cole Escola continues to break boundaries and push the limits of what’s possible in comedy and theater, we can’t help but wonder: What would you do if you had the chance to redefine yourself and your art? Would you take the leap and risk everything, or play it safe and stick with what you know?
For Cole Escola, the answer has always been clear: create something that truly reflects who they are, without apology or pretension. And it’s this unwavering commitment to self-expression that has made them a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain – Cole Escola will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, inspiring audiences and fellow artists alike with their bravery, creativity, and unapologetic brilliance.
