Camel Lot begins in the present day as young Beth prepares for her role in a Christmas pageant, but is saddened to learn that her father, who works at a car lot, is too busy and won’t be able to attend. Upon falling asleep, she dreams that she’s back in Bethlehem during another Christmas. The night of Jesus’ birth.

Well, perhaps it’s not exactly 2,000 years ago. There’s a lot of modern references to Beth’s world in this dream. Her dad is there, going by the name Barnabus, and instead of a car lot, he’s selling camels at the local Camel Lot. And he’s got all kinds of camels to sell. Hybrids who don’t eat as much as regular camels, camels that run on water, camels with custom hooves. You’ve got customers asking for a camel that doesn’t bite or spit and has lots of tassels. You get the idea. And if you don’t, you’ve got the second and fifth grade students trying to put you in the camel of your dreams with We’ve Got a Camel for You. But will her dad’s brisk camel business keep him too busy to come attend the birth of baby Jesus?

The cast includes Pamela Andujo as Beth through whose eyes we see most of the story unfold, seeing things with her happy wonder and helping to lead us through Don’t Miss the Manger. Her dad is played by Wesley Dameron who does a very nice job as the business-minded father who slowly begins to see what he’s been missing. A few other standouts include Kaitie Mayhue as his camel lot assistant Lydia, Montana Duggan as a charming Southern shepherd Jamie Sue, Macy Augustus as Ruth and Nitzan Shlapobersky as Deborah who join Bradyn Reiakvam in spreading the Good News accompanied by the sixth grade class, and Christie Koppel as popular and affluent Brittany who boasts she’s getting a new camel for graduation. Kylie Dixon and Wiett Sills are the humorous rich couple who nab the last room at the inn (The Star Hotel), but who can’t wait to get back to their villa. Kylie also joins with Ryan Lehmkuhl as soloists in the snappy No Silent Night knocked out so well by the kindergarten and third grade choruses. While the fourth grade class and soloist Jared Dameron, accompanied by the strains of some air guitars, deliver a hip and hilarious Follow That Star.

The ensemble of kids and an exceptional young choir deliver good, enthusiastic vocals with their singing and great energy with their dancing to Juliann Friel’s choreography which captures the dynamics of the show while also being humorous and cute for the younger cast members. That cast wraps things up with a lively Joy to the World that is sure to send the audience out in the Christmas spirit.

Performs December 10, 2009

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre