SHIMMER AND GLOW // A THEATRE REVIEW OF "ROCOCO ROUGE"
Some shows shine. Some dim almost as soon as the lights come up on them. Some limp along until a producer pulls the trigger and puts it out of its misery. Some are pure gold but never find an audience. In New York City’s Theatre scene, there is show after show competing for your attention. Some shine, some dull, and then there’s Company XIV. This last winter, they first came to my attention with their Off Broadway production The Nutcracker Rouge. It was a sexy Nutcracker to be sure. Burlesque meets Tchaikovsky meets a deranged Marie Antoinette. It got my attention, commanded it even, if you will. So when I arrived at their latest, ROCOCO ROUGE, I was hoping for more of the same sexy, sassy fun. However, I didn’t find more of the same. I found a production even better.
Just walking into the theatre (an intimate new home, a blast into the Parisian past theatre across from The Public) you start to get a feeling of what you’re in for. Tables and chairs are lined along with throw pillows, velvet couches, and candles lighting your way. They seat you where they want you to be. I was laid next to my lady companion on an intimate red couch directly in front of the stage. Perhaps they felt our excitement. Perhaps they thought they’d make us nervous being so close. Or perhaps they wanted a little bit of both. Whatever the reason, our eyes were glued to the stage the entire show as the Mistress of Ceremonies Shelly Watson enters and tells us we’re in for a treat. Several treats, and none of them will be covered with much clothing. Her Marie Antoinette wig towers above, glimmering in the delicate and powerful lighting design by Jeanette Yew, and she takes the audience by the hand, filling each moment with humor and sex. She's hilarious. She's sexy. She's setting you up for the company, who come out one number at a time, sometimes in groups, sometimes in duos, occasionally with fascinating solos.
I could write paragraphs on each of the exquisite moments in the show, however a true standout is most definitely Katrina Cunningham who’s sensual and powerful dancing is equaled only by her incredibly intoxicating singing voice. True to her voice, she sings a sultry version of Britney Spears’s “Toxic,” as well as Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love” and Daughter’s “Youth.” The moment she simply stands singing, claiming us one audience member at a time (her voice is like a mix of Lorde, Brittain Ashford, and Heaven) as red confetti glitters down from the ceiling is truly one of the most mesmerizing moments to be had. Allison Ulrich also impresses with a dizzying spin on a stripper pole, showing her incredible athletic talent and beauty. Any time the phenominal Davon Rainey or the piercing and powerful Laura Careless is on stage you will be equally impressed. In fact, there’s not one weak link in this scantily dressed, pleasure filled evening. There are two intermissions, giving you plenty of time to liquor up and enjoy the proceedings. Simply judging from my companions face throughout each moment in the show, I’d say I wasn't the only one enamored with this show. Leave your inhibitions at the door and let the Rouge take you over. Tell them I sent you, but don’t say I didn’t warn you when you don’t want to leave.
PHOTOS BY Phillip Van Nostrand
MATEO’S GRADE: A
Conceived By: The Company Starring: Laura Careless, Katrina Cunningham, Courtney Giannone, Lea Helle, Rob Mastrianni, Cailan Orn, Davon Rainey, Steven Trumon Gray, Allison Ulrich, Brett Umlauf and Shelly Watson. Costume & Set Design: Zane Pihlstrom Lighting Design: Jeanette Yew Content Advisory: It’s an R-rated evening, folks. Leave the kiddies at home. Playing at: XIV, 428 Lafayette Street (located across the street from The Public Theater). The Bar @ XIV will open at 5pm Tuesdays – Sundays for cocktails before, during and after the show. For Tickets: http://companyxiv.com/get-your-tiks-for-rococo-rouge/
FINAL THOUGHTS: Come for drinks before, stay for them after, but as for the show? Does it shine? You bet your ass it does.
MATEO MORENO is an actor, playwright, and director in New York City. He owns and runs TheArtsWireWeekly.com and has had four of his plays produced, including BOHEMIAN VALENTINE, HAPPILY AFTER TONIGHT, WITHIN OUR WALLS, & LOVES ME LIKE A ROCK.