The Judgment of Paris

“As the piece develops, influences from 19th century Moulin-Rouge, through baroque, vaudeville and 50s cabaret come into play. At times the stage drips with glut like a Renaissance courtly masque, at other times it’s seedy as hell, and you, yes, the audience, are participating in its sleaze… It’s a seductive production that teases and plays with the fine line between beauty and subjugation, sucks you in with its glamour then spits it back in your face. Here is a company with something to say and the eloquence, brains and goddamn balls with which to say it.”
–The British Theatre Guide

“McCormick has a gift for understanding what captivates an audience––so much so that the show has a cinematic feel. That said, this piece is far better than a night at the movies.”
–Dance Magazine

“The Moulin Rouge rubs shoulders with Aeschylus, Marilyn Monroe, Offenbach and a brothel run by Aphrodite in Company XIV’s “Judgment of Paris,” an enjoyable…. attempt at a genre that might be described as meta music hall….. Mr. McCormick’s staging is minimal and skillful; the lighting is evocative; the musical choices are clever. There is plenty of fun to be had at this ‘Judgment of Paris’….”
–The New York Times

Based on the Greek myth The Judgment of Paris which inspired the Baroque Opera by William Congreve, this piece explores classic themes of sexuality, attraction, betrayal, manipulation, and loss filtered through the lens of French can-can in the style of Opera Bouffe.

Choreographed/Directed/Conceived
by Austin McCormick
Costumes: Olivera Gajic
Set Design: Zane Pihlstrom
Lighting Design: Gina Scherr