For twenty years, Austin McCormick and Company XIV have carved out their own lane in New York nightlife, blending classical performance, high-end choreography, and unapologetic sensuality.
Tucked behind an unassuming neon sign on an industrial Bushwick street, Théâtre XIV transports you the second you walk through the doors. The space hits your senses immediately with incense, candlelight, and velvet. Costumed cast members greet guests at the door and guide you to plush banquettes right at the edge of the stage, placing you right inside the performance. With their latest world premiere, Petite Rouge, the company marks its 20th anniversary with one of its most seductive productions yet.
Running through October 31, Petite Rouge takes Charles Perrault’s 1697 fable Little Red Riding Hood and flips the morality tale on its head. Where the original was written to preach caution to the court of Louis XIV, McCormick turns the dark woods into a playground of desire and agency. Red does not cower as prey to the wolf; she leans into the danger, meets him in the shadows, and takes control of the chase.
The show moves at a relentless pace, pulling together ballet, aerial acrobatics, circus stunts, and classic burlesque striptease. The visual detailing from Company XIV’s costume atelier brings the entire world to life, outfitting the cast in glittering rhinestones, flowing silks, and ornate corsetry.
Photo Courtesy of Company XIV
Cara Seymour commands the stage as Petite Rouge, anchoring the show while effortlessly matching the energy of every performer she shares the floor with. It all builds toward a stunning finale where Red fully embraces her desires, resulting in a closing number executed with incredible precision by Seymour.
Photo Courtesy of Company XIV
The live vocalists are just as central to the experience. Syrena pulls off a hypnotic set that combines seductive operatic vocals with fluid belly dancing. Lindsay Rose stops the room the second she opens her mouth, cutting through the space with a deep, soulful tone that demands total attention. Meanwhile, Pepper Solana shows off a staggering vocal register, hitting piercing high notes with ease while keeping the audience completely locked in on her performance.
Photo Courtesy of Company XIV
Beyond what is happening on stage, the cocktail menu designed by McCormick rounds out the night. A quick favorite is the Lady in Red, mixed with Champagne Brut, raspberry liqueur, edible glitter, and garnished with a cherry lollipop. It looks playful in the glass, but the flavor profile is balanced and delicious. Guests can snack on truffle potato chips and cake pops, or book pre-show tarot and lipstick readings to lean into the mood before the performance even begins.
Celebrating two decades of work, Company XIV proves once again why they remain a staple in the city’s immersive theater scene. Petite Rouge is sharp, entertaining, and completely confident in what it does best.
Petite Rouge runs at Théâtre XIV in Bushwick through October 31, followed by the return of the company’s holiday production, Nutcracker Rouge, opening this November.
