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Louis XIV could hardly have imagined the opulence and spectacle of Company XIV’s Queen of Hearts: A Baroque Burlesque Adventure in Wonderland. A mystical retelling of Alice’s adventures through the looking glass, Queen of Hearts stuns and dazzles with dizzying acrobatics, sensual dances, and mesmerizing singing, all set to a modern techno-classical track.
Founded in 2006 by Austin McCormick, Company XIV hosts an array of outrageous burlesque offerings at their two venues, Théâtre XIV and Cocktail Magique Theatre, both located in Bushwick within eyesight of each other. Other Company XIV offerings include Cocktail Magique and Nutcracker Rouge.
Immediately upon walking into the theater, you’re greeted by a courtier who leads you to your seat, only to find out later that the attendant is also a cast member. The lights dim, and the music pumps into the theater.
Alice, played by LEXXE (who also wrote the score), escapes the confines of societal expectation and is transported to Wonderland and meets the fantastical characters from the classic story, embarking on an erotic journey of expression and self-exploration. In one exceptional scene, an anchor drops from the ceiling, and an acrobat maneuvers effortlessly just barely above the crowd as synchronized dancers provide an elaborate backdrop of rhythmic movement. Imagination cannot comprehend the costumes designed by Zane Philström. McCormick directs and choreographs this reimagined wonder.
It’s not cheap to enter King Louis’ court. Single seats can run $89-$194, and two-person love seats as high as $500. The prices only go up if you get the champagne upgrade. The bar is also somewhat of a drag with its steep cocktail prices. But even if you skip the drinks, I promise you’ll feel intoxicated by the sights and sounds that completely inundate your synapses.
Company XIV’s Queen of Hearts is a must-see for anyone who loves the arts and relishes utter extravagance.
Sep 7, 2024
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this show is so beautiful, captivating, and, most of all, fun!
viola pantuso, francesca hayward, and akane takada your alices will forever live rent free inside my mind
p.s. you can also watch it here
Dec 27, 2024
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going solo in full glam just to sit in the cheap seats? suddenly you're a Woman of Mystery, babe
Jan 23, 2024
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did something insane this weekend and flew to charleston to see the new production of pina bausch’s rite of spring. couldn’t afford it when it was at the park ave armory but it turns out it was cheaper to get flights + tickets + a hotel here and we’ve had a lovely weekend away. very rarely do anything this extravagant but if there’s a show you really want to see this is something to keep in mind
Feb 4, 2024
