The Judgment of Paris – Company XIV seduces and sizzles
Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com
Just having returned from Paris, I found myself going to review my first theatrical event of the new season. And what a dazzling event it is. As I entered the Duo Theatre at 62 East 4th Street NYC to see The Judgment of Paris I found myself back in Paris. Back in time. The theatre itself is reminiscent of an old movie palace of the 1930’s – decaying decadence spilling over the faux footlights. The women of the troupe, already in character and corseted in period negligees and swirling ruffled satin skirts welcome you in French and flirt outrageously while the pre-recorded soundtrack plays C’est Si Bon, I Love Paris and other mood inducing music.
Les Girls – one, a male (how very French!) - pamper themselves and preen. Prepare for the evenings dramatic entertainment. Limbering up. Stretching. Bending. Laughing. Then the house lights dim…
We are in an old Parisian Music Hall where The Judgment of Paris is to take place. Austin McCormick – choreographer and director, all of twenty four year old, has gone for Baroque and has come up with - Ka-Ching! – an absolute winner.
Mixing elements of Baroque dance with Busby Berkeley and using an assortment of music that includes La Belle Helene (Offenbach) – Pergolesi and Cole Porter’s Can-Can the story of Paris and Helen of Troy unfolds in an unexpected and quite astonishing manner.
Seth Numrich as Paris, wearing an immense cod piece must give his golden apple bestowed upon him by Cupid (Davon Rainey) to either Hera (Laura Careless en pointe), Athena (Yeva Glover - Andrews Sister’s Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy) or the zaftig, Reubenesque Aphrodite Gioia Marchese who promises him Helen of Troy (Elyssa Dole) despite the fact that she’s already married to Menaleus (Seth Numrich). He chooses Aphrodite. He gets Helen.
The Trojan war ensues – beautifully danced and narrated. Then we get to visit with Helen backstage to ask her revealing questions after Paris’ demise. If all of this sounds like it couldn’t possibly work, believe me, it does. You will have sixty sexy minutes of unadulterated beauty in this innovative, amusing and moving retelling of this classic story. It’s not just about high kicks, but about love and betrayal and who is ultimately to blame for things gone bad.
All the elements of this extremely theatrical theatre piece are stunning. From the lighting by Leigh Allen to the costumes by Olivera Gajic to the set design by Rumiko Ishii. But foremost is the concept, visualization and ultimate execution by Mr. McCormick, that makes The Judgment of Paris so memorable. Bravo!
You only have until January 31st. Rush. It’s much less expensive than traveling to Paris.
www.CompanyXIV.com Tickets $35.00 Students and Seniors $20.00
Photo: Steven Schreiber new blog - www.oscaremoore.com
01-11-09
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