On a quiet stretch of Troutman Street in Brooklyn, behind an unassuming exterior, Company XIV offers an experience between orchestrated theatre and a Baroque fever dream. Since experiencing the immersive theater spectacle at Théâtre XIV for the first time last night, I understand how the company has cultivated such a devoted following and why they'll mark their 20th anniversary this year despite the cutthroat world of entertainment in the city.
The current production, Petite Rouge, reimagines Little Red Riding Hood through a sensual and surreal lens. Yet what lingered with me most was not simply the storyline, but the scale of craftsmanship behind the experience. The costumes alone deserve admiration.
Intricately embellished corsets, shimmering fabrics, elaborate headpieces, and richly layered garments turned each performer into a living piece of theater. Knowing that many of the costumes and props are handcrafted inside the venue’s own in house design studio made the production feel even more impressive.
As someone who has long loved Moulin Rouge! and experiences like Cirque de Soleil for its theatrical indulgence, and layered visual storytelling, I found myself captivated almost instantly by the atmosphere Austin McCormick and his company have created. Velvet textures, glowing chandeliers, candlelit corners, and plush banquettes transformed the Bushwick venue into a world that felt both intimate and grand. Every detail appeared carefully considered, from the dramatic lighting to the movement of performers weaving through the audience with effortless precision.
Austin McCormick
The choreography continuously pulled the eye across the room in unexpected ways. At times, dancers emerged from corners of the theater I had barely noticed moments earlier. Elsewhere, aerialists suspended above the audience created scenes that felt cinematic without losing the intimacy of live performance. The use of space was particularly mesmerizing. Rather than confining the action to a traditional stage, the entire venue became part of the storytelling. Every staircase, curtain, balcony, and shadow seemed activated by movement.
What makes Company XIV feel distinctive is the way multiple art forms coexist within a single production. Ballet, opera, burlesque, circus artistry, cabaret, and theatrical dance blend together naturally, creating a layered sensory experience that constantly evolves throughout the evening. One moment might feel playful and seductive while the next becomes hauntingly beautiful.
The audience itself also becomes part of the visual landscape. Guests sip theatrical cocktails beneath candlelight while performers move only feet away. There is an energy inside the theater that feels glamorous yet strangely welcoming, like stepping into an extravagant secret shared among strangers for one evening.
Austin McCormick’s background at The Juilliard School is evident in the technical precision of the work. In a city overflowing with nightlife and entertainment options, Company XIV creates something that feels immersive, visually intoxicating, and deeply atmospheric.
For anyone drawn to theatrical spectacle, lavish costume design or immersive performance, an evening at Théâtre XIV offers an experience that lingers long after the curtain call.