Interview: Austin McCormick Talks NUTCRACKER ROUGE at Theatre XIV

Director and choreographer, Austin Mccormick is the founder behind Brooklyn's Neo-Baroque performance space, Company XIV which incorporates everything from burlesque to ballet, opera, and drag. To get in the holiday season, the company is now showcasing its fun and sensual Nutcracker Rouge. BroadwayWorld.com spoke with Austin about the gender-bending act, his company, and where he can be found when he's not working.

How did Company XIV come about in 2006? What were you looking to give the audience that they perhaps couldn't get elsewhere?

In my final year at The Juilliard School where I was training to become a professional dancer, I decided I wanted to start a New York-based company where I could fuse all of the things I love and continue growing as a creator. I began studying French Baroque court dance as a child and was groomed to reconstruct antique dances from notation. I fused my baroque background with contemporary influences while I was a student and COMPANY XIV (named after Louis XIV, the French monarch under whose reign ballet was codified) was born out of my desire to keep developing my unique style. Over the years, XIV has grown to encompass many styles and genres of performance. The combination of drag, circus, classical ballet, burlesque, baroque dance, vaudeville, and opera has resulted in a truly unique company like nothing else in the world.

As a director, choreographer, and producer I have always been extremely interested in all aspects of an audience's experience. For me, performance is so much more than what happens onstage and XIV is the only place, to my knowledge, that considers an audience's 360 degree experience from a place of generosity, opulence, and seduction. Attending an XIV performance feels like you are stepping into our secret decadent home hosted by our beautiful performers with a glass of ice cold Champagne or a McCormick Martini in your hand.

What do you look for when hiring performers?

All of our performers are classically trained. I look for strong technique and expertise in their specialty. Many of our artists are incredibly multi-talented and able to offer several unique talents to the productions. XIV is the only place to see an opera singing aerialist (Marcy Richardson), tap dancing- aerialist twins (Ross and Nick Katen), and a pole dancing, pointe shoe clad drag queen (Laszlo Major). Our performers have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Cirque du Soleil, The Rockettes, and Les Ballet Trockadero among others.

The most unique thing about XIV performers is that we foster an environment of support and inclusivity. Everyone who is in the company is incredibly supportive of their fellow artists. They support each other by helping with quick changes, raising and lowering curtains, and being an enthusiastic audience for each other during performances. They operate from a place of tremendous love and respect for each other. They are a group of unique individuals who are all confident in their contribution to the world of the show.

You've completely transformed the classic (and very refined) Nutcracker into a sensual burlesque and acrobatic event. What was your inspiration behind it?

Every young dancer grows up dancing the classical ballet and I always knew that I wanted to make my own version. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's music is so sensual and beautiful but I knew I needed to combine other sources to make a fresh show that would appeal to audiences outside of ballet fans. The structure of the classical ballet, particularly act II, which takes place in the "Kingdom of the Sweets," lends itself beautifully to a variety show atmosphere where Marie-Claire (our version of Clara) samples exotic delicacies from around the world.

What has been your favorite part working on Nutcracker Rouge?

I love adapting the show for particular guest artists. It pushes me to be creative and reinvent the show. We never simply remount the show. It's always different which is exciting for audiences who come back year after year.

What do you hope the audience will take away by seeing Nutcracker Rouge?

I hope our guests have a sexy, humorous, and romantic evening at XIV. I hope our inclusivity, diversity of body type and gender-bending leaves audiences more accepting, kind, and open-minded.

Who or what inspires you?

Louis XIV, Charles Bukowski, Vogue Italia, Texas Guinan, The Blonds, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Zane Pihlstrom, the circus, speakeasies, vintage glassware, Absinthe, Panniers, lingerie, mustaches, Frankincense, powdered wigs, masked balls, chandeliers, and the sound of Champagne popping.

Where do you hang out when you're not working?

When I'm not at Theatre XIV, I love grabbing a bite at my favorite local Bushwick restaurants, such as Guadalupe Inn or Le Garage. Otherwise, I'm seeing an opera the MET, catching a casual burlesque show at The Slipper Room or soaking in the salt water pool at Aire spa.

Any shows or events in NYC (or beyond) you're excited about in 2019?

I choreographed Samson et Dalia at the MET and it comes back in March. I also choreographed La Traviata which opens at Chicago Lyric Opera in February. Other than that, I am excited for XIV's Queen of Hearts.

Queen of Hearts is a debut show coming soon. Anything you can tell us about it?

This is my first huge creation completely from scratch in a long time. I am really excited about letting my imagination run wild with my collaborator and costume designer, Zane Pihlstrom. We have the opportunity to try new things and push ourselves which is always thrilling. I am redesigning the cocktail program to reflect the theme, which means a new menu and many delicious surprises in store for the audience. I have a feeling this will be our most ambitious, sparkly, Champagne-soaked extravaganza yet!

(Photo courtesy of DKC/O&M)