Company XIV puts a sexy, mesmerizing spin on Cinderella
that is heating up Brooklyn. Directed and choreographed by Austin McCormick, Cinderella is a unique blend of blend of circus, burlesque, vaudeville, and baroque dance. The world premiere runs at the company's new space, Theater XIV (in Bushwick, Brooklyn) through June 3.Below, BroadwayBox meets the stars playing Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Stepmother, & the Fairy Godmother.
Allison Ulrich as Cinderella
1. What I love most about our production of Cinderella:
What I love most is that the audience experiences every emotion watching it. You feel how sad it is at moments, how joyous it is, how hysterical it is and how loving it is.
2. Before friends and family come to the show, I tell them:
I usually tell them to make sure and still pay attention during the intermissions because our Entre Acts are amazing.
3. Moment I’m living my best life onstage:
I live my best life on stage when the Fairy Godmother has transformed me out of my “rags” and I get to dance in a pile of glitter.
4. The most surprising thing about being a part of Company XIV:
The most surprising thing about being a part of Company XIV is how much you learn about the artist that you are. I have been able to grow so much as a performer because of the roles Austin gives me and because of how much he pushes me to do more and do better. I have become a better actor, dancer and aerialist because of Company XIV.
5. The thing I hear most often from people after they’ve seen Cinderella:
The thing I hear most often after is that it is unlike any version of the story they have ever seen. People continually talk about how unique the show is and how visually stunning it is.
6. One thing I’d ask my fairy godmother for right now:
Right now, I’d ask my Fairy Godmother for a VERY healthy next few months while performing the role of Cinderella!
Nolan McKew as Prince Charming
1. Before friends and family come to the show, I tell them:
For family, I’d say, “...remember when I was a kid, running around the house naked? Not much has changed.” For friends, I say, “hope you’re thirsty, and not just for a good cocktail!
2. What I love most about our production of Cinderella:
It’s so difficult to pick just one thing! I love that Austin has created such an exciting new way to see into the world of an old fairytale, giving the audience heart-warming familiarity as well as dazzled surprised!
3. My favorite version of Cinderella:
Ballet version: Christopher Wheeldon’s with Maria Kotchetkova
Film version: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s with Brandy and Whitney.
4. Moment I’m living my best life onstage:
My straps solo, set to Vivaldi’s “La Follia.” Red straps, baroque music, rhinestoned cod piece jock strap, rhinestoned strappy corset, blonde-gold wig and, at first, a gold coat and rhinestoned Louis heels...to say the least, I’m having a pretty good time.
5. The thing I hear most often from people after they’ve seen Cinderella:
“Everything was so exciting and beautiful!
“Your apartment must be really sparkly now!”
“Why the Gumby tattoo?”
6. One thing I’d ask my fairy godmother for right now:
Can I keep the magenta rhinestone coat?
Lilin Lace as Stepmother
1. What I love most about our production of Cinderella:
It's so hard to say what I love the most! This show encompasses all styles of performance that I love. Oh, and the costumes are to die for!
2. Before friends and family come to the show, I tell them:
t’s a blend, of vaudeville, burlesque, Baroque, circus and ballet..... and you’re gonna see a lot of butts!
3. Moment I’m living my best life onstage:
I enjoy my character arc throughout the whole show. But I must admit I live for her in Act 3, especially when she gets to seduce the Prince!
4. The most surprising thing about being a part of Company XIV:
This cast is the hardest working team I have ever worked with. They all have passion for what they do and have an outstanding work ethic.
5. The thing I hear most often from people after they’ve seen Cinderella:
"That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen!...Everyone is so talented!" And I'm just like...
“I know right!"
6. One thing I’d ask my fairy godmother for right now:
A real Prince!
Storm Marrero as Fairy Godmother
1. What I love most about our production of Cinderella:
I absolutely love the gender fluidity of our cast. Nick and Ross Katen playing the mean Step-Sisters are show stoppers—they're my favorite. This mix brings a different energy to the production. And I personally just love how eclectic the cast is—bringing different styles of dance into the mix, creating something totally new, while still keeping the traditional classical style front and center.
2. Before friends and family come to the show, I tell them:
"There's nudity, and a lot of bedazzled G-strings and jock straps, so be ready." And they are, and they love it!
3. My favorite fairytale growing up:
My favorite fairytale was Beauty & The Beast. My mother saw the 1946 French version in the movie theaters when she was a child, and as an adult she was able to find that same version on VHS and shared it with my sisters and I. The moving statue arms holding the candelabras while Belle walks through the halls of the mansion, that was magical to me!
4. My favorite version of Cinderella:
The 1965 version with Leslie Anne Warren (I'm aging myself!)
5. Moment I’m living my best life onstage:
Singing "Jealous" by Labrinth while Cinderella (Allison Ulrich) and The Prince (Nolan McKew) have their first dance. The song is so powerful and emotional, I have to live in that moment every single night.
6. The thing I hear most often from people after they’ve seen Cinderella:
There are a lot of descriptors: fantastical, magical, sexy, fun. I've heard them all.
Get yourself out to Brooklyn to see Company XIV's 'Cinderella' through June 3.
