The Judgment of Paris
Tickets and Information
SHOW INFORMATION
Opened Jan 10, 2009
Closed Feb 1, 2009
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Following critically acclaimed performances at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland (Pick of the Fringe), the 10th Annual Festival Internacional de Puebla in Mexico, and 303 Bond in Brooklyn, Company XIV presents a revival of their hit show, The Judgment of Paris.
Dubbed by the company as "A dramatic entertainment," this erotically charged show fuses theater, dance, music, naughty cabaret and can-can! The Judgment of Paris is conceived, directed and choreographed by Austin McCormick, with adapted text by Austin McCormick and Toby Burns.
Inspired by the Greek myth "The Judgment of Paris", in which the first ever beauty contest occurred, and informed by the stage directions of the Baroque Opera, The Judgment of Paris (by John Weaver), Company XIV tells an epic story of lust, love, and tragedy, illustrating the events that lead to Paris' fateful decision to award Aphrodite the golden apple in exchange for Helen of Troy. This decision launched the Trojan War, resulting in years of blood shed and catastrophe. The Judgment of Paris explores archetypes prevalent in Greek literature, tracing them through history, equating Helen of Troy (the first blonde bombshell) to other blondes throughout time...Marilyn, Marlene, Brigitte Bardot, etc. Humorous interludes, supplied by Offenbach's comic opera La Belle Helene, tantalize throughout the evening. Equal parts classical, contemporary, historical, and pop art, The Judgment of Paris defies easy categorization.
Mature content - no one under 16 will be admitted.
THEATER/VENUE INFORMATION:
62 E 4th St
New York, NY 10003
The Duo Theatre is a Latino company that produces new musical theater. Be sure to check out the lobby's exhibition of art by Latino artists. Performances are in English.
WHAT ARE CRITICS SAYING?
What are other members saying?
RE:A high-school production?
The writing, acting, and dancing in this production are at a level that might seem good in a high-school production. Unfortunately, the show simply does not engage the viewer because it is so engaged in the exploration of artifice that its artificiality encases it. Amateurish choreography, not entertaining.
Reviewed by formershrink
on Friday, Jan 23rd, 2009
recommend, approve and/or guarantee such events, or any facts, views, advice and/or information contained therein.
©1999-2012 TheaterMania.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy
Directions & Map
To get a sense of director/choreographer Austin McCormick's vision for The Judgment of Paris, this entertaining dance-theater retelling of the myth of Helen of Troy now at the Duo Theater, one only needs to describe how some of the goddesses are portrayed. Aphrodite (Gioia Marchese) comes to the stage like a platinum blonde Sophie Tucker with a thick Russian accent, while Athena (Yeva Glover) arrives accompanied by "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and looks something like a young and voluptuous stripper Mazeppa from Gypsy. It's a marvelously sexy way of bringing these classical figures to life and also grounding them firmly in 20th-century mythology.
McCormick's production -- which unfolds in a [...]