Company XIV’s PARIS ensemble
Photo Credit: Mark Shelby Perry

I’ve been a fan of Company XIV ever since seeing their spectacular Rococo Rouge two years ago. Company XIV’s blend of live music, comedy, and burlesque offers a different kind of dance show, and their latest production is no exception.

Paris is accessible for people who aren’t dance aficionados – light enough for a date night or a girl’s night – and yet there is much artistry to admire among the glitz and glamour. My friend and date for the night Elaine had even more to admire, as she is a physical therapist and could appreciate the strength and endurance to perform a show like Paris. Walking out at the end of the show, happily buzzed from a bottle of white wine enjoyed during the show, we couldn’t imagine singling out one favorite song or even dancer in the show, but there were moments that we knew couldn’t go without mentioning. Read on for five moments from Paris that blew our minds and made our jaws hit the floor.

5. The MC’s Gender-Bent Shenanigans

Being the MC of a show like Paris is a difficult task by itself, but Charlotte Bydwell has a doubly tough task. One-half coat tails and top hat, the other half a feathery headdress and glittery red ballgown, Bydwell plays Zeus and Fifi rolled together. Her gender-bent act goes beyond the costume, handsome as it is. Each side has a distinct personality with Zeus’ flamboyance and Fifi’s skittishness. There is a running gag of Zeus pushing Fifi into the show, despite her obvious reluctance, and making her play the tuba. She darts behind curtains, scenery, and her fellow actors to switch between the two characters, but no matter which character emerged, the audience was in for a treat.

(L-R) Charlotte Bydwell (center) as Zeus/Fifi and Jakob Karr as Paris
Photo Credit: Mark Shelby Perry

4. Those Bendy Men

Both the men and the women of Company XIV can bend backwards, forwards, and any which way (but loose). However, there is something special about a man doing splits and high-kicks, and seeing two lusty men dance passionately together was enjoyable to say the least.

(L-R) Jakob Karr as Paris and Todd Hanebrink as Mercury
Photo Credit: Mark Shelby Perry

3. Juno’s Royal Transformation

When the goddess Juno (played by Randall Scotting) first makes his appearance in Paris, Juno is a queen surveying her subjects, complete with crown. Before she makes her exit, however, she has transformed into an intimidating sexual creature akin to Tim Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and Scotting does it while hitting operatic high notes and seducing Paris (and the audience) into a hypnotic state.

Randall Scotting (center) as Juno in black
Photo Credit: Mark Shelby Perry

2. Every Time Venus Opened Her Mouth

Storm Marrero (center) as Venus
Photo Credit: Mark Shelby Perry

All of the goddesses have impressive voices, and Athena’s rendition of “Skyfall” (see #1) is mind-blowing. Venus isn’t doing flips or high-kicks or spinning around on a pole during her song, but her voice had my full attention from the moment she opened her mouth. Hear a little for yourself below.

1. “Adele on a Pole”

Marcy Richardson as Athena on pole
Photo Credit: Mark Shelby Perry

Walking out of Paris, there was one moment that Elaine could not stop raving about, which was – in her own words – “Adele on a pole.” The goddess Athena’s second number in the show is Adele’s “Skyfall,” a song made famous in the movie by the same name. It is a tough song to pull off while standing still in front of a microphone, and Athena (played by Marcy Richardson) sings it while simultaneously performing an elaborate pole dancing routine.

To say it made an impression on Elaine is an understatement.

There are still plenty of chances to see Company XIV’s Paris before it closes November 12, with balcony tickets starting at only $25. For tickets, click here or call 866-811-4111, and check out the full Paris photo gallery here and a trailer for the show below.