AUSTIN MCCORMICK’S
COMPANY XIV
W
alking through Greenwich Village, I passed by the Minetta
Lane Theatre and saw the marquee for Austin McCormick’s
Company XIV. Austin grew up in Montecito, and in 1996, I cast him
as a child actor in Access Theatre’s original musical,
LEAP!
We could
tell this was a young diamond in the rough. He clearly demonstrated
a focus and passion that was uncommon for someone of his age. He
went on to attend Juilliard and transformed into a brilliant dancer
and choreographer. Company XIV is his creation, and he designs,
choreographs, and conceives each original dance theatre production.
Austin’s unique vision of edgy, evocative, vintage baroque dance theatre
combines ballet, circus, opera, burlesque, dazzling costumes, elaborate
scenic and lighting design, and eclectic music.
Austin was rehearsing
Cinderella
, which opened the following
week. I got a chance to watch and visit with him during lunch break.
To say I am proud of him and his accomplishments would be an
understatement. Critics continue to rave about his work, which is
unique, engrossing, progressive, and wildly entertaining. His parents,
Michael
and
Deborah McCormick
, split their time between
Montecito and New York. They are strongly supportive of Austin and
proudly assist with many aspects of production. Company XIV will
Austin McCormick’s Brooklyn-based Company XIV is among
the more daring dance troupes on the New York City art scene
Austin McCormick
(top, left)
, Carpinteria-bred Judson
Morgan (who became a member of the original Broadway
cast of
The Graduate
, with Kathleen Turner, Jason Biggs,
and Alicia Silverstone), and Betty Mann in Access Theatre’s
original musical,
Leap!
(circa 1996)
Company XIV founder Austin McCormick
– ON THE ARTS
32
winter
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spring
