‘Rococo Rouge’ Never Goes There

Ah, burlesque. This art form has slowly moved its way into the mainstream in America, though it’s never quite held the sway that it has in Europe. Raunchy, naughty fun certainly isn’t the issue. Vaudeville — a distinct but related bit of silliness — has its share of ribaldry. And across the street from this new venue XIV is Bridget Everett currently receiving raves for her out-there night of cabaret called Rock Bottom. So what to make of Rococo Rouge, the new offering from Company XIV, which makes much of its hedonistic namesake Louis XIV by mixing in snatches of opera amidst its pop songs and circus-like turns? Downtown spaces like The Slipper Room and The Box have hosted far more envelope-pushing nights of burlesque. Acts like La Soiree have featured far more elaborate shows in bigger spaces. And the polished professionalism of Moulin Rouge (echoed in its way by the squeaky clean Rockettes) is family friendly fare with top-notch talent. Rococo Rouge is not quite any of these. It’s in an intimate space which is not lavish enough to call upscale and not trashy enough to make you feel edgy. The humor and stunts on display wouldn’t offend your grandmother. But it’s not up to the precision heights of Moulin Rouge’s guys and gals either. Nor are the stunts of the Cirque Du Soleil quality either. The result is neither fish nor fowl and something seemingly designed for an audience that doesn’t quite exist.