PicksInSix Review: Love, Chaos & Dinner - Teatro ZinZanni
Teatro ZinZanni delivers high-flying entertainment!
PicksInSix® Review | Ed Tracy
There was a genuine air of excitement for the opening on Friday of Teatro ZinZanni’s 2024 summer show in the magnificent Spiegeltent ZaZou on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel in the heart of the Chicago Loop Theatre District. There were several birthdays being celebrated and at least one bubbly bachelorette party having fun, the revelers being set apart from the rest of the glittery crowd with rhinestone-studded foreheads and matching eye shadow. At the main entrance on Randolph just off Dearborn, there is a savvy new mascot to mark the location: a four-foot pink elephant statue that beckons you to enter. From the lobby, guests are escorted via a private elevator to the main event that combines a wide array of topflight cirque acts, music, comedy, cabaret and a four-course dinner. It is a ride we have taken often since 2019 and this unique show would typically be more than enough to get the sold-out crowd on their feet.
But there was more.
Another event last week had people buzzing well before the lights went up. Teatro ZinZanni’s extraordinary featured vocalist LiV Warfield, a Chicago-based performer from Peoria, Illinois and a veteran of prior shows, appeared on America’s Got Talent on June 4 and received a Golden Buzzer from host Simon Cowell for the performance of her original song “Stare” which equates to a direct pass to AGT’s live show finale round. Those live final episodes begin in mid-August, so Chicago audiences will have at least the next two months to make their reservations to revel in Warfield’s exceptional talent in the Belgian Spiegeltent.
The entire production is under the artistic direction of founder Norm Langill and is directed by Teatro ZinZanni veterans Kevin Kent and Elena Gattilova under the superlative musical direction of Theodis Rodgers, Jr. with choreography by Mickael Bazajet, all framed in inventive set and properties by Shauna Frasier and the stunning costumes of Debra “Beaver” M. Bauer.
In addition to Warfield and the charismatic impresario Cunio who share the soaring featured musical segments, the show features an impressive company. Kent, a seasoned comic force of nature, plays the captivating clown queen Doily (and a lovestruck aviator, Amelia) whose hilarious, over-the-top antics and clever repartee with the audience appeals to all ages. The array of international cirque acts includes the high energy hula hoop artist Vita Radionova (another AGT finalist), the astounding contortionist and foot archer Elayne Kramer, Bazajet and Vlada Romanova (Micky and Vlada) a thrilling acrobatic dancing duo, and the superb aerialist Raphael Nepomuceno.
It all adds up to a high-flying evening of non-stop entertainment complimented by a delectable four-course menu from Chef Jacob Sutter. That menu includes a variety of main course choices and an expanded offering of appetizers, entrée upgrades and specialty cocktails. The bustling service staff and immersive nature of the artists add to the festive and fun atmosphere that make Teatro ZinZanni a terrific night out to dress up and party down at one of Chicago’s most unique and exciting performance venues.
PHOTO|Elliot Fisher
TEATRO ZINZANNI CHICAGO
presents
LOVE, CHAOS, AND DINNER
Spiegeltent ZaZou
Cambria Hotel
32 West Randolph
14th Floor
Open Run
WEBSITE
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