Another Helping of Fantasy and Fun

Teatro Zinzanni

Once again, the guests are arriving on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, there to be greeted by a gathering of grinning faces, all of whom are there to happily guide your theatrical experience. If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship or the Renaissance Faire, you’ll have an idea of what awaits you. At the far end of the theatre lobby there’s a huge bar, where all manner of beverages await you. Then, with a fanfare, the enormous company of waitstaff announce that the 300+ seat European cabaret Spiegeltent (mirror tent) is open again, after closing for the pandemic, and ready for your entertainment and dining pleasure. And with that, you’re off and running for three hours of nonstop munching, merriment and mayhem. 

Seated at one of the elegant linen-covered tables, arranged all around the massive room, the audience is served by one of the cheerful, multitalented waitpersons. An absolutely delicious, four-course dinner awaits, developed and overseen by Debbie Sharpe, owner of Chicago’s The Goddess and the Grocer restaurant. It begins with an appetizer of hummus and pita toast that’s already at your table, but you may also order an additional starter course from the menu (the macaroni and cheese with bacon is wonderful!). Your waitperson schmoozes with you and then takes your order of your preferred main course (Herb Roasted Chicken, Shrimp Rigatoni Mezzi, Wild Mushroom Risotto Cake, or a scrumptious Braised Pork Shoulder Agrodolce). While you’re enjoying your appetizer and, perhaps, an intoxicating cocktail, you begin to take in the gorgeous surroundings.

The Spiegeltent Zazou is not a simple canvas banquet tent. It’s plush, lavishly decorated in mahogany, with stained glass windows, red velvet draperies, mirrors and crystal chandeliers. On one side, there’s a large bandstand that houses the Orchestra DeVille, musically directed by Hans Teuber, and features a talented, five-member ensemble who provide the musical accompaniment for the performers, as well as lyrical interludes, for your dining pleasure. It’s almost like attending one of Jay Gatsby’s famous luxurious parties in West Egg.

The entertainment is ongoing and outstanding. It features a variety of entertainment that includes singers, dancers, acrobats and novelty and circus acts of all kinds. The production spotlights eye-popping talent, similar to Cirque du Soleil, combined with the musical expertise found in the finest nightclub and cabaret shows. The evening is hosted by the gregarious and hilarious Kevin Kent. As a Chicago-trained master of comedy and improvisation, Kent takes on the persona of head waitperson, Doily. He’s totally endearing and plays his role to the hilt. The hilarity continues with abundant audience participation, filled with on-the-spot improv.

The musical performers are magnificent. Multitalented Chicago theatre star and Diva Supreme Bethany Thomas stars this time around as Madame Z. She serenades the audience and lights up the room with her contagious smile. For those Chicagoans unfamiliar with this gifted chanteuse, Ms Thomas is a combination of Lady Gaga, Christine Aguilera and Maria Callas. Bethany sings and introduces the other performers, joined by another unbelievable singing talent named Cunio. This talented vocalist with the incomparable range and audacious personality has been “called the spawn of Freddie Mercury and Janis Joplin.” The two chanteuses complement each other, providing a beautiful balance.

The athletic artistry in this international production is mind-blowing. An incredibly gifted romantic aerial acrobatic adagio is known simply as Duo Rose, represented by Sylvia Friedman and Samuel Sion. A jaw-dropping juggling talent named Noel Aguilar, a magician with a basketball—or several of them—named Michael Evolution, an unbelievable contortionist and comedian named Marjorie Nantel and the aerial gravity-defying gymnastic work by Elena Gatilova all provide polished, jaw-dropping entertainment throughout the evening.

The entire show, as to be expected, is a massive team effort. Norman Langill, President of the organization, is the Artistic Director who, somehow, manages to stage the production and keep all the plates spinning at the same time. Tobias Larsson and Dreya Weber are the show’s Directors, while Ms Weber also serves as Choreographer. The opulent, creative costuming comes courtesy of Debra M. Bauer; Shauna  Frazier is the designer of all the scenery; Peter Braciliano is the show’s Lighting Designer and Brendan West keeps the Sound at a perfect pitch.

This dazzling, unique entertainment has returned to Chicago after “a long couple of years of dreams delayed and hopes dashed.” It’s an absolutely incredulous evening or afternoon of entertainment that audiences should not miss. The space on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel looks like a sumptuous European cabaret theatre from between the War years. This magical, multifaceted production is a mind-blowing experience, with entertainment taking place throughout the audience, as well as on the central stage. Back once again for another helping of fantasy and fun, Teatro Zinzanni is, indeed, a vibrant spectacle of love and chaos, crowned by a delicious, four-course dinner and a plateful of playfulness and pleasure.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas       

Presented on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, in the Theatre District, 32 W. Randolph St. (just west of the Nederlander Theatre), Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office on the 13th floor, by calling 312-488-0900 or by going to www.zinzanni.com/chicago.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.