Enlightenment Shining for All

Cabaret Zazou Presents Luminaire

In its world debut, a brand new production from Randolph Entertainment’s exciting Spiegeltent Zazou presentations, “Luminaire,” opens in Chicago with a fanfare of glittering, glossy opulence. A Luminaire is defined as someone wealthy in enlightenment and who shines that light brightly for all. And that’s precisely what this brilliant new production offers its audiences.

Once again, on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, guests are greeted by a bevy of beaming faces, there to happily guide your theatrical experience. If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship, you’ll have an idea of what awaits you. At the far end of the beautifully decorated theatre lobby there’s a cash bar, where a multitude 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 and ready for your entertainment and dining pleasure. And with that, you’re off and running for several hours of nonstop munching, merriment and mayhem. 

Seated at an elegant linen-covered table, patrons are served by one of the merry, multitalented waitpersons. An absolutely delicious, lunch or dinner is in store, developed and overseen by G.D. Turner, Executive Chef of Blue Plate Chicago. For lunch (dinners are a bit more elaborate) your dining experience begins with an appetizer of three different dips and pita toast, already waiting at your table. You may also order an additional starter course from the menu (the Zazou mac and cheese is wonderful!). Your server schmoozes with you and takes your order of a preferred main course. The lunch menu offers lemon & olive oil marinated chicken breast, pan seared Salmon, seasonal risotto, steak frites with garlic spinach, or, for an extra few dollars, seared filet mignon & jumbo shrimp. As you begin to enjoy your meal, take in the gorgeous environment in which you’re seated. 

The Spiegeltent Zazou is not a simple canvas banquet bungalow. 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 a five-member orchestra, directed by Chuck Webb and his talented ensemble. They provide the musical accompaniment for the performers, as well as some lyrical interludes, for your dining pleasure. It’s like attending a luxurious party at the Hearst Castle during its glory days.

The entertainment is ongoing and outstanding. It features a variety of entertainment that includes singers, dancers, acrobats and novelty acts of all kinds. The variety of talent is eye-popping, similar to Cirque du Soleil, and combined with the musical magic found in the finest European nightclubs and cabarets. The evening is hosted by the gregarious and hilarious international entertainer, Frank Ferrante. Back again from Teatro ZinZanni, Ferrante is a master of comedy and improvisation and his performance is as endearing as it is entertaining. He plays his role to the hilt, and the hilarity continues with abundant audience participation and on-the-spot improv.

The musical performers are magnificent. Talented chanteuse and recording artist  LiV Warfield serenades the audience and lights up the room with her contagious smile and gorgeous voice. Costumed in sparkling sequins and metallics, she sings and introduces the other performers. LiV is joined by another wonderful singing talent, Broadway performer and Grammy nominee, James Harkness. This talented vocalist has an incomparable range and his audacious personality delights. The two singers complement each other, providing a beautiful balance for the show.

The athletic artistry on display in this international production is equally mind-blowing. An incredibly gifted aerial acrobatic adagio is known simply as Trio Vertex, and features English performers Isis Clegg-Vinell, Cornelius Atkinson and Nathan Price. A jaw-dropping juggling talent from the Ukraine named Viktor Kee and a lovely, unbelievable contortionist from Mongolia named Ulzh Mergen entrance and dazzle with their gravity-defying gymnastic work. 

The entire show is a massive team effort. Dreya Weber is the Artistic Director who, somehow, manages to stage and guide this resplendent production and keep all the plates spinning at the same time. Ms Weber also serves as Choreographer for this piece. Opulent, creative costuming comes courtesy of Debra M. Bauer; Shauna  Frazier is the designer of all the scenery; David Trudeau is the show’s Lighting Designer, while Brendan West keeps the Sound at a perfect pitch.

This beaming, brilliant entertainment returns once again to Chicago with flash and flair. 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, Cabaret Zazou presents Luminaire is a vibrant spectacle, crowned by a delicious meal and a plateful of playfulness and pleasure.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 7-in an open ended run, 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.CabaretZazou.com. Tickets for groups of 10 or more can be purchased by 312-977-1710 or by going to GroupSales@BroadwayinChicago.com.

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