Love + Chaos + Dinner = Magic  

Imagine the musical, Cabaret. Then, add in a little Cirque de Soliel, a dash of steam punk, a dollop of drag queen, a healthy handful of humor, and tie it all up with a satiny, sensual ribbon. If you can hold all those elements in your mind, you’ll have some idea of what it is like to spend an evening at Teatro ZinZanni.

Held on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, entering the historic Belgian Spiegeltent, imported and installed by Broadway in Chicago, Randolph Entertainment and Teatro ZinZanni in 2019, is like entering another world. Spiegeltents, or “mirror tents,” as I learned from Teatro’s website, originated in the early 20th century in Holland. The tents acted as mobile palaces for dancing and other gatherings. Crafted of intricate woodwork and stained glass and detailed in velvet and brocade, each tent has its own personality and style. Only a hand-full of these unique and legendary ‘mirror tents’ are left today. Chicago’s import is called the “ZaZou” and it was built in 1910.

From the moment you enter the Cambria Hotel, the otherworldly experience created by the cast and crew of Teatro ZinZanni begins. We were directed to the elevator by a woman in red satin, and exited it into a beautiful lobby and bar. Upon entering the tent itself, I could almost hear the opening words of Cabaret, welcoming me and urging me to leave my troubles at the door. My companion and I had the dinner service, and a delightful, savory tart was awaiting us at our table. Cast members wandered about, speaking with guests, making jokes and creating little bits of entertainment for anyone around them.

The show itself is structured like an evening at a Cabaret, or Vaudevillian theater. The performers all take their turn showcasing their particular talents, to great and entertaining effect. The night began with vocal artist Cunio, whose powerful voice blends the range of Freddie Mercury and the raw power of Janis Joplin, putting on a “karaoke” bit with a few audience members. He kept things light, kind, and moving right along – till he introduced the second lead voice of the night, LiV Warfield, a woman with the vocal control of a ninja master – if ninjas sang. Rather than intimidate the audience with their stadium-sized voices, both Cunio and LiV Warfield created an inclusive, joyful experience that had the entire audience singing along.

Next up was original Seattle cast member and comedian Kevin Kent as Doily, Cocktail Waitress and Southern Belle, who fell in love with at least half the men in the audience and had the other half in stitches. Doily had the unique ability to titillate with kindness, to poke fun with love and compassion and usher us all into her playful, inuendo-filled reality.

The show also features several world-class circus artists.  Ukrainian born Vita Radioanova played Vanessa a nervous, excitable, flight attendant – who comes alive when she performs her Hula Hoop act. If you’ve ever wondered how many hula hoops one person can keep spinning, Vita would know. She turned the old backyard game into a work of art. Brazilian Capoeira artist Raphael Nepomuceno, played Chuck Rodrigo, a sexy and sweet fireman who also performed a breathtaking act on the straps, hanging from the ceiling above the diners. Argentinian Elayne Kramer, a 6^th generation Circus Performer, played hapless Club Manager Marie, and absolutely stunned with her contortionist act. One of the many things I learned at Teatro ZinZanni is that everyone should witness someone who can shoot a bow and arrow with their feet.

The final big act of the night was Chicago’s own Duo Rose, (Sam Sion and Sylvia Friedman) an acrobat couple who performed an intimate, sensuous dance above all our heads. They were awesome in the traditional sense, in that their beauty, control, grace and strength inspired true awe, and even a tear or two.

The cast was supported by the excellent band, led by Chicagoan Theodis Rodgers, Jr. The wait staff was attentive and thoughtful. The night felt like a seamless escape into a world of old that only existed in our collective imagination, where everything is beautiful and maybe we can fly.

Interactive theater is a unique medium. For interactive performers, there is little to no time spent away from the audience. When they were not actively performing, each member of the cast was out in the audience, welcoming, teasing, laughing and flirting. I watched many of them create unique moments of comedy and connection with guests of every age and gender. It was a marvel to see and be a part of.

Even the menu was inclusive: there were Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free options, and everything we sampled was tasty. Frankly, given the immersive experience and the four course meal, the ticket prices are about what you’d spend on a more traditional show, but without the good food and the captivating mirror tent. If you’re looking for an unforgettable night out and a reminder that the world is filled with magic, this is the show for you.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Alina C. Hevia

Teatro ZinZanni runs through February 16, 2024 on multiple dates. Performances take place on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph St. Show only tickets start at $84 and tickets including a four-course meal start at $124 and can be purchased online at ZinZanni.com/Chicago. Discounted group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.

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