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.

Best Day Ever

No trip to Tennessee would be complete without a stop at Dollywood. I have made multiple trips there over the years. There is always a feeling of comfort and joy spending the day at the park, especially during the Christmas season. From the cinnamon bread to the tasting menu, the train and of course the beautiful lights there is definitely something for everyone. But now they have added the Dolly Parton Experience which is really something to behold.

Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker Dances On

Ruth Page first choreographed The Nutcracker for a Chicago debut at the Arie Crown Theatre in 1965. It was performed every year after until 1997 – six years after the innovative ballerina and choreographer’s death. In 2003, The Ruth Page Center, a dance school for children, professionals, and everyone in between and founded in 1971, created a new production of highlights from Ruth Page’s beloved original full-length staging, and it has run every holiday season since.

This production of the Nutcracker is playing at several different Chicago area locations, leading to a pared down set – but the costumes are beautiful, and the dancing joyful.

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the on the E.T.A. Hoffman fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” written in 1816. The Ballet debuted in St. Petersburg, Russia on December 17, 1892. The famous, classic, ageless music was composed by Peter Tchaikovsky, and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa.

The story opens at a family party on Christmas eve, at the home of Clara and her brother Fritz. Their mysterious, magician uncle Drosselmyer arrives, bringing wonderful, dancing dolls to amuse the children. Once the dolls are removed, Clara notices a wooden nutcracker in the form of a toy soldier that Drosselmyer had also brought, and that had been ignored by everyone. She takes an immediate liking to it, only to see her brother Fritz break it. Drosselmyer repairs it, and places it back under the Christmas tree. Later that night, after everyone has gone to bed, Clara sneaks down to check on her nutcracker. The grandfather clock strikes midnight and she looks up to see Drosselmeyer perched atop it. Suddenly, mice begin to fill the room and the Christmas tree begins to grow to dizzying heights. The nutcracker also grows to life size. Clara finds herself in the midst of a battle between an army of toy soldiers and the mice, led by their king. The Nutcracker and other toys battle the mice, and nearly lose, till Clara throws her shoe at the Mouse King, distracting him for long enough for the Nutcracker to kill him. The Nutcracker transforms into a human prince and invites Clara to his kingdom in thanks for her help.

In Act 2, the Prince and Clara travel to The Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Nutcracker recounts his adventures, and how Clara saved him. In honor of her courage, the Sugar Plum Fairy throws a dance party featuring sweets from around the world. At the end of the dancing, Clara is returned home.

The first act of this production of The Nutcracker came with a few surprises: Clara and her father are both speaking roles. There is also narration of the action as it takes place, perhaps so that children in the audience can follow along more easily. I did miss the more dance heavy, traditional Act 1, especially in the opening party scene, but the war with the Mice was still fun, the toy soldiers were played by some of the youngest dancers. They were tiny, yet valiant against the evil mice, and wholly adorable.

Appropriately, as the show moved on, the dancers grew older and more experienced. The Land of Snow brought guest ballerina Kyra Olson as the lovely Snow Queen accompanied by a powerful Bilal Shakur Smith.

The Second Act absolutely flew by, with short but overall delightful dances. Mother Ginger’s dance is always a crowd pleaser, with the children running around. The Coffee dance was brightly colored and comical – an unusual presentation but memorable. The Waltz of the Flowers was lovely, and the American Beauty Rose was danced beautifully by Kseniya Stetsenko.

The Grand Pas De Deux, featuring guests Adiarys Almeida as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Taras Domitro as the Cavalier was excellent. Domitro in particular soared across the stage with power and grace.

The 2024 production of “Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker ” features a cast curated from local and international dance artists. In keeping with Ms. Page’s emphasis on children’s involvement, additionally cast are students from Ruth Page School of Dance’s Professional Dance and Young Dancer Training Programs. Students from the Keystone Dance Academy that is Ruth Page School of Dance’s outreach program at Wentworth Elementary School on Chicago’s South Side are also eligible to audition and participate. The Keystone Dance Academy program engages students in the training and study of classical ballet, jazz, and choreography, with an additional emphasis on community building, mentorship and support.

If you love the Nutcracker, but don’t have the time, attention span or wallet for a full-length production, this sweet, joyful show is a great choice.

Recommended

Reviewed by Alina C. Hevia

The final weekend of performances is at the College of Lake County’s (CLC) James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St. in Grayslake, Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. Tickets, ranging from $15 to $65 (depending on venue), are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.RuthPage.org. 

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