“Cabaret Zazou presents Luminaire”

[rating=5]Heeee’s Back! Yes, Frank Ferrante ( aka Groucho) who brought us his Caesar character in last year’s opening of the new venue in the Cambria Hotel. The show was Teatro ZinZanni, a sort of Cirque Sol El under a sort of permanent tent high atop this hotel located at 32 West Randolph in Chicago. While we loved the original show and all of the modifications made with changes in the cast ( and their specialties) the new show, “Luminaire” is far better. It is more like a show and Ferrante is a better character ( although there are times he falls into Caesar, but in a teasing way that works!).

The concept of the show is dinner with entertainment. In this version we have more singing and quite a bit of playfulness with the audience ( Ferrante is a master with this talent). When people watch audience participation, they might think that those called to be on stage are a plant, but I can assure you that this is not the case. Ferrante chose one of the theater reviewers and his wife to be part of the show. I know they were not in on it and the McCain’s were a hoot. Ricardo ( I always thought it was Rick, but playing off his host, he added the spice). His wife Brenda not so much, but after some time ( and teasing) she played along and together they were hysterical. Others from the audience were also terrific with Claudia doing a dance number with Ferrante that was also great comedy and Lisa Fielding from WBBM radio having some time ringing her bells. The fix was never in!

As for the show: more music with singers James Harkness and the powerful Liv Warfield who even did a song from the ropes suspended from the high ceiling of the tent. WOW! Liv was previously a member of the Teatro ZinZanni cast as well. Part of a Cirque show is the circus acts and the performers who do them. Victor Kee is a juggler  that is right up close making each move of the balls that fall from the ceiling even more amazing than the previous.

Ulzii Mergen is a contortionist and seeing her as up close and personal as we do, you will find yourself staring at  her  agility and how her body is almost snakelike.

The aerialists who also do some skating are Nathan Prince, Cornelius Atkinson and Isis Clegg-Vinell. One can tell they are circus performers and have probably been in training for what they do from their early years. The setting we are in is a stage in the center of the room surrounded by dinner tables. We are in some cases just a few feet from the action and in a few cases, the performers may even be on your table!

The music is modern and jazzy and the orchestra under the direction of Chick Webb is very “cool”. In fact there were times I thought back to my days of The London House and the great sounds that the Marienthal Brothers brought to Chicago- these musicians, Warfield and Harkness truly have it!

Dinner is better than one might expect with four choices- chicken, Seasonal Risotto, Steak Frites ( my choice) and Pan Seared Salmon ( Jane’s choice). We also enjoyed some dips and a “Caesar Salad” and for dessert- Chocolate Pot de Creme- salted caramel sauce, whipped Chantilly, oatmeal streusel- I ended up with two as Jane is on a diet. Yummy.

The show is written and directed by Dreya Weber and as I said earlier, this is the best they have done yet. We were in love with the show from start to finish and enjoyed watching our server Caitlin get into the act. I think most of the servers are performers who are waiting for their break. This may just be the spot. This cast of players is wonderful. Even the stuff they do between acts is wonderful and a tip of the hat to the stagehands who make all the changes between circus acts- they are great.

“Luminaire” will continue for as long as audiences want it to ( so let’s keep it going Chi-Town)

Wednesdays  7 p.m.

Thursdays  7 p.m.

Fridays  7 p.m.

Saturday  7 p.m.

Sundays  12 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Prices vary by sections and days of the week as well as some seating without the meal. I will say the meal is well worth it and they do pour a great drink.

order tickets and reserve your chance to be a part of this spectacular experience tickets@cabaretzazou.com

312-488-0900

You can also buy prepaid parking at the  Theatre District Self Park 181 N. Dearborn ( around the corner)

to see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Cabaret Zazou Luminaire”