“Teatro ZinZanni” next edition reviewed by Frank Meccia with a follow-up by Al Bresloff

A second look at the revised ( or one may call it new) version of Teatro Zinzanni at Spiegeltent Zazou.

I would have to agree with Frank on the rating of [rating=4]. The show is still more of an “entertainment” rather than a play. The story  is a “what if” and is still a whirlwind of live comedy with music and cirque as well as a tasty dinner and very good ( but expensive ) drinks. For those that saw the original edition, they know that the show was very Cesar and although Fernate is wonderful and the two sidekicks that worked with him very funny, the new show is divided in a way where more of the performers take on the role of “emcee” at different times.

Chicago audiences who know Bethany Thomas will delight in seeing her portrayal of Madame Z, the supposed “chef” and her  Head waiter, Dolly ( Kevin Kent is hysterical), who brings a new look to the immersive audience participation portion of the show. Dolly is a unique character and all of the audience members played well with her character. They had a ball and we laughed our A—s off!

In the new version Cunio not only does his thing on the silks but does far more singing ( what a vocal range he has) and is again used more than before.

The other cast members are Michael Evolution who does things with a basketball that will have you ready to get on the court, Duo Rose, who will capture your hears with their ability to soar above us ( with no net), Noel Aguilar, who can juggle more items than I would even think possible, Elena Gatilova who can move her body in ways one cannot even imagine possible and Marjorie Nantel who is also able to do contortions that one might think impossible.

The show itself ( including the dinner) is about 2 1/2 hours in duration. The entire cast is involved with every aspect of the dinner along with the servers and bussers, who do a wonderful job of getting to every table in a timely fashion. By the way- there are four different choices of entre and everyone gets a salad and a marvelous dessert. There are optional appetizers ( at a separate charge). The ticket includes the dinner.

The basic concept of the story- a famous chef opens up a new eatery, and due to problems hires a group of unemployed circus performers to fill the roles of wait staff and bussers. The fun begins right away and lasts for the duration of the show. This is a full experience and one that is perfect for people who truly NEED to get back into the world. As I said, the tickets include a multi-course meal range from $109- $264 and there are some limited ala carte tickets at $69 ( no dinner). There are some tables where you WILL be part of the show ( at a premium).

To order your tickets visit www.zinzanni.com/Chicago. Have a group? contact GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or call 312-977-1710

This all takes place at The Hotel Cambria located at 32 West Randolph on the 14th floor. The venue is amazing, the food is wonderful and the show is one that will be in your mind and heart for years to come.

Performances are as follows:

Wednesday  7 p.m.

Thursday  7 p.m.

Friday  7 p.m.

Saturday  7p.m.

Sunday’ 12 noon and another at 7 p.m.

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Frank’s review

[rating=4] Spiegeltent Zaau is an opulent places of red velvet and gold brocade, stained glass and dark mahogany, these mirrored tents were constructed for European cabarets in the early 1910. And now this Spiegeltent finds a new home in Chicago at the Cambria Hotel. The grand room was built in 1926 as a Masonic Hall, and then was rediscovered during construction of the hotel.

The theme for these shows is a sort of Cirque Soliel,  which I should remind you, changes every 3-4 months, and that change brings in a new cast and a new menu. So, just because you have “been there/done that” “doesn’t mean you have. The new theme is “What If” ,. What if we had a couple of years of delayed dreams, hopes dashed and , then , how to move ahead. The star of the show is Madame Z the chef for ZinZanni, played by Chicago’s own Bethany Thomas, Bethany has been a staple to musical theatre in Chicago for the past 10 years. Her powerful voice and octave range has thrilled people everywhere, and tonight is no exception.

The head waiter Doily played by Kevin Kent is a true natural improvisational comedian, known for his quirky portrayals of classic female characters, and this one is one of his best. The rest of the assembled restaurant crew of unemployed circus artists from around the world, are: Sasha played by Elena Gatilova from the Ukraine, Michael Evolution from the Netherlands, Noel Aguilar from Mexico, and from Chicago trapeze stars Duo Rose, Sylvia Friedman and Samuel Sion.

Their performances were flawless, and with no safety net or safety ropes. The entire cast creates a wonderful night. The 4-course menu has something for everybody, created by Executive Chef and Sous Chef Michael Keeler and Jennifer Gomez. Remember to save room for that flourless chocolate cake. By the way, the cocktails are truly terrific.

Teatro ZINZANNI performances are as follows:

Wednesday  7 p.m.

Thursday  7 p.m.

Friday  7 p.m.

Saturday  7p.m.

Sunday’ 12 noon and another at 7 p.m.

As you dine, slow and evenly, you will find yourself being entertained by this powerful cast. They talk with you, and you feel as if they are more than performers and or servers, they are friends.

Doors open at 6pm, which gives you time to stop at the bar, and look at all the great artifacts they have on display.  The Cambria Hotel is located at 32 W. Randolph St. ( part of the old Oriental Theatre, now the James Nederlander Theatre). Discount parking is at 20 Randolph or parking across from Goodman Theatre.

Tickets can be bought at or www.TeatroZinzanni.com.

Covid protocol require a vax-card or PCR test or antigen test. No masks at your table. So you can enjoy dinner and drinks.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Teatro Zinzanni”.