“Teatro ZinZanni” revisited

Highly Recommended **** Jane and I just revisited The Cambria Hotel to view “Teatro ZinZanni” with the new cast members. The evening was just as special as the other visits and the crowd ( this was a Wednesday evening) had the time of their lives). The three changes are unique in that each of the new cast members brings their own quality and special talent to the production.Frank Ferrante still brings his special ability to work the audience to the role of The Caesar. Even though most of his “shtick” is the same, the different audience members make it different and tonight better than the last time.

The additions to the cast ( or should I say changes) are the incredible Liv Warfield as Cleopatra. What a powerful voice. Dreya Weber is quite charming and does a major transformation from old lady to a beauty doing her aerials. She was just above our table and we could see her skills to perfection.

Also added to the cast is Tim TYler a/k/a Mr. P.P.. If you saw the show before with great comedy by  Joe De Paul, Mr. P.P. will not be a let-down. He is hysterical and what he does with a ping pong ball is absolutely amazing! ( in fact mesmerizing) I interviewed him on the show and was anxious to go back just to see him at work.

What I learned last night is that this is a show ( or experience) that can be seen more than once. In fact, I would think that every time they make a change, it is time to re-visit. Many of the people in the crowd were celebrating their birthdays or other special events. The food is amazing, the show is amazing and the evening a special memory that will last.

It is an open end production so they will stay here as long as people keep coming and from what I can see, that could be for a very long time. Thank you Broadway In Chicago for bringing this wonderful treat to Chicago.

Original Review

 Live theater is back! Broadway in Chicago along with Randolph Entertainment has brought us out of Covid into life by bringing back “Teatro ZinZanni”, a combination Cirque Du Soleil, Kit Kat Klub ( from “Cabaret”) and variety show rolled into one with the option for a fabulous dinner! Yes, all of this, a two-hour-thirty minute evening of true entertainment right in the Theater District. For those of you who do not know about one of our city’s hidden treasures, here we go. There is a hotel connected to the theater we have known as The Oriental, The Ford Theatre and Now the Nederlander Theatre- The Cambria Hotel!

This converted office building has a 14th floor that is a superb place for a circus. Extraordinary high ceilings allow for them to produce a show that one would expect in a tent, and it works!

“Tearto ZinZanni arrived in Chicago pre-Covid shut-down and is now back. With a cast of 8 performers and a crew of workers this show moves quickly along with a wonderful dinner ( there are options to just see the show from $69 per ticket) but the show works around and includes mention of much of the meal, so I am unsure of what those who passed on this might do ( except drink or order other items from the menu). The wait staff in many ways is part of the evening’s production. Lenea T ( our waitress) was adorable and made sure that Jane and I were happy. WE WERE!

When you get to the table, each diner gets a plate with hummus, olives and pita bread toasts. The first course is the Zananni ceaser salsd ( our evening’s host is Caesar ( played to perfection by Frank  Ferrante who is a delight in every way and a great ad-lib artists). FYI- The cast and crew make the rounds all evening kibbitzing with the audience members making the evening special. One of the performers, Oliver Parkinson seems to be a stage crew member just helping. Later in the show, we find that he is a member of the duo known as  Duo 19. Along with his partner, the lovely Cassie Cutler, we witness some unreal  trapeze work. She is also a huge surprise, as earlier, she appears to be a scrubwoman.

The show is filled with magical moments ( some even with magic), extraordinary feats, song ( an amazing  Storm Marrero with a voice that makes the building move-) comedy, Joe De Paul ( co-director) is hysterical as he takes on the role of King Kong in a skit that will make a lasting impression ( if you are of an age to recall the Empire State Building scene).

Vita Radionova is astounding and dazzling as she handles more hula hoops than I have even seen before. At one point she resembles a “slinky” ( if your are of an age to recall a slinky) and Cunio who can sing and move with the best. Lea Hintz is by far one of the sexiest aerialists I have ever seen and Michael Bajazet is a master of all the parts of being a circus performer.

The dinners Jane an dI enjoyed were ( Me) Shrimp Camanelle Pasta ( shrimp, asparagus, lemon cream sauce and fresh herbs- delish and a huge portion . For Jane Chicken Vesuvio ( herb roasted chicken thighs, gnocchi, petite peas in a white wine veloute. The other choices Braised Pork and Wild Mushroom Risotto Cake- our neighbors enjoyed that one. For dessert- a Chocolate Mousse Parfait ( to die for!) with salted caramal sauce and whipped cream.

A Great meal, a great show and not bad cost -wise.

FYI- We parked at the self park at 181 N. Dearborn- $20

Performances are at 7 p.m. Wednesdays thru Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays

Come early and mix it up- everything is CDC regulations- feel safe!

important: The venue is cabaret style seating. Parties will be seated together, and may be combined with other patrons to fill tables of 4, 6, 8, or 10. Depending on the type of tables available in your section, larger parties may be seated at separate, but adjacent tables.

Tables seat the following number of guests:

Front Row: seats 4 per table

Center Ring: seats 2-10 per table

Premium Perimeter: seats 4 per table

Outer Ring & Show Only: booths seat up to 7

They do pick on audience members BUT you can order a “do not disturb” sign and they will leave you alone. Those who partook had a blast and a memory they will have for years to come. Oh yes, they do sell souvenirs and pictures and you can meet the cast after the show. The Cambria Hotel is located at  32 West Randolph. Go to the last elevator and someone will greet you and escort you up to the 14th floor where your fun will begin.

To order your tickets go to  www.zinzanni.com

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

NOTE: The lighting cast a coloring that is unnatural. My friend Barry made the picture as light as can be- while the picture is not as good as I would like it, the salad was terrific!!!