December 12, 2024

Teatro ZinZanni Chicago “Love Chaos and Dinner”.

**** They are back!!! For those of you who have heard about the wonderful theatrical experience called “Teatro ZinZanni” it is back in its Chicago home at the Cambria Hotel located at 32 West Randolph in Chicago’s “Theatre District”. The show is a combination of Cirque comedy, cabaret, spectacle and live music and they do get the audience involved. This is the 5th time that we have been to this charming establishment, and each time, the show is somewhat different than the previous version. That is what makes it so much fun! Although you know what toe expect, you do not know what you will see! Makes for a fun experience!
The new version, now hosted by Cunio, who has a powerful voice and who in the past we have seen do more acrobatic numbers, along with the amazing Liv Warfield. For those who read my previous review, there is a great deal more about her there, but I will tell you that hearing her sing is a treat that you will always remember! Our hostess is Doily and she is a scream. Doily’s play with the audience members is hysterical and tonight we were very lucky in that the audience members she involved were truly into it. Good old reliable Nathan was a riot!
There are lots of aisles antics going on from the time one sits at the table and orders a cocktail, until the final bows ( roughly 3 hours in total) but understand, you are not just seeing a show, you are also having a dinner that is not typical dinner/theater fare, but instead , a delicate well prepared meal with appetizer (a savory tart composed of acorn squash and apple gastrique), followed by a  Doily’s Garden Salad and then your choice of the three main courses- Chicken Roulade ( my choice) stuffed chicken, fried yukon potatoes, fried artichokes and rosemary aloli- delicious OR Salmon Filet ( Jane’s choice) Salmon with wild rice and roasted broccolini ( very tasty). They also have a medley for non-meat diners and for dessert, Sensuous Lips (goat milk Duice De Leche Mousse, spiced orange Jicama Slaw and sugared cranberries. A rare treat.
They do have several appetizer options you can upgrade to as well as entrée upgrades like Steak or Surf & Turf. The above are included with the tickets, and the upgrades ( and beverages) are upgrades.
The show is always a delight and the talent assembled terrific. Please understand that many of the audience members are VERY up close and personal with the performers. You will see juggling, hula hoop twirling ( like you have never seen before),  trapeze work, contortionist ( who will do archery with her feet and not miss) as well as have a lot of laughs with the comic touches added to the Cirque experience.
The big top located in this hotel is not a tent but a high ceiling thta is perfect for the entertainment presented with” Teatro ZinZanni” , and based on the almost full house on a Wednesday in December, I would think a permanent resident of our Chicago theater scene. No matter the day you may have had, this show will bring your spirits back to the old you, so  understand, you will have a wonderful time and an experience to remember.
“Teatro ZinZanni Chicago” appears to be a resident company that will add and alter the program from time to time, and bring back others who audiences have loved with an open end run. Performances for “Love, Chaos and Dinner” are as follows:
Thursdays:7:00pm
Fridays:7:00pm
Saturdays:12:00pm & 7:00pm
Sundays:6:00pm

Price: $119-$199

Show Type: Performance Art

Running Time: 2hrs, 50mins

zinzanni.com/chicago/

The Cambria Hotel is located at 32 West Randolph and discounted parking can be purchased online at zinzanni.com/chicago/

 

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