Teatro Zinzanni Chicago presents “Swingin’ Into Chicago Summer”

**** While we have been treated to some wonderful “cirque” style dinner shows at The Cambria Hotel where Teatro ZinZanni has set up their Chicago home, each version changes and the menu along with the performers. Each version that we have seen ( I think tonight was the 5th overall) has followed the basic theme but with different characters as well as circus performances. The very first “host” was Caesar ( Frank Ferrante) and his playfulness with audience members was magnificent. Over the years, since his departure, there have been many hosts and they are good, but not up to the classic that he brought with him to the show.

The show has added the solid talent of  Liv Warfield, one of the best vocalists to ever come out of Chicago. Her introduction to the show was unique. In fact, she sat at our table as a late arrival. Jane and I were stunned that this would take place, but as the show began, we found out that she was a “plant” and that this was part of the performance—and what a performance. She is a major player now and is as glamorous and powerful as ever.

The cast of the new show, titled “Swingin’ Into Chicago Summer” is smaller, but very strong in many ways. The interaction with the audience is not quite as silly as previous shows. In fact, Samuel Sion does table magic that will knock your socks off, and then works with his partner, Sylvia Friedman doing trapeze routines up close and personal- wow!

Raphael Nepomuceno does some acrobatic stunts that will take your breath away and works with other cast members to create special effects that are amazing. He can do all types of balancing and aerial tricks, and has a warm personality that audience members seem to truly latch on to. Vita Radionova seems to defy the laws of physics and gravity as she does things with hula hoops that one could never imagine doing and Danila Bim’s hair suspension performance art is truly amazing as well as mind boggling. I find it hard to believe that she still has hair left on her head.

While I feel that Warfield is the actual emcee/hostess of the show, the star billing goes to BenDeLaCreme ( at least thru July 19th), a comedian known for quick wit and a sharp mind. While BenDe does play well with the audience, with a wonderful swimming lesson program, getting a few on the stage, but featuring all of those in the audience that will participate, I found the “drag” part overdone and some of the pitter-patter a little cumbersome.

The music under the leadership of Theodis Rodgers Jr. as always was terrific and the wait staff makes the evening’s dinner flow well. Part of the evening is enjoying a dinner with salad, main course and dessert. The included choices have been limited somewhat with extras available and the drinks are generous. Directors Elena Gatilova and Kevin Kent use the in-the-round style Circus Tent stage to perfection allowing the ringside table patrons to feel “included” from their first cocktail until their last. While the show takes 2 and 1/2 hours ( not counting “cocktail time”, remember, this includes a full dinner), so it is an evening out  experience.

Performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays- for information call or e-mail or check website ENJOY!

The Performance takes place at The Cambria Hotel located at 32 West Randolph Street in Chicago. For tickets call 312-488-0900 or visit  www.zinzanni.com

or chicago-boxoffice@zinzanni.com

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