Teatro ZinZanni Soars Once more in Chicago

Whenever you come to downtown Chicago, there are just a few “should see” locations. There’s the Artwork Institute. There’s the mirrored Chicago Bean. And now, there’s Teatro ZinZanni. This enthralling, acrobatic, selection present, which originated over twenty years in the past in Seattle, is in its second incarnation right here in Chicago, post-pandemic, and flying excessive once more.

Their new present, Love, Chaos and Dinner, expertly combines  music, circus, arial acts, acrobatics, juggling, and magic. I made my first ever go to to Teatro ZinZanni Chicago this week, and was blown away by the expertise and professionalism of this group. It’s a dazzling curler coaster experience of continuous leisure, to not be missed. Hop on!

The group of the expertise itself is a marvel. Each member of the employees, from the greeter on the door to the servers who dance as they carry you your meals between circus acts, is as properly rehearsed {and professional} because the acts themselves. The employees sweeps you thru the night with pleasant, well mannered effectivity. Kudos to the administration for assuring that there isn’t a single ingredient of the Teatro ZinZanni expertise which isn’t an entire pleasure.

The present is introduced in a spherical construction resembling a circus tent, fitted contained in the 14^th ground of the Cambria Resort in downtown Chicago. Though it seems massive in some methods, it’s remarkably intimate on the similar time. The tables encircle the efficiency space, and the performances spill out into the gang. The clowns and comedians weave via the tables all night time because the acts change, ensuring there’s by no means a boring second.

The person abilities on this present are universally exceptional. Collectively they make an ideal ensemble.

The Ringmaster, Michael Evolution, is a grasp spinner and juggler of basketballs. Ulzii Mergen is a mind-boggling contortionist who appears to be made solely of very stunning rubber. Danila Bim hangs from her hair and spins sooner than a dental drill. Lithe and wonderful Lea Hinz works a big hoop with fluid grace. Cassie Cutler and Oliver Parkinson, identified collectively as Duo 19, are a breathtakingly attractive arial duo. Ms. Cutler additionally does an exquisite job earlier within the present because the present’s featured clown, in a washer lady character resembling Sarah Silverman doing Carol Burnett.

After I noticed the equally styled Cirque du Soleil, I used to be impressed by the bodily abilities of their acrobats. However the work usually felt posed, and I used to be considerably distanced from the expertise by the vastness of the theater. The gifted artists of Teatro ZinZanni engaged me of their expertise way more. They spin, twist, leap, and contort at speeds and in ways in which practically appear inconceivable, all the time stunning, with unerring precision, and unforgettable magnificence. It additionally helps that the performers are so near you. The intimacy of the expertise will make your coronary heart race continuous with pleasure.

The “particular visitor” of the present is the delectable Lucy Darling, the theatrical alter ego of pretty younger magician, Carissa Hendricks. She has carried out in Chicago a number of instances earlier than, on the Rhapsody Theater and Chicago Magic Lounge, however I’ve all the time missed her. I grew to become a fan of hers on Idiot Us, and was excited to see her dwell. Her character of Lucy Darling is a contemporary Mae West with a contact of Marilyn Monroe for good measure. Sly, attractive, seductive, and misleading, Lucy Darling retains us laughing and delightfully off steadiness as she slips into her magic, which is all constructed round cocktails and bar paraphernalia. You’re going to get drunk on her smile. A toast to her expertise!

My solely criticism of this present is that they don’t give Ms. Darling a magical sufficient entrance. The truth is, it takes a bit too lengthy earlier than you even know she’s alleged to be a magician. Later within the present, she magically seems from an empty chair in what’s in any other case a throwaway transitional second between acts. It will make much more sense in the event that they had been to include this magical look into her entrance.

Final however not least is the excellent music which envelops the night. The central character of Madam ZinZanni, usually performed at night performances by Sa’Rayah, was embodied on the efficiency I noticed by matinee performer Tina Jenkins Crawley. She is a powerhouse singer whose soulful performances had been all a delight to listen to.

One other musical deal with is the dwell band, lead by the fast-fingered keyboard stylings and professional musical route of native jazz legend, Theodis Rodgers, Jr. He’s matched and supported by prime notch performances from Jose Martinez on drums, Jon Negus on woodwinds and keyboard, Phil Seed on guitar, and Chuck Webb on bass guitar. It will have been definitely worth the value of admission simply to listen to them play.

Lastly, this can be a dinner theater present. Remarkably, the meal additionally is kind of glorious. It begins with a beneficiant assortment of crudités. The wait employees will recommend a yummy appetizer to maintain you going for an hour till the entrees are served. I had the salmon, and my good friend had pork, each of which had been properly ready. However nothing ready me for the wonderful desert, which featured essentially the most uncommon cheesecake and greatest chocolate mouse I’ve ever had.

I’m somebody who likes worth for his cash, and Teatro ZinZanni offers you that throughout the board. In each side, Teatro ZinZanni delivers a tasty and tasteful expertise which you’ll keep in mind fortunately lengthy after you permit.

As quickly because the present was over, I used to be prepared to come back again and see it once more. I don’t say that fairly often!

The following time you’re in Chicago, make Teatro ZinZanni your first cease.

Teatro ZinZanni continues open ended Wednesdays via Sundays on the Cambia Resort, 32 W. Randolph Avenue in Chicago.  (312) 488-0900.  Chcago-info@zinzanni.com