Opening in the heart of the Chicago Theatre District, Teatro ZinZanni presents Love, Chaos & Dinner, a family friendly burlesque, circus-style extravaganza. Maxine’s meets the Moulin Rouge in the Spiegeltent ZaZou, a gorgeous Belgian mirror tent erected on the 14th floor of the opulently renovated Cambria Hotel.
Blending elements of cirque and cabaret, comedy and drama, sexy and silly, Love, Chaos & Dinner delivered all three and more. Fitting up to 330 guests at tables of various sizes, this 3 hour night out is perfect for either family outings or corporate events. Fine for a couple, great for a group, start the night with a cocktail reception in the lobby, pose for photos or shop the marketplace for uniquely themed souvenirs before entering the lush velvet tent for the main show. Come ready to play. Due to the intimacy of the venue, the orchestra and performers all share the same spaces as the patrons. Dropping off your meal one moment, then performing in the center ring the next. Volunteers from the audience are an absolute requirement.
Sparing no expense, a carefully assembled international cast of singers, dancers and acrobats, who both delight and amaze. Frank Ferrante as the majestic “Caesar” the ringmaster, the king of the double entendre and giggle inducing quips, lead this troupe of intercontinental talents. Not to be outdone, the cabaret vocal style of alluring chanteuse, Amelia Zirin Brown, a stunning blend of comedy and drama herself. Equal parts Lady Gaga and Janice Joplin, her throaty, sexy vocals riveted as she sashayed around the venue, adorned in almost a dozen Christine Joly de Lotbiniere’s gowns. This clothes horse clearly working best with all eyes squarely on her.
Aerial trapeze couple, Duo Rose, are Samuel and Sylvia, an elegant partnership, astounding contortionists, performing not so high above the audience’s heads.
To break up the jaw-dropping acrobatics, and to fill space while dinner is served, slap stick comedians Joe De Paul and Tim Tyler, Chicago’s own Kelly Britt, an Operatic belter diva extraordinaire and Parisian acrobat Domitil Aillot. Rounding out the bunch, the outstanding hoop aerialist, Elena Gatilova, a World Champion rhythmic gymnast and the cheeky, body juggling Anastasini Brothers, from a 9th generation circus family, equally easy on the eyes as captivating on the stage.
To tempt your taste buds, billed as “The Goddess” is Debbie Sharpe, the rock and roll caterer who believes “the power of community, the influence of music and great food brings people together.” The four-course meal began with edamame and pea hummus, a colorful salad, an entrée of individual choosing including Braised Beef Short Ribs, Bucatini Pasta, Thai Curry or Herb Roasted Atlantic Salmon to name a few and cheesecake for dessert. Served in perfect synchronicity by a team of well groomed servers, doubling as the back ground vocals and supporting show dancers in tow.
Director Norman Langill and Choreographer Dreya Webber worked hard to keep the audience memorized with a frenetic pace of back-to-back acts. Shauna Frazier’s glamorous scenery and set design captivated while Peter Braciliano’s lighting design added the perfect punctuation to all the high flying endeavors.
With the holidays quickly approaching, a night out of Love, Chaos & Dinner would make an absolutely fantastic familial outing or unique office excursion. Good food, great fun guaranteed to entertain, Teatro ZinZanni’s Love, Chaos & Dinner is a fabulous night out for all.
Teatro ZinZanni presents Love Chaos & Dinner is now playing an open run at the Cambria Hotel downtown Chicago
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