Teatro ZinZanni dives into dinner, drag and divas

Teatro ZinZanni begins 2022 with a revamp and several new cast members under the big top. Located at 32 W. Randolph Street, Teatro ZinZanni Chicago is off to a good start thanks to some tweaking. Gone are showmen Frank Ferrante and Joe De Paul, who have both moved on to other endeavors. Queer crooner Cunio has stuck around since the last casting switcheroo and currently joining him is local talent Bethany Thomas and several others from around the globe. 

Gone also is the title Love, Chaos and Dinner but those themes are all still included in this project. 

For those that are late to the party, Teatro ZinZanni is anything but a quiet, romantic dinner experience out on the town. Instead, think of a wild circus act under Spiegeltent ZaZou with a four-course meal included. 

The simple plot of the show follows chef Madame Z, played by Thomas and headwaiter Doily, Kevin Kent who hails from New Mexico, bringing in various acts to entertain diners in a tent setting. Antics ensue and drama happens at every turn until the end during the two-hour and a half experience. 

The appeal of ZinZanni is that the spectacle changes every evening depending on the audience's reaction. Southern queen Doily displayed impressive improvisational skills and played off the crowd well on press night. Phenix is the character played by Cunio who continues to go over the top in terms of costuming and vocal acrobatics. Thomas keeps up vocally and doesn't even need a microphone with those gifted, strong pipes. Her character does need some fleshing out though and she seemed a bit lost at times. This can easily be rectified over the run of the show and it must be hard to compete with all of the dazzling personalities contained in ZinZanni. 

Michael Evolution is a welcome addition to the cast with basketball abilities that will surely entertain all ages. Evolution clearly loves what he does and it certainly shows. The new songs are also a smart decision to the production with musicians Yma Sumac, Prince and alt-J joining the soundtrack. 

The food and service have grown over the years as Teatro ZinZanni evolves and finds its footing. Having a larger team to assist in drink orders and plating food helped matters move swiftly. 

For tickets visit BroadwayInChicago.com and arriving early is recommended. COVID protocols slow down the check-in process and speaking to your server can be challenging once the show begins. Coat check is offered along with photo opportunities and merchandise before one enters the mirror tent. The cabaret-style of Teatro ZinZanni immerses guests into a world where anything can happen and the puns keep on coming. Get ready for a night out on the town that you won't soon forget!