So, my sister jetted over from the UK, and as per tradition, we embarked on our annual quest to find something that tickles our fancy and potentially makes us snot-laugh in public. Last year, we cackled our way through Drunk Shakespeare’s rendition of Macbeth—because nothing says high culture like a boozy, tipsy soliloquy. This year, I upped the ante and dragged her to Teatro Zinzanni, now dazzling Chicago from inside a circus tent that makes the Cambria Hotel look like a very fancy big top.
Now, trying to describe Teatro Zinzanni is like attempting to explain what happens when a Cirque du Soleil acrobat, a cabaret performer, and a Vaudeville comedian all walk into a bar. It’s a glorious glitter explosion of camp, chaos, and more laughs than an open bar at a Shakespeare play.
We stepped into a lobby bar dripping with chandeliers (because why not?) and were greeted by a dazzlingly made up host. After a colorful welcome, we were led to our table inside the tent where—surprise!—a caramelized onion tart awaited us. And let me tell you, that tart was delicious..
The show kicked off, and so did the belly laughs. There were acrobats that made us go “Wow!” and singers who could probably make your car alarm sound like a Grammy-winning track. The servers weren’t just there to serve—they were part of the entire show too! One minute, we are handed a garden salad with arugula, pickled red onion, and feta, and the next, they are looking up as the performers are hanging from the ceiling like a chandelier, while another belted out a tune that would make Adele weep.
Speaking of dinner, the main course choices were as classy as the performances. I savored a salmon dish that was very enjoyable, while my sister Toni tucked into a pork chop with a carrot purée that was smoother than the aerial artist twirling above us. Dessert was something whimsically named ‘Rockin Melons Puff,’ which tasted as delightfully weird as it sounds.
But the highlight of the night? The host. I casually mentioned to our waiter that the host had an impressive voice. She leaned in with a knowing smirk and whispered, “Just wait.” And wait we did, but not for long. That voice soon filled the tent, rich and husky, while a mesmerizing duet that was so beautiful it left us breathless, wide-eyed, and possibly considering running away to join the circus.
In conclusion, Teatro Zinzanni is an absolute must-see if you’re in Chicago and in desperate need of a night filled with love, chaos, and dinner that’s as entertaining as the performers. It’s like dinner theater, but with a serious upgrade and a side of acrobatics.
