Displaying items by tag: Theodis Rodgers, Jr

Upon entering the beautifully decorated lobby of Teatro Zinzanni theater on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, you are instantly transported to an exquisite, romantic art deco speakeasy. The theater itself is housed under a stunning 100-year-old Belgian Spiegeltent, featuring booth and chair seating in the round. A delightful five-piece live band plays throughout the show, keeping the lively supper club atmosphere buzzing.

Before diving into the show itself, I must mention how much I enjoyed the four-course meal served with our theater tickets. The menu changes seasonally, and the food quality was excellent. The timing of each course's arrival with the show was impeccable. During the 2.5 hour performance, just as I thought, 'This is a fun show—I could use a little nosh,' one of the performers would announce the next course, accompanied by an adorable song and dance number. The waiters and waitresses, dressed in themed attire, would then serve everyone while the entertainment continued in the background. All staff members, including waiters and waitresses, actively participate in the show, dancing in the aisles and making each dinner course a production in itself.

Cuino as Mr. ZinZanni and LiV Warfield.

Teatro ZinZanni Chicago provides a unique and magical entertainment experience. The show blends cirque, comedy, cabaret, spectacle, and live music, all while guests savor a multi-course gourmet meal. Performances include acrobatics, dance, and interactive elements, creating an immersive and unforgettable evening. Like the menu, the performers and acts also change from season to season so a new show is always around the corner. The night I attended, I was super impressed with the talents of the main stage performers.

The circus show is hosted by ringmaster Mr. Zinzanni, portrayed by Cunio. As a former Post Modern Jukebox star, Cunio brings incredible vocal range and an abundance of attitude and pizzazz. While Cunio shines in several numbers, his pairings with Soul Train Award Winner LiV Warfield are truly out of this world.

Comedian Kevin Kent is hysterical and masterful at eliciting warm-hearted laughs from the crowd. As 'Doily,' one of the show's comedic hosts, Kent makes the rounds before and during the performance, so arriving early is a must to enjoy his continuous humor. For instance, I was wearing a pink velvet blouse, and 'Doily' came over and said, 'I love your pressed velvet outfit… Hopefully your velvet will get pressed later!'

Dancer and hula hoop artist Vita Radionova astonishes as she moves from two hula hoops to twenty, creating a towering 'slinky' effect under the stunning lighting of the antique tent. Vita is not only an exceptional solo dancer but also shines in comedic roles throughout the show, including playing a flight attendant in training. At one point, she transitions from her airline costume to a dazzling, sparkling red dance outfit, captivating the audience with her remarkable dance and acrobatic skills. Radionova’s infectious sense of humor adds a delightful, light-hearted touch to the entire performance.

Vita Radionova

Samuel Sion and Sylvia Friedman, known as Duo Rose, were another highlight of the variety show. Their sensuous duet, performed high in the air, was wonderfully romantic and elicited gasps of delight from the audience. Raphael Nepomuceno also captivated from the heights with a magnificent display of balance and strength.

Almost every act felt like a favorite, and that's truly the case. Contortionist Elayne Kramer wowed the crowd with her masterful hand-balancing and feats that seemed impossible. Her finale, hitting a target with a bow and arrow using her feet while balancing upside down, was one of the evening's biggest stunners.

The band, led by pianist Theodis Rodgers, Jr., commands attention. Conducted by Linda Madonia, the ensemble features Phil Seed on guitar, Jon Negus on woodwinds and keyboard, Jose D. Martinez on drums and percussion, and Dave Bistrow on bass guitar.

During the show, between acts, many of the main performers go from table to table with comedy routines and, in some cases, magic tricks, creating a genuine element of audience participation. There are also numerous photo opportunities throughout the beautifully decorated theater. Teatro ZinZanni's Love, Chaos and Dinner is perfect for date night, a fun evening with friends, or a treat for larger groups. Honestly, we were laughing from the moment we were seated, soaking up the ambient atmosphere from the beginning to the very end of the show.

Kevin Kent as "Doily"

For those wanting to be part of the show, sitting in the center ring is a must. However, the booth seating in the outer circle offers a fantastic vantage point and exceptional comfort. It was a delight to sit back and take in everything from our cozy, lush booth, while still being individually entertained by the various performers who circulated throughout the theater.

Fantastic! No matter who is performing the night you attend or what is on the menu, you can be sure that the food will be delicious and the performers top-notch. Teatro ZinZanni is absolutely worth the price of admission.

I also suggest going with the full dinner package rather than show only tickets because it is a rare experience to have a cirque-style dinner theater where both the dinner and entertainment is of such high quality. Parking is easy and just a short 3-minute walk to the elevator where you will be greeted and directed to your seats by friendly and funny costumed attendants.  

Teatro ZinZanni began in Seattle in 1998 and was later opened in San Francisco receiving rave reviews along the way. The show has been in Chicago since 2019 and should be considered an absolute staple of Chicago entertainment. One of the most unique and entertaining ways to spend an evening, this show has something for everyone.

I highly recommend this delightful, romantic and humorous variety production for audiences of all ages.

Teatro ZinZanni Love Chaos and Dinner is being performed atop The Cambia Hotel at 32 W Randolph St., Chicago through February 16^th thanks to the show’s extension due to popular demand. For tickets and/or more show information, click HERE.