A famous quote from Will Rogers says, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute, and it’ll change;” this is how Chicagoans felt within the last 48 hours. With highs in the ’50s to six to ten inches of snow within hours, this climatic change sent most into a state of deep depression. But hidden within a cozy little nook called the Cambria Hotel in Chicago’s downtown loop is a magical destination of Cirque Soleil and fine dining that will heal your soul. Teatro Zinzanni is a night that everyone deserves.

As you walk into The Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop near the James M. Nederlander Theatre, which offers upscale hotel accommodations and amenities, you are greeted by members of Teatro. Be prepared to provide your photo ID and vaccination card, required in Chicago. Then you are brought to the 14th floor, where you can toss away the worries of winter by handing over your coat, getting your tickets, and beginning your night with drinks, photos, or purchasing a tiara, jewelry, and exquisite masquerade masks. Then the jollification starts as you are about to enter The Spiegeltent ZaZou, an enchanted Belgian mirror tent that is both romantic and family-friendly, filled with historic glimmers to excite and dazzle your soul.  

Teatro Zinzanni’s cirque and comedy is the best entertainment in Chicago. It’s a hoot filled with laughter, elaborate and spectacular performances, and absolutely a night you must place on your calendar. 

From the fantastic restaurant staff to the incredible circus artists, you can forget all of your problems and come on and get happy at Teatro Zinzanni. Hosted by Chef Madame Z (Bethany Thomas) and headwaiter Doily (Kevin Kent), and Phenix (Michael Cunio), Teatro Zinzanni’s cast features five-time rhythmic gymnast national champion Elena Gatilova (Sasha). World-class basketball freestyle juggler Michael Evolution (Shaquille). Noel Aguilar (Rafael), a descendant from Mexico’s first circus families, and the incredible world-class aerial and contortionist Marjorie Nantel (Marjo). And two of Chicago’s trapeze stars, Duo Rose–Sylvia Friedman and Samuel Sion. And let’s not forget the orchestra of Kevin Disch, Jose Martinez, Jon Negus, Chuck Webb with Teatro Zinzanni’s Musical Director Hans Teuber. I was tapping my feet and singing all night.  

The entertaining night starts with flamboyant Phenix (Michael Cunio) driving in on his motorcycle. Called the spawn of Freddie Mercury (From the group Queens) and Janis Joplin, Cunio, who is thrilled to return to the tent, rives up the audience with his electrifying, acoustic rock and roll vocals. Cunio, who has changed his appearance, shaving his locks and going for the more bald and buff look, is an amazing performer. And speaking of amazing performers, TZ is blessed to have Bethany Thomas as Chef Madame Z. Thomas, a Chicago-based singer, actor, and writer, who has been an outstanding performer in all of the roles I have seen her play, captures the robustious and zestiness of Chef Madame Z.

But the night belong to (Kevin Kent) as Doily. Doily’s ability to get the audience into the foolery and choose the right person to come on stage and bewitched them to feel comfortable participating in the festivities with his masterful improvisation was simply phenomenal.

TZ’s video crew asked me if Brenda and I would provide video comments, which I usually avoid, but this was a special night. 

Make sure you grab the booklet provided by Randolph Entertainemnt LLC so that you can read up on the stars of Teatro Zinzanni. Learn about the Cambria Hotel history and Teatro Zinzanni’s Spiegeltent ZaZou, built-in 1926 as a Masonic Hall rediscovered during the Cambria Hotel construction, now an opulent palace of red velvet and gold brocade, stained glass, and deep mahogany European cabaret tent. 

TZ has partnered with iParkIt to offer pre-paid parking options at Theatre District Self Park, located at 181 North Dearborn, for $17. And be prepared to see a $10 hospitality fee per person to cover the gratuity on your meal, which can be a shock, but it’s mentioned on their website when you call for tickets. Still, a night at TZ is worth it. The only thing I did not like about Teatro Zinzanni’s, was that I had to leave, but someone else had to enjoy the fun. 

Let’s Play High Recommends Teatro Zinzanni. 

Cambria Hotel

Teatro ZinZanni

Founder, Artistic Director: Norman Langill

Director-choreographer: Dreya Weber 

Director: Tobias Larsson

Scenery & Design Director: Shauna Frazier

Now through August 14, 2022

Tickets: $69 – $194