Attention All Mortals – the Nordic Gods Are Upon Us!

Dinner at Wotan’s opens tonight!   We have been squee-ing all day in between feverish preparation.  This show is co-directed by our fearless founder Norm Langill and Swedish triple threat  Tobias Larsson (Return To Paradise, 2012; co-choreographed Bonsoir Liliane! with Tommy Tune, 2011), who will also choreograph and star in this production. Get ready for an electric mix of fresh performances, like Swedish superstar Anki Albertsson, and impeccable repeat acts like Vertical Tango, back by popular demand. We’re also delighted to welcome back the incredible Los Excéntricos, a troupe who performed in our opening show waaaay back in 1998.  It has been far too long!

An ode to the Northwest’s Nordic community, Dinner At Wotan’s will musically rock the tent, presenting a hybrid of the classical sounds of Wagner’s The Ring and big, epic rock sounds, like Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. “A lot of rock tunes live very close to classical pieces, so we’re trying to mix that classical world with the rock, and course, with our own Durkee-ZinZanni style,” co-director Tobias Larsson commented. The music of Dinner at Wotan’s is composed by legendary Norman Durkee with lyrics by Martha Davis (Hail Caesar!), long-time front-woman for the new wave band The Motels, best known for such hits as “Only the Lonely” and “Suddenly Last Summer.”

And we are oh-so ecstatic to announce that Christopher Phi will be returning to the tent as one of Wotan’s progeny.  In fact the whole cast just gives us jitters.  Let’s list them out again:

Geoff Hoyle/Jarion Monroe (Wotan, Ruler of Asgard)
Anki Albertsson (Frigg, Madame of Valhalla, wife of Wotan)
Tobias Larsson (Thor, Son of Wotan and Frigg, Heir apparent to Asgard)
Terry Crane (Loki, Son of Wotan & Frigg)
Sam Payne of Vertical Tango (Balder, Son of Wotan & Frigg)
Sandra Feusiof Vertical Tango (Helga, Valkyrie, Guardian of the Underworld)
Kristin Clayton (Brunhilde, Warrior)
Ariana Lallone (Freya, Valkyrie, Goddess of Love)
Marceline, Sylvestre and Zaza of Los Excéntricos (Kimir, Hardon, and Snotra, The Troubadour Dwarves)
Christopher Phi (Jorgemon, Son of Wotan)

Chef Erik Carlson has pulled out all the stops.  But what will we dine upon?

Appetizer: Hard Cider Slow Braised Duroc Pork Belly (there’s a herbivore-friendly variation of this dish upon request)
Soup: Smoked Gouda and White Cheddar
Salad: Shaved Fennel, Watercress, Dried Cherries 
Your Choice of Entree:
Hales Red Menace Ale Braised Beef Short Rib
Crab-Stuffed Wild Salmon Roulade
Puff Pastry Cornucopia
Dessert: Golden Apple Tart

See the full menu here.

Get Your Tickets!

Win a Romantic Evening for Two

Here under the spiegeltent we are pro-romance.  Promance, if you will.  In the spirit of love (and promance), we proudly offer you a chance to win an evening of pure decadence ON US!  This evening of delight includes a private table for two on a date of your choosing* to any of our 2013 whirlwind performances AND a one-night stay at the luxurious MarQueen Hotel.

Want to win?  Of course you do!

To be entered to win this magical evening, simply attend our newest show Dinner at Wotan’s Sunday, February 3rd (those who have already purchased their tickets are already entered to win).  Winners will be notified within 48 hours of February 4th and announced on our Facebook page.

Let’s recap:

1.  Buy your tickets to our February 3rd show.

2. Be entertained by our newest production Dinner at Wotan’s.

3. Automatically be entered to win a romantic evening of Don Juan-esque proportions featuring a private table for you and your sweetheart to any one of our award-winning dinner shows throughout 2013 and then retire to a swanky night’s stay at MarQueen Hotel.

4. Log on to the Teatro ZinZanni Facebook page during the week of February 4th to see if you’ve won!

Get Your Tickets Now!

*Note: Blackout dates apply

And the Winner Is…

Do you know this man?

This dashing gent in a chef coat is Erik Carlson, the culinary wizard here at the tent. This is also his game face.  He has been masterfully crafting our menus, ensuring that our fantastic feasts are a feat of the imagination for over a year.

Last weekend at The Bite of Seattle, Chef Erik participated in a battle of whisks, a.k. the Bite Cook Off!   He went head-to-head (spatula-to-spatula?) against Stumbling Goat Bistro’s chef Joshua Theilen.

This was the first ever Bite Cook Off!, an event which tests a chef’s quick wit and culinary prowess.  This year also featured guest host Thierry Rautureau from Chef In The Hat (we are in love with him).  Contestants are competing for a $200 donation to the charity of their choice and the coveted title of “Bite Cooks Master!”.  During this challenge the chefs are given a box filled with three mystery ingredients to merge into a delicious dish.  Simple right?

Wrong.  Chefs have just 30 minutes to prepare this epic feast.  30 minutes!!!   From learning the ingredients to hands-up you’re finished meal just 30 minutes!  This is just like the series Chopped!  So stressful.

The competition was fierce, friendly, and a heapin’ helpin’ of fun.  The judges, selected from the audience, had a big decision on their plates.  After some intense deliberation, the judges crowned Chef Erik “Bite Cooks Master!” for his delectable dish.  Huzzah!

If you happen to visit Stumbling Goat Bistro (which is simply scrumptious with delightful cocktails to boot) or see Chef Erik under the big top (where the cuisine is always fabulous, thanks to Chef Erik and his stellar team), congratulate them both on a job well done!

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We Did Everything Right!

Well, we like to think this, but we are biased.  No, this headline comes direct from CultureMob.com.  Here it is again with a truly glitzy intro:

Teatro ZinZanni Does Everything Right

by Tom Mohrman

“¡Caliente!, the new show at Teatro ZinZanni, is completely over the top. You’ve got your acrobatics, your dancing, your jokes. There’s songs, sparklers, cabaret, an amazing five course dinner, and custom cocktails. The conceit for this season’s show is that the kitchen has been fired, but instead of accepting their pink slips, they stay for one last night, and put on the show of their dreams. Starring Christine Deaver and Robert Lopez (aka El Vez), the three and a half hours spent inside the spiegeltent is full of laughs and moments of wonder.”

Read the full interview on the CultureMob Website!

See ¡Caliente!

Drinking for a Cause

On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, we are hosting the 3rd annual Exotic Wines Festival, a winter wine tasting event in Seattle not to be missed.   And we are talking more than just Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay!  With 25 Washington wineries featuring their new “exotic” varietals, such as Mourvedre, Cinsault, Malbec, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Roussanne, Viognier and Albarino as well as some interesting blends, guests will be treated to the ever growing array of unique wines from around the State.

While sipping, keep an eye out for cast members from our new show ¡Caliente! mingling, entertaining, and generally being fabulous.  Our very own culinary powerhouse Executive Chef, Erik Carlson, has devised some delicious nibbles for those wishing to nosh while sampling delectable wines. What a perfect way to have a fun break from the dreary days of February in Seattle!

Didn’t we say something about drinking for a cause?   All proceeds benefit ZinZanni Institute for Circus Arts (ZICA).  ZICA, you may recall from posts like these, is dedicated to the preservation, development and enhancement of ancient and contemporary circus arts, including Juggling, Clowning, Magic and Acrobatics with an emphasis on all aspects of performance and production. Programs range from master classes taught by resident performers to technical or artistic apprenticeships and summer camps.

Get your tickets here! 

Find out more about the event’s producers, Wine Events and Promotions and Seattle Uncorked, a social club for wine enthusiasts.

And now here is a video of ZICA Camp kids performing!

Find out more about upcoming camps!

Art at the Moulin Rouge Tent – Part Three

Less than two weeks until the Art at the Moulin Rouge show under the velvet-topped tent, and do we ever have a treat for you.  Aside from the spectacular artists, fabulous menu, and all the ritzy swag included with your ticket purchase, Forte Chocolates  will also be here, providing truffles to all attendees.  Art and chocolate in a speigeltent, how decadent!

Go to our website for more event details and to purchase your tickets!

Artist: Javier Ortega

Javier S. Ortega was born in Seville Spain where he was trained in sculpture in the “Escuela de Artes Aplicadas” and ceramics in the “Escuela Taller Plaza España”. After this he traveled to Florence to continue his education. Upon completion, his time was divided between the cities of Seville, Valencia and the island of Menorca before deciding to move to the city of Seattle. Here he is continuing his career with successful exhibitions in some of the cafes and galleries scattered around said city.

Find out more about Javier  from a previous interview with us here.

Artist: Su Olsen

I create unique jewelry that can be worn or displayed. My work can be seen in many galleries and museum stores across the country, including the Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Asian Art Museum. Locally you will find my jewelry at the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour, and The Island Gallery.

My jewelry is a combination of history and spirit. Thirty-five years ago, on Martha’s Vineyard, I found a lovely old strand of wooden prayer beads from Asia in an antique store. They had the beautiful patina of a well-loved piece. I enjoy working with the soft patinas of ancient and ethnographic beads and pieces that I have collected over the years in my many travels, and with traders from around the world. I feel their spiritual resonances and imagine the diverse lives they’ve been a part of.

Because of my longstanding interest in textiles, I looked for a way to blend the patinas of the beads with the textures of the cords. I use a technique created by Japanese artisans in the 7th century. Kumihimo involves weaving cords on a small loom called a marudai. 1000 years ago, the samurai used these strong cords to bind their armor together.

As a silversmith I enjoy discovering organic forms in my work…seeing where the fluidity of the metal will take me, and fabricating forms that compliment the ancient materials.

If you are looking for unusual jewelry to wear or to give, please visit my shows and see my one-of-a-kind work. I’m always exploring new ideas.

Artist: Mark Jeffries

Variety is the spice of life, so get it while you can.  Growing up in the Midwest was a lot of that. Our family lived in Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee. An awesome opportunity to be a regular at many great fine art and natural history museums, but curiously never allowed through the hallowed doors of the local art institutions. Some of my earliest memories of art and sculpture are Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. A tribute to war and hope, with enormous carved limestone figures, animals, and objects that we climbed on as kids.

While living in a downtown warehouse in Indianapolis with a great view of the city and Monument circle, sculpting in clay became my passion, and the human form my subject. At the same time I was studying perhaps, the most beautiful Rembrandt self-portrait at the Indianapolis Museum of Fine Art.  The old masters were my heroes. Travel through Mexico and Europe is such inspiration! On a visit to Cambridge University library I read  renaissance treatises on sculpture, which recommended sculpting parts of the human anatomy for years before attempting a full figure, which I followed religiously for five..  On a mission to Milwaukee, I petitioned the professors at Marquette University’s Medical college of Wisconsin, and was granted permission to audit their gross anatomy classes, for which I am very grateful.

Good luck in Milwaukee shined on me to meet two very interesting and talented mentors, a very goal oriented old school German blacksmith and a no-nonsense very happy Norwegian Sculptor. Some work came along, and the opportunity arose to study bronze casting techniques at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Platteville with some very good guys in the sculpture dept. Historic preservation work was available in Miami, Fl and for several years I worked on a wide variety projects from Palm Beach to Key West to the Dutch West Antilles.  Seattle is our current residence twenty years on with various projects realized and too many not.

Get more information or buy tickets!

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The Girl About Town Praises the Entire Cast of ‘Bonsoir Liliane!’

All aboard a night of wonders at ‘Bonsoir Liliane’ | Review

By GABRIELLE NOMURA
Bellevue Reporter Staff Writer
Oct 04 2011

At first glance, it may seem like Teatro ZinZanni’s intimate, vintage circus tent might not be roomy enough for big leaps and pirouettes.

In reality, there’s a lot of movement under the cover of ZinZanni’s spiegeltent. The company’s newest show, “Bonsoir Liliane” centers around former prima ballerina Liliane Montevvechi and includes performer/choreographer Tobias Larsson and former Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Ariana Lallone. Directed by Tony Award winner, Tommy Tune, the dance, music and theatrical elements come together to sweep audience members away on a “train of dreams” through Montevvechi’s fondest and boldest memories.

The leading lady, (who was knighted as a Dame in Malta) was a vision of glitter, femininity and sex appeal at age 79.

With Montevvechi’s “fondest and boldest memories” as a guide, audience members are transported through the ballet studios of Moscow, romantic Parisian landscapes, as well as the colorful, festive environment of Bombay. While the various locations are geographically scattered, the all-around lavishness of the whole show connects the dots.

And yes, that metaphorical train also includes a metaphorical dinner car, except with a real, five-course meal that will leave you needing a box. Vegetarian types like myself will love the hearty “Vol-au-vent”: Wild mushrooms, roasted peppers, green beans and roasted tomatoes sauteed with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese in a savory mushroom broth and served in light puff pastry dough sprinkled with smoked black pepper. Meat free, but incredibly flavorful and hearty.

It’s amazing how much a full belly and a glass of champagne enhances an already fantastical experience.

With performances by the talented dancers, a contortionist, acrobats (I SOL-ed – screamed out loud – when three men, stacked on top of each other’s shoulders, fell to the ground in a three-man chain, miraculously escaping a trip to the emergency room thanks to some serious tumbling skills) musicians (including “The Triplets of Bellevue”) and the unforgettable drag queen, Kevin Kent.

Kent, queen of sass, improvisation, comedy and audience participation, stole the show in his queen of hearts costume he was able to transfer with the miracle of velcro to a very patient, willing young man from the audience, who even let Kent dab some rouge on his cheeks.

When Kent’s mic that was fashioned to the side of his face blew out, he rolled with the punches, re-naming another audience member, Ken, “Mike Stand.” Needless to say, “Mike’s” job became following Kent around for the rest of his bit, holding a hand-held microphone in front of Kent’s face. Instead of a show malfunction, the mishap became one of the exciting elements of live theater that the audience felt like it was in on.

Unlike longtime Teatro ZinZanni performers such as Kent, Montevvechi and Larson there was a new-comer to the mix – Lallone, who’s pursuing a new career after 24 years with Pacific Northwest Ballet.

My aunt Elise, who I took as my date, and I were acting like starstruck nerds whenever we got a glance of Lallone’s striking profile and raven-black hair. At one point, the ballerina even came to our table and said, ‘Bonsoir.” Naturally, we almost lost it.

Having first watched her dance the Peacock in “Nutcracker” when I was in Kindergarten from the back of the old Seattle Opera house, it was beyond thrilling to see Lallone perform up close.

Known for both her exotic beauty as well as her more than 6-foot-tall stature in pointe shoes, Lallone was as smoldering as ever – whipping out soutenu turns in a red tutu on a small raised platform, showing off her grace and power.

But of course, getting to see my ballet idol was only one, in a long, delicious list of highlights from “Bonsoir Liliane,” which plays through the end of January. Wear a mask, maybe a feather boa or two, and grab a significant other or a family member. The $100-plus tickets are worth the splurge at least once (or maybe a couple times).

See the full story here!

Art at the Moulin Rouge Tent Part Deux

In less than three weeks (October 19th), artists will commandeer the tent at Teatro ZinZanni  for one amazing night!  Last week we told you about all the great swag you receive with your ticket purchase.

What we didn’t tell you about was the delectable appetizers to be passed.  Direct from our most excellent Executive Chef, Erik Carlson:

• Hazelnut, arugula & Gorgonzola crostini
• Beechers Flagship and fresh dill creme fraiche’ stuffed cucumbers
• Grilled chicken, Parmesan and caper salad stuffed in puff pastry
• Smoked salmon and caraway mousseline on toast points

You had us at Gorgonzola crostini!

Now, for the real stars of the show, the artists:

Laurie McClave

Laurie McClave has been drawing obsessively since she was a young child. Growing up in California in the 60s and 70s her extended family was full of artists, free-thinking Mad magazine readers and a sprinkling of Catholic comedians.  She dabbled in Drama, Clothing design and sculpture in the 70s and 80s before deciding to really get down and Paint….
She attended The San Francisco Art Institute where she earned an honors studio spot.  While there she concentrated on figure drawing and painting and received her BFA in Painting in 1994. After graduating and exhibiting work around the Bay area and across the country she relocated to the Pacific Northwest where she is painting and raising her own free-thinking family.

Her work is currently exhibited at Pop Gallery in Santa Fe NM and Tasty Gallery in Seattle,WA.

Anette Wachter

I have been in the business of designing pet accessories for the last 12 years. While I still have the business Pet Elegance, I decided I wanted to design human jewelry! My current collection is mostly about beautiful beads and semi-precious stones that I collect as I travel. I recently started working with PMC in Sterling Silver and this has become my new addiction. You will start to see many pieces with a mixture of PMC and beading. I tend to lean toward edgier designs that still has a feminine touch.

Stephanie Broker

Stephanie (Sullivan) Broker is an artist from the Pacific Northwest who specializes in oils and acrylics.  Her inspiration comes from her life’s ups and downs.  Art is an amazing outlet and gift that God has given her to share with the world.  We all have our passions; Stephanie’s is living life to the fullest, being a wife and a mother who uses the gift of creativity to inspire others to look into themselves to find their uniqueness!  Stephanie is not one who expresses with words but in painting.  This is her way of sharing who she is and how she feels to the world.

Get your tickets while you still can!

BWW Reviews: BONSOIR LILIANE! At Teatro ZinZanni

 

Written by: Jay Irwin

One part circus, one part play, one part performance art and a dash of improv for good measure, put all that together and you have Teatro ZinZanni.  And for those that have never seen a Teatro ZinZanni show before (as I was before the other night) you may be a little put off by the price tag.  But remember this is a show AND dinner.  And if their current show “Bonsoir Liliane!” is any indication, then it’s well worth it.  A magical evening from beginning to end filled with hilarity, breath taking feats, and a sumptuous meal.  What more could you ask for?

This incarnation of the show, “Bonsoir Liliane!“, directed by Broadway legend and Tony Award winner Tommy Tune, takes us on a thrilling train ride aboard Teatro ZinZanni’s Red Swan Express as we travel through Paris, Moscow and Bombay as well as the legendary Liliane Montevecchi’s memories as she takes us through the high points of her life.  But it’s not so much just a nostalgia piece as it is a fully immersive experience that you won’t soon forget.

Montevecchi is, of course, sublime.  Her grandeur and grace never wavers and even amidst the raucous and chaotic acts of the evening she manages a beautifully serene moment as she delivers a quiet and understated “clown” medley that almost had me in tears.  But she is not the only brilliant performer for the evening.  In fact, I would have to say they all qualify in this regard from the glorious Liliane all the way to our singing and dancing wait staff (who knew a soup course could be choreographed?).  Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Ariana Lallone delivers some lovely pieces and her flowing number in white was outstanding.  Adding in some sweet sounds to the evening, Diva and the Dixies (Nancy Emmerich, Dixie Jo Henson and Dixie Lu Sims) kept our toes a tapping as we were served.  And adding even more beauty to the sounds (and I don’t just mean his voice) Tobias Larsson is on hand as Lilianne’s sexy leading man.  Contortionist Vita Radionova astounded as she danced, contorted and hula hooped (you heard me) her way through the evening.  And the trio of clowns, Les Petits Frères (Domitil Aillot, Gregory Marquet and Mickael Bajazet) had us rolling in our chairs with laughter and cringing at their amazing acrobatic feats.  The three of them managed to literally defy gravity whether they effortlessly climbed up poles or each other or hysterically tried to fix a high light as they shimmied up a ladder that no one and nothing was supporting.

And speaking of hilarity, I must give a special mention to Kevin Kent, our conductor, emcee, and all around driving force of the show.  From train conductor to goddess, from Queen to lothario (and those two were within the same scene), Kent had the entire restaurant in tears.  Whether from his outrageous antics with the patrons, or simply perfect comedic timing, he kept the room in stitches and in the palm of his hand.  He even managed to make a couple of technical gaffs entertaining and look completely planned (and I’m still not entirely certain they weren’t).

With absolutely stunning costumes by Giuseppe Grazioli and housed in ZinZanni’s magnificent Spiegeltent and you have enough charm and ambience for 20 shows.  And to top it all of a delicious meal.  Some “dinner theater” places may give you a good show but the food is usually under par.  But ZinZanni’s fare can really only be described as YUMMY!  So this former Teatro ZinZanni virgin can’t wait to go back and experience what they have to offer again.  And for those theater goers that have wandered past there on your way to the Seattle Center or the other theaters around there and thought, “I wonder what it’s like in there.  Is it worth it?”  The answer is a resounding YES!

“Bonsoir Liliane!” performs at Teatro ZinZanni through January 29^th, 2012.  For tickets or information contact the Teatro ZinZanni box office at 206-802-0015 or visit them online at www.dreams.zinzanni.org.

Read the full article and see more photos here.

“Liliane Montevecchi Enchants ZinZanni Audiences” Seattle Examiner Exclaims!

Liliane Montevecchi enchants ZinZanni audiences

“Teatro ZinZanni brings the talents of two Tony stars to its current production: Bonsoir Liliane. Tommy Tune, Texas-born, Tony-winning, director/choreographer and Liliane Montevecchi, living legend and diva partner up for the revival of the show that revisits some of the highs of Montevecchi’s career.”

Enjoy more highlights from  Letitia Harmon‘s review of Bonsoir Liliane! in the Seattle Theater Examiner:

“Montevecchi, however, fills the circus-tent space with her charisma, charm, and amazing stage presence. Local actors should see this show if only to study a master in the art of stage presence. She brings the panache and finesse of a bygone era to live performance, recalling the greats who relied on more than pyrotechnics and a killer sound system to charm an audience.”

“The slapstick, audience involvement comedy continues under the direction and improvisational brilliance of the show’s host, Kevin Kent.”

“ZinZanni continues to be about glitz, flamboyant glamour, and an all-round good time grounded in a feast for the senses. Bonsoir Liliane is a magical show that suits ZinZanni’s tradition of spectacle and enchantment.”

“Come for the fun, be mesmerized by one of the greats (in person!), stay for the food, and leave with your cheeks aching from laughter. That is a night at this magical Seattle favorite!”

See the full story online here.