Teatro ZinZanni

Seattle has a respectably-sized theater scene, with a number of small, independent theaters (such as Theater Schmeater and Book-It) and large theaters that present large local productions and host touring companies (such as the Fifth Avenue Theater, Intiman and ACT). However, Seattle is also home to one very unique company that combines theater, circus, burlesque and campy cabaret in one 5 course package.

Located inside an unimpressive warehouse style building just north of Seattle Center, is the 1910 antique cabaret spiegeltent that is the home of Teatro ZinZanni. While the outside may give no cause to gape, the inside of the tent, which is beautifully appointed with mirrors, ornate wood columns and crystal, is--and gives you the first hint of the level of spectacle that is typical of all Teatro ZinZanni's shows.

The shows, which vary by season, each runs about 3 – 4 hours. What doesn't vary is the unique nature of the performances, led by a changing cast of aerialists, magicians, acrobats, singers, comics and vaudevillians. Think Commedia dell'arte by way of Cirque du Soleil with a postmodern flair, live music and a gourmet meal. Costumes are elaborate (and you are encouraged to dress up to attend), performances are athletic, and the comedy is over-the-top silly.

The seasonal menu is designed and overseen by Tom Douglas, the most celebrated and well-known chef in the city (menus have a vegetarian option). While most performances are family-friendly, and children are welcome, call and ask ahead just in case if you have very young ones. The performances are also, usually, cleavage friendly and heavy on double entendres.

Teatro ZinZanni has regular performances in the evenings, Thursday through Sunday, and has a limited number of Sunday brunch performances. Pricing includes admission, the 5 course meal and performance, and ranges in price as to whether you'd prefer general admission seating (your best buy--there are no bad seats, as the performance used the whole space), "inner ring" (closest to the center of the tent) or reserved table seating.

HelloMetro Tip: Note that beverages and gratuity for your server are not included in the ticket price.

- by Caren Gussoff Sumption, Seattle Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Caren Gussoff Sumption

Caren Gussoff Sumption is a freelance writer and editor from Seattle, WA. She's written for USA Today, the Seattle Times/NW Source, MSN and AOL, and her fiction has been published worldwide. She received her MFA in writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.