"Teatro ZinZanni" a San Francisco Treat that Won't Last


Immerse yourself in crazy entertainment - with a delicious dinner served by outrageously costumed performers - at Teatro ZinZanni's newest show "On the Air".  The Teatro ZinZanni concept is simple:  Combine singers, dancers, acrobats, aerialists, musicians, comedians, jugglers, divas, and other assorted crazy performers into one location, throw in a special headliner, and deliver a multi-course dinner throughout the performance.  Grab a few audience members to don costumes and play a part, too, if they are willing.  It's outrageous and brilliant, making the show a long-running favorite of locals and tourists who can't believe what they're watching.  Oh the stories they'll tell when they get back to Ohio!

After a few disappointing attempts in past months to weave the semblance of a plot into the show, Teatro ZinZanni has wisely gone back to their roots of simply showcasing vaudeville, circus, and pure entertainment.  The current show, "On the Air", introduces acts via an old-time radio station broadcast, and it works. 

Norm Langill directs (if that's the right word to use) this zany collection of talent.  One of the most versatile headliners in this latest production is Geoff Hoyle, a violin-toting Jack Benny look alike who delivers classic one liners as the audience guffaws.  The senior citizens have heard 'em all before, but don't remember the punch lines, while Gen X & Y just roar at the "new" jokes.  Hoyle shows up later in a Scottish marm's guise, scooting through the audience and cracking up the crowd.

The show continues as blues chanteuse Duffy Bishop packs a punch with her sweet and spicy voice; the perfect contemporary interlude.  There are comedy acts where Andrea Conway (love her squeaky voice!) manages to get entrapped in a chandelier, and a hold-your-breath act where juggler Bernard Hazens balances on a never-ending tower of cylinders.  Christopher Phi is a powerful gymnast whose body seems to have no bones, just muscles, and sexy aerialist Elena Gatilova is suspended on a ring above the audience's tables.  Lots of mischief abounds as talented Manuela Horn, Mat Plendl, Wayne Doba, and Kristin Clayton take the stage for their varied and crazy acts.  All in all, it's smart move for Teatro ZinZanni to keep the amusing performances coming, and coming fast.  The audience loves it!      

Sadly, the ornate and majestic 100-year-old "Spiegletent" which has housed the zany performances of "Teatro Zinzanni" for more than 11 years will be taken down to allow revamping of Pier 29 on the Embarcadero for the 2012 Americas Cup events.  This lush red velvet tent, a Belgian treasure, survived destruction during the world war by being buried underground for decades.  Once Teatro ZinZanni finalizes a new location, the plans are to relocate and re-install this mirrored arena, if local building ordinances and current code will allow.  If you want to make sure to marvel at this true treasure, go see Teatro ZinZanni's last scheduled show now.  Their final show at this location will be New Years Eve 2011. 

For tickets, which include dinner (not service charge or drinks) go to www.zinzanni.org or call 415-438-2668.  The food is excellent, and the entire costumed wait staff is friendly and absolutely eager to please, even if you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the chaotic surroundings.