Teatro ZinZanni facts for kids
Teatro ZinZanni is a special kind of circus and dinner theater. It started in Seattle, Washington, and has also performed in San Francisco and Chicago. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while watching amazing circus acts and live music!
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A Look at Teatro ZinZanni
Teatro ZinZanni was created by Norman Langill. People have described it as a mix of a fancy show like the Moulin Rouge and a modern circus like Cirque du Soleil. The show combines exciting European circus acts with fun cabaret and vaudeville performances.
The Spiegeltent
All these shows happen inside a beautiful, old-fashioned tent called a spiegeltent. This word comes from Dutch and means "mirror tent." These tents are from Belgium and are known for their wooden interiors, stained glass, and many mirrors. They create a magical and cozy atmosphere for the audience.
How It Started
Teatro ZinZanni first opened in Seattle in October 1998. It was planned for only eight weeks but became so popular that it sold out every show until December 1999! Some of the first performers included tap dancer Wayne Doba and Ann Wilson from the famous rock band Heart.
Traveling Shows
After its big success in Seattle, Teatro ZinZanni moved to San Francisco. It opened there in March 2000. Later, in 2002, it came back to Seattle with a permanent show. Over the years, the Seattle location moved a few times, including to Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington.
The San Francisco show closed in 2011 because of preparations for the America's Cup sailing race. However, there are plans to bring it back to a new spot in San Francisco. In 2019, Teatro ZinZanni also opened a show in Chicago, but it closed in July 2022.
Famous Performers
Many talented artists have performed with Teatro ZinZanni. Some well-known names include singer Joan Baez, Duffy Bishop, and Maria Muldaur. The show also featured unique acts like juggler Michael Davis and the singer Puddles Pity Party.
A special act was the tap-dancing comedy duo "Dik and Mitzi," played by Andrea Conway and Wayne Doba, who are a real-life husband and wife!
Music and More
Teatro ZinZanni has also released two music CDs. One is called The Divas, featuring singers like Joan Baez and Thelma Houston. The other is Omnium, a collaboration with Martha Davis from the band The Motels.
Besides their main dinner shows, Teatro ZinZanni has offered other fun events. These include:
- Brunches (morning shows with food)
- Late-night cabarets (like Cabaret Lunatique)
- Concerts (Mirror Tent Music series)
- Shows for kids and families (such as Big Top Rock and "Zirkus Fantazmo")
They also offer year-round educational programs, including day camps, where kids can learn about circus arts!
See also
