CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Things are bustling again on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, as set designers, actors, comedians, and performers prepare for their big return to live shows under the Spiegeltent ZaZou.
"I was ecstatic when I got the call. We are so excited and ready to be back," said Frank Ferrante, actor, director, comedian and star of Teatro ZinZanni.
The show — described as a mix of cabaret, vaudeville, and a circus with a multi-course gourmet feast — returns July 8 with new cast members including “spawn of Freddie Mercury & Janis Joplin” Cunio, singer Storm Marrero, aerialist Lea Hinz, Charlie Chaplin-inspired dancer Mickael Bajazet, trapeze all-stars Duo 19, and hula-hooping contortionist Vita Radionova.
Returning cast members include The Caesar Frank Ferrante and clown and co-director Joe De Paul. Ferrante said he's still in disbelief that the show is back.
"I guess I'll believe it when it finally happens,” he said. “A year and a half was long enough to be away.”
As a performer of more than 30 years, Ferrante said, the pandemic was a true test for him and his colleagues.
"I've had good times and trying times, but this was one of the hardest times I've ever encountered. I've never not worked, but I tried to stay engaged with audiences through social media, through YouTube," he said.
“I did performances from my living room, and I was surprised how many people tuned it. I just kept trying to invent and reinvent.”
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He said the last year and a half has been an introspective time for him and thousands of performers. Now, he said, hopefully audiences will return in droves for a little escape.
"My hope is that people will want to laugh more than ever, be together more than ever, celebrate,” he said. “It’s fun to see the restaurant business exploding. I hope the same happens for the theater industry.”
Teatro Zinzanni becomes the first major live show to move ahead in Chicago. Going first comes with a bit of risk for the production, but plenty of potential reward, Ferrante said.
Ferrante plays "The Caesar,” who basically is the emcee of the show, which is held under a tent-like performance space.
"I love playing this character. He comes from a very joyous, a very innocent place. It's fun to unleash him. The audience tends to take to him. He says all the things you are thinking but can't say out loud," he explained.
Teatro ZinZanni has been around for 20 years and made its debut in Chicago in July 2019.
The show runs through January. Individual tickets, which include a four-course meal, are on sale now and range in price from $119 - $189. Front Row VIP tickets are available at a premium price. Limited à la carte “show-only” tickets will also be available for $69. Individual tickets will be available by visiting zinzanni.com/Chicago or by calling (312) 488-0900.
