by Eric Andrews-Katz - SGN A&E Writer

TEATRO ZINZANNI
'HA-HA-HACIENDA'
TEATRO ZINZANNI
Through January 31

Teatro Zinzanni has become a Seattle institution, and for a good reason. The large, recognizable tent set up at the Seattle Center houses the combination of Cirque du Soleil, a Cabaret act, and comedy club antics. The performers and show change every few months (exchanging with their sister company in San Francisco) bringing fresh acts and performances to both locales.

The story line is simple and loosely written to connect the fantastic acts of the night. The famous performing couple of 'Beaumount and Caswell' are the headliners at the Ha-Ha-Hacienda, South of the (some kind of) Border. While the couple is on and off again constantly, the owner Don Diego uses the opportunity to try and rekindle his affair with Viv Beaumount. His two adult sons are competing for the attention of an Au Par Girl who has appeared 15 years too late. All the while a fortune-teller has arrived making predictions about love.

Christine Deaver plays Viv Beaumount opposite Kevin Kent playing Clifton Caswell. The two are long-time veterans of Teatro and know how to perform on its 'in-the-round' type of stage. The team works very well together as well as with particular and randomly chosen audience members who play with them on stage. Duo Rose (consisting of Samuel and Sylvia) are the aerial gymnastic performers that seem to defy nature. Sylvia is a contortionist who appears to bend her body as if she were Gumby (at certain times making the audience cringe) all apparently without any issues. When the two of them take to the aerial pole, they both seem to fly up and down using only the strength of their limbs and the pull of gravity to steal the breath from every audience member. Gamal David Garcia is one of Don Diego's sons competing for attention from the woman posing as their nanny. Using juggling pins that light up, Garcia juggles them to high speed music spinning and catching each pin, ball, or anything else that he uses in his act. Ariana Lallone was a veteran of the Pacific Northwest Ballet before joining Teatro. As the fortune-teller, Lallone stands 'on-point' as she casts her spell through beautiful ballet.

The food presented at Teatro Zinzanni is enjoyable - if not cooked for the masses. Greeting you is an appetizer consisting of Serrano ham, Asadero cheese and Kalamata olives. After the dance number 'Presenting the salad,' a plate of assorted lettuce (butter, red oak and green leaf), and assorted fruit is put in front of each diner. The main entrées consist of your choice of beef, fish or the vegetarian plate. Being a 'carnivore' the Kobe sirloin was cooked to perfection, absolutely melting on your tongue. For dessert, two 'bite sizes' are presented consisting of a spicy Mexican chocolate cheesecake and a rich Ginger Molasses bite. Other dining options are presented as add-ons including filet mignon, Atlantic lobster tails or a 'surf-n-turf' plate consisting of both.

To fully enjoy the experience try some of the specialty cocktails. The Bossa Nova is served with Grey Goose Le Melon Vodka, lemon, mint, apple cider vinegar and Angry Orchard Hard Cider to add a new twist on an old favorite. For a different taste of the future try the Fortune Teller consisting of Gabriel Boudier Saffron infused gin, Aperol, orange juice, lemon, Angosture Bitters and Prosecco. If you prefer a classic with a twist then the Seduction Sangria might be for you. It is a house-made white wine Sangria with brandy, blueberries, ginger and cinnamon.

Teatro Zinzanni performs Thursday through Sunday evenings (with select performances on Wednesdays). There is even a Sunday Brunch presentation. As times differ on the days - please double check performance times. Do take notice of children attendance recommendations. While children are encouraged, it is a 3 + hour performance and younger audience members (and especially babies) will have a harder time showing appropriate theater behavior.

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