Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Taking the role of the MC in the new "Wishes and Dreams" is the Chicago improviser Kevin Kent, a longtime ZinZanni performer who has appeared in Chicago before. He's a warm-centered presence and an old-school drag artist adept at turning on a dime and at making his nervous volunteers shine. Another cast change of interest to regular Chicago theatergoers is the addition of local star Bethany Thomas as the show's leading vocalist Madame Z. I wish ZinZanni would change up the repertoire a bit to better showcase her outstanding voice, especially given the presence of the live band, but she's already finding her feet alongside the former "Jersey Boys" star Michael Cunio."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The new plot, which is wholly unnecessary, has us in a “diner” where headwaiter Doily (Kevin Kent) and chef Madame Z (Bethany Thomas) are welcoming home Doily’s son Phenix (Cunio, the sole returning cast member from the production’s previous incarnation). Not all Doily’s comic interludes work in the new production, directed by Dreya Weber and Tobias Larrson, with choreography by Weber. Nothing about the luxe venue says “diner,” and the prattling dialogue about wishes and dreams is cliched."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Now comes its latest gastro-theatrical incarnation, "Wishes and Dreams," a winning show whose performers have really upped their game. From ensemble members' madcap antics to the circus arts specialty numbers to the high-octane vocals, the performances are terrific. So is the four-course dinner and the eclectic soundtrack, which ranges from jump jazz to 1960s pop to 19th-century opera."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...It's not the cheapest seat in town, but if you've been looking for an excuse to splash out on a date night, Teatro ZinZanni offers plenty of fun-and a chance for a little slow dance at the end. Surely we've all earned some extravagance and community."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...The entertaining night starts with flamboyant Phenix (Michael Cunio) driving in on his motorcycle. Called the spawn of Freddie Mercury (From the group Queens) and Janis Joplin, Cunio, who is thrilled to return to the tent, rives up the audience with his electrifying, acoustic rock and roll vocals. Cunio, who has changed his appearance, shaving his locks and going for the more bald and buff look, is an amazing performer. And speaking of amazing performers, TZ is blessed to have Bethany Thomas as Chef Madame Z. Thomas, a Chicago-based singer, actor, and writer, who has been an outstanding performer in all of the roles I have seen her play, captures the robustious and zestiness of Chef Madame Z."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Their performances were flawless, and with no safety net or safety ropes. The entire cast creates a wonderful night. The 4-course menu has something for everybody, created by Executive Chef and Sous Chef Michael Keeler and Jennifer Gomez. Remember to save room for that flourless chocolate cake. By the way, the cocktails are truly terrific."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This dazzling, unique entertainment has returned to Chicago after “a long couple of years of dreams delayed and hopes dashed.” It’s an absolutely incredulous evening or afternoon of entertainment that audiences should not miss. The space on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel looks like a sumptuous European cabaret theatre from between the War years. This magical, multifaceted production is a mind-blowing experience, with entertainment taking place throughout the audience, as well as on the central stage. Back once again for another helping of fantasy and fun, Teatro Zinzanni is, indeed, a vibrant spectacle of love and chaos, crowned by a delicious, four-course dinner and a plateful of playfulness and pleasure."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Throughout the farcical rhythms of the show, comes wave after wave of astounding circus-which has a great impact due to the closeness of the performers. Performing in such a glamorous circus space like the Spiegeltent Zazou means there is no fourth wall, and the frequent involvement of audience members in the show breaks that down even further. We're all family there...there is (seemingly) no boundary between you and that half-naked Greek god in front of you. Just don't make eye contact if you don't want to get pulled up on stage and be an even bigger part of the show. But still, when you see a woman (Cassie Cutler-half of the Duo 19 partnership) walking on bottles 12 inches away on your actual dinner table, or when an aerial act swoops a few feet from your airspace, you can't help but feel involved."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Teatro ZinZanni's exciting new production in the Spiegeltent ZaZou on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel in the Chicago loop is the first show that has opened downtown in the almost-post-COVID-19 era and there were a surprising number of folks in attendance all eager to be entertained. The show, conceived and directed by Norman Langill, is a theatrical experience that draws from several European and New World traditions of commedia dell'arte, vaudeville and burlesque, and is a one-ring circus with sketch comedy, magic and even a bit of Ed Sullivan's format. The entertainment variety is intense and quite a feast for the audience's palate that, along with the sumptuous dinner and drinks, make for a high-flying evening all around."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Who wouldn’t enjoy an evening of uproarious laughter facilitated by renowned performers from around the world, scored by seasoned musicians and accompanied by finely crafted fare! This reviewer found the “thick, al dente spaghetti noodles kissed with fresh basil and tomato ragout” -- the Bucatini Pasta -- absolutely divine! Those who have great difficulty with the possibility of being momentarily placed in the spotlight may wish to proceed with caution."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...I was able to experience Teatro Zinzanni this past March, and it was truly one of the most amazing theatrical experiences you can witness on the stage."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...The evening’s emcee, the tall brickhouse of waitress sass named Doily–played by the quick-witted, affectionately ribald Kevin Kent–is in charge of the night’s running gags. She cajoles audience members—mostly hapless men—to do her bidding and has a knack for improvising her bits to suit her prey. The emcee duties are shared by the less jokey, more dashing Cunio, a man with a shaved head, eyeliner, superhero physique and another versatile powerhouse voice. Cunio can sing a rock anthem while upside down on an aerial rope and also take the mezzo-soprano part on the Delibes Lakmé duet accompanying Bethany Thomas as soprano."
