BWW Reviews: Classic Vegas Thrills at Teatro ZinZanni's LUCKY IN LOVE

From the sumptuous meal to the hilarious antics to the high flying thrills, you always know you're going to have a stellar time at a Teatro ZinZanni show and their current show "Lucky in Love" is no exception. The story and theme may have been a bit unfocused at times (and that could have just been opening night settling in) but as anyone who's been to a ZinZanni show knows, even an unfocused Teatro ZinZanni show is better than many things out there.

We're on hand at the Crown Casino and the proprietor Miss Ruby (Francine Reed) is looking to make her club a success whether it be by bringing in stunning entertainment or giving away a huge cash jackpot. But amidst all the crooning old boyfriends (Joe DePaul), giddy gamblers (Peter Pitofsky), insanely funny jugglers and acrobats (Sergey Krutikov and Les Petits Freres) and soaring lovebirds (Duo Madrona) there's a mysterious cat burglar contortionist (Vita Radionova) who's out to steal the jackpot for herself.

Of course this is a Teatro ZinZanni show so it all ends with love and laughs largely due to the amazingly talented circus and cabaret performers they manage to bring in from all corners of the globe. And with all their varied antics there's sure to be something for everyone. But of course, everyone has his or her favorites and I'm no exception.

Reed has a sultry and soulful voice to rival Etta and Ella and the perfect style to deliver those torchy and swingin' standards. DePaul doesn't just deliver on the vocals but on the hilarious comedy as well. His tribute to the movies was absolutely inspired. Duo Madrona delivered one of the sexiest and most awe inspiring aerial acts as they turned a trapeze into a love nest. But I have to say my favorites this time (as well as the last time I saw a ZinZanni show) were the acrobatic chaos of Les Petits Freres. From their hysterical rendition of "Fever" to their gravity defying pole climbing to their high energy acrobatic chase around the restaurant they made every moment on stage an absolute joy to watch. And with every instant they are always so expressive and engaged in the show that you can't help but be enthralled with them.

But it's the thrall of the entire show that has made Teatro ZinZanni a Seattle staple for 15 years now. I'm not sure I've ever heard of a bad show from them and probably never will. It's just always three hours of happy that will have you beaming throughout the evening and beyond.

"Lucky in Love" performs at Teatro ZinZanni through September 8th. For tickets or information contact the Teatro ZinZanni box office at 206-802-0015 or visit them online at www.dreams.zinzanni.org.

Photo Credit: Keith Brofsky

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