Teatro Zinzanni joins the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Seattle World’s Fair with “Return to Paradise,” its first production with a Seattle-specific theme. Zinzanni’s current cabaret/circus/dinner show, performed in the 1910 Moulin Rouge spiegeltent, features the narrative framework of a re-imagined night at Gracie Hansen’s Paradise International Club, the Vegas-style venue that was the star attraction of the adult-only entertainment zone at the Century 21 Exposition.
‘Paradise’-inspired
Zinzanni regular, singer and comedienne Christine Deaver emcees, channeling the flamboyant, Mae West-emulating Hansen, who evolved from a backwoods childhood in Morton, Wash., to prominence as an entrepreneur in Pacific Northwest adult entertainment.
Even at a full head taller, the statuesque Deaver undeniably resembles photographs of Hansen, thanks to artful makeup and costumes. Deaver’s rich voice and commanding presence make her an irresistible force during the audience participation bits that are a trademark of Zinzanni shows.
Deaver masterfully weaves audience participants into the fabric of skits, such as a Hawaiian-themed, win-a-date-with-Pele contest and an Adam-and-Eve skit inspired by the original Paradise’s signature show, “A Night in Paradise.” She embodies the coy naughtiness that was a hallmark of mid-20th-century burlesque.
Joining Gracie at the Paradise are 1960s Seattle cultural icons Bruce Lee (acrobat Christopher Phi) and an up-and-coming Jimi Hendrix (guitarist Thaddeus “Thadillac” Turner), as well as Elvis Presley (Big Mike Geier) and scientist, not-yet-governor Dixie Lee Ray (acrobat Sandra Feusi).
The highly accomplished acrobats, all Cirque du Soleil alums, include Phi performing impressive feats of strength and flexibility; former Ukrainian champion rhythmic gymnast, the exquisite Elena Gatilova, who doubles as Priscilla Presley; Rui Ling performing a daring solo strap act; and Feusi and partner Sam Payne dancing a breathtaking vertical tango on a pole.
Great supporting cast
From “Moon River” to “End of the World,” Zinzanni’s excellent house band rolls out golden oldies for the baby boomer set. Turner’s spirited and precise guitar riffs excite, especially during his soul-stirring rendition of “Purple Haze.” Jen Ayers’ full-throated vocals enliven Motown and other hits of the ‘60s; she appears as Bruce Lee’s girlfriend Linda Emery. Geier’s Elvis is less an impersonation than a re-imagining, but his smooth-voiced delivery of Elvis favorites such as “Blue Suede Shoes” pleases.
Dressed in futuristic Jetson outfits, the Galaxy Girls sing chorus in between serving the delicious five-course meal that offers options to suit both carnivores and vegetarians. Dinner service plays a part in the theatrics: Dessert arrives in a time machine.
Teatro Zinzanni undergoes an unusual process to create the shows. Artistic director and founder Norm Langill envisions the shows. The casting team then hires performers and acts. The performers join the director to expand on his vision during the rehearsal process. The show is not scripted and continues to evolve during its run, based on audience interaction. And every show is different because audience members are called up on stage to participate on a given night.
“Return to Paradise” plays through Jan. 27. For more information, go to dreams.zinzanni.org. To comment on this story, write to QAMagNews@nwlink.com.[[In-content Ad]]
