Teatro ZinZanni Sizzles Winter Spirits

Teatro ZinZanni’s “Sizzle” is not just a show, but an entire experience. With a dress code of “fancy-shmancy” cocktail attire required, I went to SANCA & Emerald CIty Trapeze in SODO, already in a good mood because my outfit worked out exactly as I’d planned in my head (a big win). 

The Sunday of opening weekend, I prepared to embark on what would turn out to be a scintillating journey through an immersive experience of the arts. Walking towards the podium, checking in by name, free coat check, and before you enter the room, it has already begun. The waitstaff were dressed impeccably, in dazzling, glitzy uniforms.

I was led to my seat, a table for one off to the right (or stage left) of the stage. The rules are explained: Stay seated while someone is in the air, don’t use your phone at inappropriate times, the works! I ordered a delightful hibiscus lemonade, and the appetizer was already at the table along with a water carafe and glass.

Dinner with the show: Salmon and kimchi

The Evergreen Echo

When an event such as this comes with a four-course menu, I’m both excited and nervous. I don’t consider myself to have a refined palate, but I’m open minded and willing to give most things a try. I didn’t need to be worried. Each course was delicious; my favorites were the soy glazed salmon and kimchi pickles as the entree. The flavors of the appetizer, a tart, and the hot and sour soup were more complex than anything I would choose for myself, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to try something new and was pleasantly surprised. My soup and dessert were lucky enough to dance their way to me from the stage—a fun way to receive anything. 

As I was getting settled in, from the beginning the cast of the show were already in character, mingling with the crowd and weaving the story that would be told throughout the night. In between acts they were there, chatting, flirting, taking pictures, wishing people happy birthday, and checking to see if everyone was having a good time.

Crowd work almost doesn’t feel like enough to describe the intimacy of the experience. The tables were close, but not packed, and the show took place both on the stage and throughout the rest of the room. It felt like you were in it, blurring the lines between something to watch and something that was happening to you, around you, above you even, and maybe that would feel a bit ominous for some. 

I’m not intentionally one to draw attention to myself, but when a stunning person walks off stage to ask how your soup is and tells you that you look beautiful, it’s hard not to have an enjoyable time. Being friendly, professional, and so amazingly talented should be a crime. Madame ZinZanni/Rizo would certainly be convicted if that were the case. Her singing accompanied by the band was the glue that meshed the show together.

Crowd scene from the audience at “Sizzle”

The Evergreen Echo

Each song was either an act of its own or the live music to which another cast member performed awe-inspiring aerial acts, such as flying pole, rope, trapeze, hair hanging, balancing acts, and some of the most impressive juggling I’ve seen so far. There was even an intermission where they told us to stand up and dance or sway to the music—a seamless way of allowing us to stretch our legs before dinner. 

On top of everything, the show was funny! The storylines were easy to understand and the small but mighty cast played their characters to perfection. I was invested in every aspect and was decidedly satisfied when it came to an end. I wanted to keep hanging out with the cast for the rest of the night, it was such a great time. 

But arguably the ephemeral nature of the show is perhaps its best quality. With different crowds on different nights, each audience is sure to get their own tailored version of the experience in a way that would be impossible to replicate exactly.

I highly recommend the experience to anyone who loves a good time and needs an excuse to wear a cute, dressy outfit. Maybe you’re like me and you’ll wear a new accessory that works far better than you could ever dream. Go as a group, a couple, or go alone. And please tip the waitstaff, and applaud the band and the tech crew. It’s sure to be a roaring good time!