About

What is Teatro ZinZanni?

A three-hour whirlwind of cirque, comedy, and cabaret served with a multi-course feast.

Teatro ZinZanni’s main event is part circus, part cabaret, and always magical. Described as “the Kit Kat Klub on acid” Teatro ZinZanni is a night out unlike any other. The ever-evolving and constantly changing production, combines improv comedy, vaudeville revue, music, dance, cirque, and sensuality into a dizzying and colorful new form that is never quite the same from evening to evening. Famous for its intimate setting, the fast-paced action of the show unfolds above, around and even alongside you as you dine on a gourmet meal.

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“A top ten entertainment destination”

–USA Today

The Spiegeltent

Teatro ZinZanni is housed in a beautiful antique theater imported from Belgium. An opulent palace of red velvet and gold brocade, stained glass and deep mahogany, the European cabaret tent, known as a spiegeltent (mirror tent), was constructed in the 1910s by renowned craftsman Willem Klessens. This warm, intimate circular theater hosted dances, wine tastings, cabarets and celebrations in Europe for almost a century.

“Completely, captivatingly unique. Food, circus, acting, comedy and music combine in ways that few have experienced.”

–Paul Hodgins, The Orange County Register

The History

In 1992, Teatro ZinZanni’s Founder Norm Langill walked into a spiegeltent and fell in love. Inside the tent, everything was possible: Feats of terrible strength! Manic antics! Beauty beyond belief! Art as dinner, dinner as art!

Norm found his own “Palais Nostalgique” tent in Belgium and convinced the builders, the Klessens family, to bring it to Seattle. Inspired by the great cabarets of Europe, he created a bold dinner show steeped in absurdity and spiked with a fresh sense of comedy. From around the world, he brought in celebrated artists schooled in cirque, clowning, cabaret, aerial arts, magic, and illusion. From renowned Seattle restaurants, he brought in top chefs to create a multi-course meal extraordinaire. Norm describes it all as, “the nightclub of your dreams”.

“This city’s hottest ticket”

–New York Times

A Unique Team

Teatro ZinZanni was created by a team of creative artists and theatre professionals who have been working together for over 40 years in the Puget Sound area providing live entertainment for the communities of the Pacific Northwest. Teatro ZinZanni launched in Seattle by Norm Langill and the parent company One Reel in 1998. The leadership team has worked together to produce a number of high-profile projects including Bumbershoot, Summer Nights at the Pier, the Family Fourth on Lake Union, and the WOMAD Festival at Marymoor Park.

“A potent blast of pure exhilaration. Run, don’t walk”

–David C. Nichols, LA Times