C A S T

RIZO

@rizo.love

RIZO

@rizo.love

The New York Times once referred to Rizo as “SENSATIONAL… A fierce but kindhearted fusion of comedy, burlesque, performance art, and rock ‘n’ roll.” Taking a cue from Piaf, Rizo (né Amelia Zirin-Brown) fully embraces the role of chanteuse. In recordings, she is a mysterious figure, a siren ushering you through tableaus of heartbreak, lust, and the murkiness in between. Live, she is an eyeful.

An international cult favorite, her stage shows bring her powerhouse vocals together with seductive storytelling and wild hilarious audience experiments. Rizo is a provocateur with an electric wit, and has been called a “diva par excellence” by The Guardian. In the studio she has collaborated with Moby, Reggie Watts, and Yo-Yo Ma; whose album Songs of Joy & Peace, which features Rizo, won a Grammy Award.

Rizo has also received a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, a Time Out London theater award, and a London Cabaret Award. Rizo recently starred in the role of Madame Zinzanni in the revival of the much beloved Teatro ZinZanni and is in development for a television project with Michael Carbonaro of the popular series “The Carbonaro Effect.”

JOEL BAKER

@joelbakercircusartist

JOEL BAKER

@joelbakercircusartist

As a much-loved theater clown and circus comedian performing worldwide, Joel Baker brings to the stage a unique style of physical comedy, acrobatics, and improvisation. He is a graduate of San Francisco’s Clown Conservatory and the San Francisco Circus Center, where he began incorporating acrobatics, handstands, and chair balancing into physical comedy.

Joel launched his career as an acrobatic clown in San Francisco’s legendary New Pickle Circus. For seven years, Joel was a key performer in the award-winning Cirque du Soleil show The Beatles’ LOVE on the Las Vegas Strip. Joel has also performed main clown roles in LOFT by The 7 Fingers (Les 7 Doigts de la Main) and SOAP (Chamaeleon Theatre Berlin).

Joel was in a main clown role with Cirque Bouffon in the new circus theater production LAFOLIA. Other recent engagements include five years with PALAZZO dinner theater show GLÜCKSJÄGER in Germany and Austria as well as the lead character role in CIRKOPOLIS by Cirque Eloize.

Joel has had the honor of teaming up with Clowns Without Borders Ireland and Belgium to bring laughter to children in Europe’s refugee camps. He has appeared on the national television shows “America’s Got Talent“, “The View“, and “The Night that Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles” and has performed under the direction of James Cameron in the film Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away.

DUO 19

@cassiecutler19   @oliverandcompanytrapeze

DUO 19

@cassiecutler19   @oliverandcompanytrapeze

Duo 19 is made up of Oliver Parkinson and Cassie Cutler, a dynamic trapeze duo taking over the world one theater at a time. Together they push the boundaries of aerial technique to create an act known for its eye-catching tricks and enthralling style.

Oliver is a former MMA champion with a PhD in medicinal chemistry. An overachiever to his core, he became a flying trapeze catcher, a duo trapeze porter and ever since, has toured the world upside down.

Cassie grew up doing gymnastics in Los Angeles, and realized early on that she never wanted to stop flipping. Since then, she’s toured with Pippin the Musical, worked with Circus Roncalli and Circus 1903, just to name a few.

Together, they have traveled the world performing with companies such as: Bacio Rosso, Circus Monti, Circus Sarasota and Palazzo. They are thrilled to be back at Teatro Zinzanni for their third season.

DANILA BIM

@danila_bim

DANILA BIM

@danila_bim

Danila Bim is an acclaimed circus artist from São Paulo, Brazil, renowned for her pioneering artistry in Hair Suspension and aerial hoop. Trained as a dancer with a distinct style and compelling stage presence, Danila has spent the past 15 years captivating audiences worldwide. She has collaborated with some of the world’s premier entertainment companies, including multiple Cirque du Soleil productions, where she has been celebrated as a featured artist.

EZRA WEILL

@ezraweill

EZRA WEILL

@ezraweill

Ezra Weill is from Seattle Washington, where he grew up street performing with his sister. Back then, his act was standing on 5 stacked-up skateboards and juggling knives. After many years of training at circus school in Seattle, he went on to perform with a Vermont-based youth circus, called Circus Smirkus. After graduating high school, Ezra attended l‘Ecole National de Cirque in Montreal, where he completed his studies in 2015 with a degree in aerial rope and hat juggling.

Since then Ezra has performed in North America, South America and all across Europe. Currently, he is based in Brussels, running a small circus company called Keeping Company. He enjoys playing music on and off the stage, as well as pursuing his hobby of Lindy Hop dancing, which he has recently taken onto the stage. Inspired by the likes of George Carl, Ezra juggles hats with a quick, surprising, and humorous style. On the rope, Ezra brings a unique twist to his act by juggling his hats up on the rope with him. Ezra is interested in everything: from pounding tent stakes to collaborating with others, to the last trick in his act. Best, Ezra

SPENCER ANDROLI

@spencethejuggler

SPENCER ANDROLI

@spencethejuggler

Spencer Androli is a 3-time World Juggling Federation Champion and a 8x World Record holding juggler. He was also ranked the Top Juggler of 2023 in the Top 40 Jugglers Chart hosted by Luke Burrage. He is currently based in Tyler, Texas and has been juggling for 15 years. Ever since he was 8 years old, he has been obsessed with juggling and has always dreamed of making it a career. Last summer, he toured Northern California and Oregon with the Flynn Creek Circus. This summer, he toured with Hideaway Circus’ production, Canvas Sky. He also has performed as part of Circus Evo in North Carolina, The Colorful Hat show in Georgia, and the Moisture Festival here in Seattle, WA. He has come to love performing and bringing joy to others with what he loves to do most. He is beyond grateful to be performing this year at Teatro Zinzanni and hopes you enjoy your time here.

CHARLEE SHAE

@charleeshae_circus

CHARLEE SHAE

@charleeshae_circus

Charlee Shae Davis is a world record holder and two-time world champion in pole dancing, known for her powerful mix of strength, flexibility, and grace. She has performed in 52 countries, inspiring audiences and helping to redefine the art form. Charlee is also a passionate advocate for inclusivity and empowerment through movement, fostering a supportive community that resonates with fans and performers around the world.

B A N D

HANS TEUBER

Music Director / Everything Else

@hansteuber

HANS TEUBER

Music Director / Everything Else

@hansteuber

Hans Teuber has been a top call saxophonist woodwind doubler composer, arranger and keyboardist in the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years. In 2021 he was inducted into the Earshot Jazz Hall of Fame.

Hans has recorded with many artists and toured extensively, traveling North America, Europe Japan and Brazil. He has performed with such jazz luminaries as George Cables, Julian Priester, Bill Frisell, Chano Domingues, Michael White and Wayne Horvitz. He toured and recorded with folk singer Ani DiFranco
and recorded with notable Seattle rock bands Brad and Mudhoney.

Hans also has been actively involved in the cirque world spending 18 years with Teatro Zinzanni and currently working with Montreal’s comedy duo “Monseigneures Tim et Joe”.

Hans’ albums as a leader:

“Lucky” Origin Records
“Looky” Jackson Street Records
“Oil” w/ Paul Rucker Jackson Street Records
“Deuce” w/Jeff Johnson Origin Records

BRIAN MONRONEY

Guitar

@bmonroney

BRIAN MONRONEY

Guitar

@bmonroney

During over three decades as busy sideman and session musician, guitarist Brian Monroney has performed or recorded with artists including Gloria Estefan, Natalie Cole, Barry Manilow and Tom Jones (Brian toured as Sir Tom’s guitarist and Musical Director for nearly 18 years). In addition to performing and session work, Brian works as an arranger, music copyist, and guitar teacher. Currently a resident of Tacoma, Brian has performed with a number of notable PNW artists and bands including Lee Oskar, Nearly Dan, Greta Matassa, Bill Anschell and Teatro Zinzanni.

KEITH LOWE

Bassist Emeritus

@keith_lowe_bass

KEITH LOWE

Bassist Emeritus

@keith_lowe_bass

Keith Lowe has over 40 years of performing experience on both electric and acoustic bass. He studied classically for 15 years and played in various orchestras before moving on to jazz and rock where he has backed and recorded with such artists as Fiona Apple, David Sylvian, Bill Frisell, Harold Budd, Duffy Bishop, Wayne Horvitz and has been a member of the band BRAD since 2008. Since 2016 he has been a member of the orchestra for the legendary Teatro ZinZanni cirque and cabaret dinner theater. His diverse background and wide ranging and comprehensive approach to music has resulted in a tuneful, solid, and eclectic style that has him in demand both as a performer and studio musician.

ERIC EAGLE

Drums

@ericeagle

ERIC EAGLE

Drums

@ericeagle

Drummer Eric Eagle was born in Nashville, but was quickly transplanted to a suburb of Seattle, WA where he grew up playing music in school and regional groups. He spent two years studying music at the University of Washington, and with encouragement drumming legend Billy Hart, moved to New Jersey to attend the Jazz Studies program at William Paterson College under the tutelage of Horacee Arnold and John Riley.

Not interested in limiting himself to any one particular style but rather finding the common elements that exist in all his favorite music, Eric has found himself equally at home in a wide range of musical outlets. He has honed his craft performing and recording around the world with artists ranging from jazz (Julian Priester, Wayne Horvitz, Bill Frisell, Kenny Kirkland) to songwriters (Brandi Carlile, Jesse Sykes, Amy Ray, Laura Veirs) to rock & roll legends (The Kinks’ Ray Davies, The Band’s Robbie Robertson, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons). He has performed at esteemed venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Fillmore, and many prestigious festivals in North America and Europe including “All Tomorrow’s Parties”, “Peace and Love Festival”, “Winnipeg Folk Festival”, “Sasquatch”, and “Vancouver International Jazz Festival”. Eric also records and mixes music operating out of Skoor Sound, his studio in West Seattle.

ALEX GUY

Violin

@ledtosea

ALEX GUY

Violin

@ledtosea

Alex Guy is a Seattle-based violinist, violist, singer and composer, and is the leader and principal songwriter of Led To Sea, a magnetic trio that fuses classical, pop and experimental music. Alex has also composed extensively for dance, film and theater, and has performed and collaborated with many notable bandleaders, composers, improvisers and musicians in the Pacific NW and beyond, including Angel Olsen, Wayne Horvitz, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Sera Cahoone, Ahamefule Oluo, Mirah, Jherek Bischoff, Lemolo and Laura Veirs.

CREATIVE TEAM

ELENA GATILOVA

Director

ELENA GATILOVA

Director

Elena Gatilova’s interdisciplinary career began in Crimea at just four years old, where as a rhythmic gymnast she quickly earned international recognition as a five-time national champion, achievements that soon launched her into a global career in dance and aerial performance.

In 2002, Cirque du Soleil invited Elena to join the opening cast of their provocative Las Vegas production Zumanity, where as a principal acrobatic character and lead dancer, Elena performed in more than 2,500 shows, appeared in Playboy, Vanity Fair, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, on Last Call with Carson Daly, and in the documentary film Cirque du Soleil: Lovesick (Sony Pictures).

Elena has shared artistic spaces with global icons including Cher, designer Thierry Mugler, photographer David LaChapelle, and choreographer Bill Goodson. She charmed viewers on more than 40 episodes of the popular Italian TV show Chiambretti Night. In Macau, Elena shared the stage with Dita Von Teese in Franco Dragnone’s Taboo. In 2017 Elena joined the the international tour of Circus 1903: The Golden Age of Circus, from the creators of the hit Broadway show The Illusionists. More than once Elena has had the distinctive honor to perform for world leaders including the British royal family at in London’s prestigious 2018 Royal Variety Performance, and among others, President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau at the 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.

In previous years, Elena has performed in several Teatro ZinZanni productions in Seattle, San Francisco and Chicago, and served off-stage as artistic producer for this 25th anniversary celebration and makes her directorial debut in SIZZLE.

Amelia Zirin-Brown

Assistant Director

Amelia Zirin-Brown

Assistant Director

The New York Times once referred to Rizo as “SENSATIONAL… A fierce but kindhearted fusion of comedy, burlesque, performance art, and rock ‘n’ roll.” Taking a cue from Piaf, Rizo (né Amelia Zirin-Brown) fully embraces the role of chanteuse. In recordings, she is a mysterious figure, a siren ushering you through tableaus of heartbreak, lust, and the murkiness in between. Live, she is an eyeful.

An international cult favorite, her stage shows bring her powerhouse vocals together with seductive storytelling and wild hilarious audience experiments. Rizo is a provocateur with an electric wit, and has been called a “diva par excellence” by The Guardian. In the studio she has collaborated with Moby, Reggie Watts, and Yo-Yo Ma; whose album Songs of Joy & Peace, which features Rizo, won a Grammy Award.

Rizo has also received a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, a Time Out London theater award, and a London Cabaret Award. Rizo recently starred in the role of Madame Zinzanni in the revival of the much beloved Teatro ZinZanni and is in development for a television project with Michael Carbonaro of the popular series “The Carbonaro Effect.”

NORMAN LANGILL

Founder

NORMAN LANGILL

Founder

Since founding Teatro ZinZanni in 1998, Norm has conceived and directed more than 100 ZinZanni shows and presided over 8,100 performances in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. He was won an Emmy for documentary writing and a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, as well as a member of the International Festivals Hall of Fame.

A founding member of Seattle’s whacky, touring One Reel Vaudeville Show in 1972, Norm led One Reel for forty years and grew it into the Pacific Northwest’s premier festival and arts producing non-profit organization.  Norm’s career broadened to stage and screen actor, award-winning writer, playwright, director, and producer.

While best known for producing the Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music and Arts Festival, the Goodwill Games Arts Festival with Turner Broadcasting, WOMAD USA and Family Fourth fireworks on Lake Union, Norm is more likely to cite other accomplishments, such as orchestrating the first live performance of Spinal Tap; producing U.S. tours of The Grand Kabuki Theatre of Japan; producing the original tri-lingual musical Gumbo Ya Ya at the 1992 Cultural Olympiad in Barcelona, creating the Global Drum Festival for Nelson Mandela, directing the tour for the USA Olympic Gymnastics team in 2004, pairing Mel Torme with the Ramones and producing the Jimi Hendrix memorial concert.

Norm has been married for 37 years with his wife Jane and is proud of his daughter Alexandra, an art director in Los Angeles.

SHAUNA FRAZIER

Props, Scenery & Design

SHAUNA FRAZIER

Props, Scenery & Design

Shauna has been working and designing for circus theatre since 2000 and could not be happier.  She loves the creative challenges and aesthetic of the circus world and feels that she has the best job on earth!

ALEX MARKEY

Sound Designer

ALEX MARKEY

Sound Designer

Alex Markey is a live sound engineer and designer from Seattle, WA. He has worked with a wide range of clients including regional production companies, festivals, national tours, and corporate clients, with a focus on helping artists realize their ideas through the medium of sound. He currently works as a sound engineer for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra as well as a sound designer and mixer for Teatro Zinzanni. 

PETER BRACILANO

Lighting Designer

PETER BRACILANO

Lighting Designer

PRODUCTION

ANNIE JAMISON

Head of Production

BEN MUELLER

Production Manager

DECOR & PROPS

BEN MENZEL

Lead Carpenter

CHRIS TELFORD

Carpenter

Josh Bartolme

Decor Ninja

Britta Humes

Decor Team

Charly Dedessus Le Moutier

Decor Team, Props Guru

Evan Ritter

Decor Team, Lighting

INNA PECK

Prop & Decor Lead

BEN MENZEL

Lead Carpenter

BRENT LAMB

Carpenter, 1st Hand

CHRIS TELFORD

Carpenter

Jeramie Hardi

Decor Ninja

Josh Bartolme

Decor Ninja

Quinn Banford

Decor Team

Britta Humes

Decor Team

Andrew Rutherford

Decor Team

Charly Dedessus Le Moutier

Decor Team, Props Guru

Brooke Furrow

Decor Team

Evan Ritter

Decor Team, Lighting

COSTUME & WARDROBE

Ame Corwin

Assistant Costume Coordinator

Josie Olney

Wardrobe Maintenance Part-Time

Hollis Hamilton

Dresser – Full Time

Amanda Jo Catala

Seasonal Dresser – December

Jason Brooks

Consulting Makeup Artist – RealFictionStudios

Jenny Morgensen

Costume Coordinator

Ame Corwin

Assistant Costume Coordinator

Harly Ellis

Maintenance Lead

Josie Olney

Wardrobe Maintenance Part-Time

Clara Valliere-Douglass

Seasonal Wardrobe Maintenance – December

Hollis Hamilton

Dresser – Full Time

Charlotte Kasal

Seasonal Dresser – December

Amanda Jo Catala

Seasonal Dresser – December

Naomi Mecham-Miller

Consulting Makeup Artist – RealFictionStudios

Jason Brooks

Consulting Makeup Artist – RealFictionStudios

SOUND

Alex Markey

Sound Designer

MADDIE

Sub Sound Operator

LIGHTING

Evan Ritter

Sub Light Board Operator

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kalie Farina

Owner | Filling The Frame Photography

MARKETING / PUBLICITY / SALES

Courtney Nichols

Director of Marketing

Kelsey Boulton

Director of Ticketing & Audience Services

Rachael Brister

PR | RCB Communications

Steve McQuown

Digital Strategy Consultant

FINANCE & HR

Kenrick Hutson

Finance Director

MEG McHUTCHINSON

Business Operations

IT / IS

Robert Carpenter

IS Director

FOOD & HOSPITALITY

Simina Bus

Food & Beverage Director

Gustavo Arechiga

Restaurant Manager

Angie Bianchini

Restaurant Manager

Justine Freese

Hospitality Trainer

Justin de Phillips

Consulting Chef

Margaret Ziad

Sous Chef

Juana Valdovinos Monje

Lead Line Cook

Irene Isabel Cime Peck

Line Cook

Thomas Harrison

Line Cook

Brenda Cime Reyes

Steward

Fredy Ramírez Nuñez

Chef

Margaret Ziad

Sous Chef

Jose Cime

Lead Line Cook

Juana Valdovinos Monje

Lead Line Cook

Heriberto Levya Valdevinos

Line Cook & Steward

Irene Isabel Cime Peck

Line Cook

Delia Saucedo Espinoza

Line Cook

Thomas Harrison

Line Cook

Carlos Cime

Steward

Brenda Cime Reyes

Steward

Amber Burton

Lead Server

Lyla Goldman

Lead Server

Kailin Meacham

Lead Server

Amber Burton

Lead Server

Brenna Gale

Lead Server

Lyla Goldman

Lead Server

Ginger Daniels

Server

Cricket Donald

Server

Melissa Klemmt

Server

Mykela Wingerter

Server

Sophia Midori Dart

Server

Danielle Lambert

Server

Ginger Daniels

Server

Harrison Scroggins

Server

Cricket Donald

Server

Layla Markovich

Server

Melissa Klemmt

Server

Michael “Jupiter” O’Reilly

Server

Mykela Wingerter

Server

Nicole “Cole” Vargas-Pillitu

Server

Sophia Midori Dart

Server

Erika Smith

Beverage Consultant

Adrienne McLaughlin

Bar Czar

Kayleen Rae

Bartender

Alexandra Saylor

Bartender

Omar Taboada

Bartender

Kayleen Rae

Bartender

Jessica Scott

Bartender

Alexandra Saylor

Bartender

Quincy Weston

Dining Room Assistant

Christian “Crispy” Murcia

Dining Room Assistant

Ren Stewart

Coat Check / Dining Room Assistant

SPECIAL THANKS

JOE TORO

The Godfather

Veteran Teatro ZinZanni Performers

Kevin Joyce