Enter the historic cabaret tent (known as a spiegeltent) of Teatro ZinZanni and you are not just going for dinner and a show, you are transformed into the production itself during a “three-hour whirlwind of cabaret, cirque and live music served up with a five-course gourmet meal.”
There are many special treasures to experience in Seattle and this happens to be one of them. And they have been doing it for packed dining rooms for ten years in Seattle. Just by itself, the dining experience is a delight, designed by celebrity chef Tom Douglas.
And the building is magnificent. Built in 1910 and imported from Belgium, it boasts stained glass hand-carved wooden interior columns, polished crystal and mirrors. The action takes place throughout the unique venue and some of the guests even become a part of the show with some hilarious results.
Most have heard of the show and many probably have been meaning to go see it. I recently went to see Quest for a Queendom and here is a synopses of how the night’s event went.
Seating began at 6 pm as guests were escorted out of the classy lobby bar to their assigned seats. You must be there by 6:30 pm. At that time you make your entrée and beverage selections and enjoy the First Course plate with a small serving of fresh goat cheese nestled with honey dew melon, sprinkled with fresh mint along with Royal ZinZannia Figs and a zesty olive tapenade.
The show began promptly 7 pm and what a show it was.
In Quest for a Queendom, Queen Wilma of the lost continent of ZinZannia is played by British comedienne Krissie Illing. She embarks on a daunting quest to “colonize” or perish, while her trusty, lusty manservant (played by Kevin Kent) launches a conquest of his own to become Queen.
Comedian Kevin Kent, who got his start at Rebar with Dan Savage’s Greek Active, was hilarious in his role and the laughter in the room never stops when he his on the floor. I was captivated with how the gay humor is very entertaining for both straight and gay audiences.
Three hours seems to fly by as dinner courses are served in between performances, with each act actually leading into a different meal service. This gives you time to casually enjoy your meal while the show pauses for a bit. The main characters move throughout the room in a fun and clumsy attempt to assist the cheerful waitstaff with serving.
Francine Reed is breathtaking during some of her singing performances. She is best known for her duet and back-up vocals for Lyle Lovett.
But it was the performances by the comic acrobatic duo Die Maiers that I thought was the highlight for myself. In two words it was simply amazing.
The Second Course is a Fire-Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup which I immensely enjoyed and I don’t even like tomato soap. The Third Course was a Summer Salad Sensation with yellow and green beans and triangles of Ricotta Salata cheese.
There are three choices of entree for the Fourth Course: Grilled Rosemary Chicken, Grilled Wild-Caught Albacore Tuna or the vegetarian option of Corn Cakes with Salsa Verde. The Albacore Tuna was excellent with its smoked paprika crust and dabble of Sauce Gribiche along with potatoes and zucchini.
Just when you think there could not possibly be more, the night finishes off with an amazing 
performance by two dreamy hunks, Ling Rui and Fang Ming, from Cirque’s Dralion and Delirium. They have been performing since they were 10 and 11-years old.
That performance alone was dessert but then you actually finish the night off with a serving of caramelized apricot dartois with fresh blueberries and Caffe Vita coffee.
But rather than spoil the experience with too many details from the show I would highly encourage you to go “experience” it for yourself. Trust me you will not be disappointed.
The special Pride Night is Wednesday July 23, 2008 with an amazing $30 discount (only $74) from the already less expensive weekday prices. Now that includes the show and the five-course meal. You will probably not see prices that low ever again. Prices on the weekend for prime seating can be as high as $155 so don’t miss this opportunity. Be sure to mention the “Pride Night Rate”. If you are trying to decide if it is worth the extra expense for Premium Seating I must say without a doubt, yes. Guests seated in the center of the cabaret become a part of the show. It really is so much more for your senses than your typical dinner theater.
Quest for a Queendom plays now through October 19, 2008 at Teatro ZinZanni. Shows are Wednesday through Sunday and include a five-course gourmet meal but beverages are extra. For more information about the show please visit www.dreams.zinzanni.com.
UPDATE: This event for July 23 is SOLD OUT but that should not stop you from seeing the show on another night between now and October. It was actually kind of fun to see the reaction of the straight crowd during the show. This is a must see so make reservations now for that upcoming birthday or anniversary since they frequently sell out.
