by SFPhotocraft

July 25, 2005

From journal Weekend on the Wharf

Teatro Zinzanni is located on Pier 29, just a few steps from Fisherman's Wharf. I had driven by the big white circus tent a hundred times while living in San Francisco, but it was one of those places I never made it to, while living here.

But as a tourist, I suddenly had time to take in the show. I took my kids on a whim. We did not have dinner plans, and as we walked by, I went up to the ticket window and got three tickets. I would not try this, as very often they are sold out, we were just very lucky. The show was starting in one hour and we had to rush back to our hotel to change, as they do have a dress code.

I had expected more of Circus Soliel experience, but it was not that at all. It was more a combination of cabaret, circus and vaudeville. It's billed as "Love, Chaos and Dinner" and that pretty much describes it.

You are seated in the large circus tent and the ticket price includes a lavish 5 course dinner.

The show plays out around you. Some of the wait staff my find themselves suspended on a highwire or singing a song. You never know what will happen next and often neither does the wait staff and performers and a lot is impromptu.

Joan Baez stars in the show as the Gypsy Contessa and keeps things moving. Her voice is still great, and she has a real stage presence. She alone was worth the price of the ticket! Much of the show was fun and full of humor, but there was also a lot of serious singing and songs.

It was fun, and the kids loved it. The show does run three hours, so it's not good for very young kids. The one warning I would give, is that if you are not the type of person who loves attention, this may not be the show for you, or at least don't sit in the first ring. A lot of dinner guests are pulled from the audience. I was sweating all night that somebody would be pulling me up on the stage and I was dreading it. Thankfully I was spared! The show last three hours, and there is plenty to see. The food was good, but honestly I was so into the show I paid very little attention to what was on my fork. I had the paella entree and I know I liked it, but I can barely remember it.

I highly recommend for a night out on the town in San Francisco you take in Teatro Zinanni. It indeed is a night of love, chaos, and dinner and even a little bit more.

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