MADAME ZINGARA’S THE CELEBRATION. Directed by Richard Griffin, with lighting design by Mannie Manim, choreography by Sam Kotze and Craig Leo, vocal arrangement by Glenn Swart, and wardrobe design Nikki Smuts. At the Grand Parade until September 26. TERRI DUNBAR-CURRAN reviews.
A NIGHT with Madame Zingara is so much more than just dinner and a show – it’s an experience. Their latest spectacular, The Celebration, sees the company’s Theatre of Dreams set up shop on the Grand Parade, with the City Hall an impressive backdrop to a night of magic and thrills.
Be sure to arrive early so you have time to explore the many alcoves and spaces tucked around the opulent main tent, have your face painted and stock up on party props at the Bijoux Boutique. From the moment you arrive, you’re transported into a enchanting world of vibrant characters, dream-like encounters and awe-inspiring feats of artistry.
The show is directed by Madame Zingara founder Richard Griffin, and showcases performers from over a dozen countries. Among the highlights is multi-award winning Cirque du Solei performer Saulo Sarmiento from Spain, whose aerial pole act is a demonstration of sheer strength and control. Muscles flexing, he glides gracefully in an arc, while the audience gasps below him.
Testament to the power of the human body, Evgeniya Potas, Elena Kosiuchenko and Larisa Semenuk astound with their triple strength adage performance. The lithe Ukranian trio combines contortion, poise and hand-balancing to create a visually mesmerising display.
The Diabolo Girls from China add a splash of colour and precision timing to the show with their mastery of the ancient diabolo. Their routine is fast-paced, up-beat and impressive as spinning cones soar and loop through the air.
And what would a circus be without a few comical acts to dissolve the tension? Look out for Miss Lola La Plume and Hot Mr C whose outlandish antics will have you giggling. Then there’s the amusing French trio of Boris, Pablo and Zachary who keep guests intrigued between other acts as they wander through the tent. But it’s when they appear on stage with their teeterboard that their brilliance leaps to the fore. Theirs is an entertaining combination of fun tumbling and dexterous acrobatics.
Musically the show features local quartet The Specifics with a varied repertoire of tunes to keep the party going over dinner. And of course, Cathy Specific herself is back as MC, complete with dazzling gowns, the highest of heels and some memorable numbers.
Besides the acts on stage, even the waiters, some with up to four costume changes, add to the theatrical element of the evening. Their witty repartee helps guests to instantly feel at home, and their carefully choreographed high-speed march back and forth with 650 meals in as short a space of time as possible is truly a thing to behold.
Dust off your sequins and tails and make a date with the Madame.
l No under 16s. Doors open at 6.30pm, guests to be seated by 7.30pm with the show starting at 8.15pm. Tickets from R650, including welcome drinks, canapés and a four-course dinner, 0861 623 263, [email protected]