Published: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
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Contributed photo
Kevin Kent as the Queen of Hearts in Teatro Zinzanni's production of "Bonsoir Liliane!"
Life uplifted in ‘Liliane’
“Bonsoir, Liliane!” directed by nine-time Tony Award-winner Tommy Tune, is the realm Teatro Zinzanni is talking about when they invite you to “Step into a realm where dreams and reality converge, time stands still, everything is not as it seems.”
How extravagant a claim is that?
Well, I stepped in a skeptic, came out a believer and time is still standing still. “Bonsoir, Liliane!” knocks your socks off. The Liliane “Bonsoir” welcomes is Parisian Italian Liliane Montevecchi; an age-defying, 79-year-old entertainer whose screen credits extend from “Daddy Long Legs” with Fred Astaire to “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” with Matthew McConaughey.
Starring roles in “Gigi” and “Hello, Dolly” are among Montevecchi’s musical triumphs, and the Knights of Malta have knighted her “Dame” for her humanitarian work.
Here, she spotlights the heart of this three-hour, cabaret- and circus-styled dinner show. Liliane reminisces and dreams in song, monologue and dialogue with the other entertainers and she moves easily among with patrons seated at the tables. Her manner is personal but not too personal -- just enough to acknowledge the presence of each individual her eyes pay attention to. The effect is gratifying.
For adult laughs just this side of X-rated, cross-dressing Kevin Kent gives hilarious meaning to Zinzanni’s “where everything is not as it seems.”
This guy enters as The Queen. In full regalia, he singles out somebody’s boyfriend, bills and coos his way into something resembling a relationship and, well, seeing is believing. Suffice it to say, Kent has a knack for spotting good sports.
The acrobatics of Parisians Domitil Aillot, Gregory Marquet and Mickael Bajazet, dazzle.
Graceful sensuality shows itself in the amazing contortions of Ukrainian Vita Radionova.
Former Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Ariana Lallone’s solo is sheer elegance.
This is spectacle and fine dining in sophisticated, European-style. The accent is on not taking life too seriously. It is an uplifting experience.
Reactions? Comments? Email Dale Burrows at grayghost7@heraldnet.com or entertainment@weeklyherald.com.
‘Bonsoir, Liliane!’
WHEN: through Jan. 29
WHERE: Teatro Zinzanni, 222 Mercer Street, Seattle
TICKETS: 206-802-0015 or www.zinzanni.org
How extravagant a claim is that?
Well, I stepped in a skeptic, came out a believer and time is still standing still. “Bonsoir, Liliane!” knocks your socks off. The Liliane “Bonsoir” welcomes is Parisian Italian Liliane Montevecchi; an age-defying, 79-year-old entertainer whose screen credits extend from “Daddy Long Legs” with Fred Astaire to “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” with Matthew McConaughey.
Starring roles in “Gigi” and “Hello, Dolly” are among Montevecchi’s musical triumphs, and the Knights of Malta have knighted her “Dame” for her humanitarian work.
Here, she spotlights the heart of this three-hour, cabaret- and circus-styled dinner show. Liliane reminisces and dreams in song, monologue and dialogue with the other entertainers and she moves easily among with patrons seated at the tables. Her manner is personal but not too personal -- just enough to acknowledge the presence of each individual her eyes pay attention to. The effect is gratifying.
For adult laughs just this side of X-rated, cross-dressing Kevin Kent gives hilarious meaning to Zinzanni’s “where everything is not as it seems.”
This guy enters as The Queen. In full regalia, he singles out somebody’s boyfriend, bills and coos his way into something resembling a relationship and, well, seeing is believing. Suffice it to say, Kent has a knack for spotting good sports.
The acrobatics of Parisians Domitil Aillot, Gregory Marquet and Mickael Bajazet, dazzle.
Graceful sensuality shows itself in the amazing contortions of Ukrainian Vita Radionova.
Former Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Ariana Lallone’s solo is sheer elegance.
This is spectacle and fine dining in sophisticated, European-style. The accent is on not taking life too seriously. It is an uplifting experience.
Reactions? Comments? Email Dale Burrows at grayghost7@heraldnet.com or entertainment@weeklyherald.com.
‘Bonsoir, Liliane!’
WHEN: through Jan. 29
WHERE: Teatro Zinzanni, 222 Mercer Street, Seattle
TICKETS: 206-802-0015 or www.zinzanni.org