Wild and wacky as ever, “The Soiled Dove” is back!
The Edwardian-period-set dinner theater production with circus acts, burlesque, audience interaction, singing, dancing, comedy and a plethora of scantily clad performers is happening under a nifty big tent on the Alameda waterfront on Friday and Saturday nights through Nov. 1.
Presented by Vau de Vire Society’s Mike and Shannon Gaines, best known for producing participatory events like the Edwardian Ball, the mishmash of a show closely resembles previous “The Soiled Dove” presentations in San Francisco. Other aspects recall Teatro ZinZanni, the beloved “dinner with chaos” extravaganza that played for more than a decade under a big top on San Francisco’s Pier 27.
For instance, iconic vocalist Joan Baez (barely recognizable in costume as the perplexing character Paloma Blanca—don’t expect a folk singer!) and comic emcee Frank Ferrante, both ZinZanni veterans, are back with similar songs and bits, down to the exact wording in places. Perhaps it’s not surprising: “Soiled Dove” guest director Stefan Haves did stints with ZinZanni and Cirque du Soleil.
Although somewhat repetitive in a more than two-and-a-half-hour show that’s too long, the circus stunts are among the most entertaining aspects of “The Soiled Dove.” Audience members, seated on high stools at long tables close to the main stage, can get great views of the strong and nimble chair balancing, aerial, hoop and silks performers.
Many of the performers do double duty, chatting with patrons and serving dinner, which, remarkably, is delicious. Created by Work of Art Catering, the opening night menu included tomato salad and meat and vegan entree options (beef and mushroom bourguignon), both hot and tasty, followed by chocolate mousse or tofu chocolate mousse cone. Note: Standing room admission is available for patrons who don’t want to eat.
An energetic live band supplies music, though it’s often hard to decipher the lyrics, and the smidgen of a story line is equally elusive. However, fans of period performances, interactive experiences (audience members are encouraged to dress in 1890s Barbary Coast attire!) and yummy food and drink will get a kick out of “The Soiled Dove.”
“The Soiled Dove” has been extended through Nov. 15 under the Big Top at Radium Runway, 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda. Tickets are $85 (standing room, no meal) to $241 (VIP with dinner) at thesoileddove.com.