The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games at Teatro ZinZanni

BY: USA GAMES CORRESPONDENT, MIKE GASTINEAU

Beth Knox, the CEO and President of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, talks about the Games event this November 16th at Teatro ZinZanni.

Q. How did the idea for this event come about?

Beth: “I have been a long-time fan of Teatro ZinZanni. I was part of the team who first brought the show to Seattle, and consider it one of the best entertainment options in the city. I approached the producers about using the show for a Special Olympics USA Games fundraiser event and they jumped at the opportunity. The cast and James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Jason Wilson, are very excited to help raise important funds to support the athletes coming to Seattle next summer.”

Q. What intrigued you about doing a fundraiser there?

Beth: “It’s exciting because Teatro ZinZanni is opening in their new location at Marymoor Park in Redmond this month. Doing an event in such a unique venue allows us to get the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games message to a new audience, while enjoying an amazing show.”

Q. Tell me about the event.

Beth: “Teatro ZinZanni is magical. It’s part circus and part cabaret happening all around you, while enjoying a gourmet dinner and drinks in a small, intimate setting. That combination is fantastic enough. Now, add in the chance to meet and mingle with some of our 2018 Games ambassadors at a pre-show VIP reception, and the knowledge that the entire night will benefit Special Olympics athletes in a direct and tangible way. Everyone wins.  

Q. Who are the stars who will be attending the party?

Beth: “As of October 1st our special guests include Gary Payton, Steve Largent, Jim Zorn, Dave Krieg, Ray Roberts, and Dan Wilson. We’ll have more commitments to announce soon. The ticket price for the event is $350 which includes the VIP reception and social time with our celebrities. If you just want to attend the show, tickets are $250.”

Q. This is a unique way for people to help the games achieve their funding goal.

Beth: “That’s probably the most valuable piece of it. One of the first questions I’m asked by people who learn about the Games is how can they help. We have opportunities for corporate sponsorships, we have the 2018 Club that provides Opening Ceremony tickets, recognition and perks at different levels, or individual giving. But the fundraiser at Teatro ZinZanni allows you hang out with Special Olympic athletes as well as our celebrity ambassadors, and you get dinner and an amazing show on top.”

Q. This should be a very fun night for you given your current job as well as your past connection to Teatro ZinZanni.

Beth: “Over my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the arts, sports and the community. Combining sports legends and corporate partners with cirque, to raise money for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games is the perfect intersection of career highlights.”

Q. What was Teatro ZinZanni like at the beginning?

Beth: “Creating something from scratch is an interesting experience because we were evolving the concept as we built it. Founder and brilliant artistic director, Norm Langill was committed to combining incredible talent with great food, great story telling and a lot of fun. Eighteen years later it’s still an amazing performance.”

Q. How would you describe Teatro ZinZanni to someone who has never seen it?

Beth: “It’s a whirlwind of international cirque, cabaret artists, dance, comedy surrounding a four-course meal designed by James Beard award-winning chef Jason Wilson. The entire show is set in a gorgeous, intimate setting that transports you to a magical place for a few hours. We all need a little magic these days.

Q. This sounds like it’s going to be a very exciting night.

“Executive Director of Teatro ZinZanni, Markus Kunz, shared that Chef Wilson and the entire cast are very excited for the opportunity to support Special Olympics and have the 2018 Games represented in their tent. There’s a real sense of anticipation by the cast and the chef to bring Special Olympics guests a spectacular show.”

For more information on the 2018 USA Special Olympics Games fundraiser at Teatro ZinZanni, click here.