Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

News & Announcements

The NEW CDT Ownership is All Shook Up !

August 20, 2010: The new Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' president, Michael Brindisi, wears many hats and is highlighted in this Star Tribune article by Graydon Royce.

42 Years of Magic Museum Exhibit!

June 8, 2010: Through November, 2010, Minnesota residents will have an opportunity to enjoy a new museum display entitled "Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: 42 Years of Magic," opening at the Carver County Historical Society on June 14, 2010. Museum Curator Larry Hutchings has been working on the creation of the exhibit for many weeks now. The process began about a year ago when museum director Wendy Biorn met with Chanhassen Public Relations Director Kris Howland about the possibility of a semi-permanent display. Following, there were several "field trips" to the theatre to see what items might be available to the museum for use in the display. Stated Howland, "We wanted to give Larry a large assortment of items to work with including props, costumes, archival photographs, posters, set models and things that the public would find engaging and interesting. We let him loose in our prop shop and he had a field-day." Howland continued, "It's a challenge to find older pieces that are in reasonably good condition. In this business, we're always creating items for one show and often taking that piece and recreating it for another. It's a way to make our budgets stretch. That makes it difficult to find pieces that are still in their original created state. For that reason, most exhibit pieces include memorable items from the past couple of decades."

A few highlights include specialty hand-painted "buildings" fashioned into wearable costumes for actors from the 2007 World Premiere of Irving Berlin's Easter Parade, the original set model made for the 1971 production of Fiddler on the Roof, a fabric horse head mask from the 1975 production of Man of La Mancha created with fiberglass, papier mache and burlap, and a dual-purpose lamb (in both carcass and fattened-state) on a rolling cart from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

One of the more fascinating and unique advantages of the display is that it's touchable. Guests will be invited to get up close and personal to the items and actually touch them. Theatre props are made by hand to replicate real items, often with a historical reference. Such is the case with a wedding cake on display from a production of Oklahoma! designed after an authentic turn-of the-century wedding cake. The cake is made from a foam material, so it is very lightweight - but looks fresh and good enough to eat every night of the performance. A prop is made to look real from a distance. Often it isn't until you're up very close to it that can you tell it's not the real thing. Also included in the collection are a number of personal items collected by Britta Bloomberg, daughter of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' founders, Herb and Carol Bloomberg. One of the distinctive items is a water-color of the city of Chanhassen before the theatre was built. Here you can see Bloomberg's vision taking form with the downtown Minneapolis skyline in the distance, just a stone's throw from suburban Chanhassen - a farmstead is standing where the theatre stands today.

One of the fascinating things about Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is that Chanhassen is a fully-professional, producing musical theatre. In layman's terms, that means Chanhassen is Minnesota's only year-round professional-status musical theatre, and produces all its own productions -- building and creating all sets, costumes and production elements in the theatres' on-site shops. Further, all productions are cast, created and directed by Chanhassen's creative team led by Resident Artistic Director and theatre owner, Michael Brindisi. This is different from most musical theatres who farm out production elements to others, rent from other production houses, or present shows on their stages produced in other cities that tour from city-to-city. This sets Chanhassen Dinner Theatres apart from most, establishes it as one of the crown jewels and largest commercial tourist attraction of Carver County. In addition, Chanhassen is a fully professional theatre governed by the professional actors' union, Actors' Equity, based in New York. That means guests are treated to the same acting professionals at Chanhassen they would see on Broadway stages. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres employs 300 workers, about half of which are residents of Carver County.

The Carver County Historical Society is located at 555 W. 1st Street in Waconia, Minnesota. The Chanhassen exhibit is one of many exhibits that can be viewed by visiting guests at no charge. The Chanhassen exhibit will enjoy a longer life beyond its time in at the Carver County Historical Society. When the exhibit closes in November, plans are to take the exhibit on tour around the state for an additional year. Guests visiting the exhibit in Waconia will have an opportunity to pick up an historical brochure on the theatre with a ticket discount coupon attached. In addition, the museum joins with the theatre to host a Family Day Adventure on Saturday afternoon August 28th. On that day, you may sign up to take part in a full-day event including: a backstage tour of the theatre, lunch and the production of All Shook Up, followed by an actor led 'Question & Answer' session, and a trip to the Carver County Historical Society where families will tour the exhibit "Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: 42 Years of Magic." Admission is just $52 per person for the entire day of activities. Sign up is limited, so register today through Museum Director, Wendy Biorn at 952-442-4234. The Carver County Historical Society Web site offers more contact information.

More info HERE.
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Press Release Show Schedule Announcement

May 12, 2010: In an unprecedented move, the New Chanhassen Dinner Theatres announces its schedule of musicals through January 2012. Since the venerable theatre was sold in March 2010, the new ownership group has been busy negotiating contracts with New York licensing houses including Rodgers and Hammerstein, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, and Music Theatre International (MTI) to produce the following musicals:
The Main Stage:
ALL SHOOK UP (Aug 6, 2010-Jan 2, 2011)
The story is all new; the hits are all Elvis! This irresistible musical comedy-love story features the immortal music of Elvis Presley, incredible dancing and a rockin' hot staging to be loved by all.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (February 4, 2011-July 30, 2011)
The first rock opera, and groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by the legendary team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Telling the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, this show promises to captivate audiences with its transcendent power and passion.

HAIRSPRAY (August 5, 2011-January 29, 2012)
"You can't stop the beat," with Broadway's big fat musical comedy hit that inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

The Playhouse:
STEVIE RAY'S COMEDY CABARET
Enjoy the new Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret every Friday and Saturday evening! Come later, come casual, come ready to laugh 'til it hurts with comedy improv, sketches and music.

The Fireside:
I DO! I DO! Opening September 24 and continuing...
Discover the joys and woes of matrimony with Michael and Agnes as they "tie the knot" and live out fifty years of marriage on stage in a 2-hour time span. Chanhassen favorites Keith Rice & Norah Long star in the most popular musical in Chanhassen's history!

When the regional theatre was sold on March 15, 2010, executives' first order of business was to negotiate contracts and secure licensure rights to produce and bring audiences some fresh new titles. Stated Brindisi, "Our audiences love musicals and we want to give them some shows they've never seen before on our Main Stage." That doesn't mean that Chanhassen won't continue to produce the beloved classics as well. Brindisi continued, "We see great value in bringing back some of the great time-honored traditional musical classics and audiences will get those in the mix as well, starting with the remounting of one of most popular classics in Chanhassen history, I Do! I Do! That will be produced in the Fireside beginning in the fall." Chanhassen favorites Keith Rice and Norah Long have been cast in the roles of Michael and Agnes. Rice and Long recently played opposite one another in Chanhassen's Main Stage hit of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and are well-loved by Twin Cities' audiences.

Announcing shows for dates this far in advance is a challenge. Since Chanhassen Dinner Theatres hasn't ever offered a true season package, there's never been a reason to set a firm schedule. Stated Brindisi, "It's one of our greatest challenges, selecting shows and firmly setting opening and closing dates. Flexibility can be a good thing. If a show is selling particularly well, we can extend, if not, we can opt to close. But after 42 years in the business, we know our busiest and slowest times. We know how many people attend each year and that has remained constant. But we also know that our group customers, those people who attend in parties of 15 or more, (and typically account for more than 30% of Chanhassen's business) plan their events months, sometimes years in advance. We have groups on the books with reservations through 2020. It helps our customers to know what our shows will be as far in advance as possible so they can make plans and successfully promote their trips. Last-minute programming changes don't work well for these customers. We're hopeful to continue to make these decisions further out with expectations that more people will come. We also hope to add a season ticket program in the future as things move forward."

Theatre management is grateful that even during a difficult economic climate, Chanhassen's audience base has remained faithful. Stated Brindisi, "We can't do what we do without our loyal audience following. Supporting your favorite local theatres is terribly important. We feel our product is one of the best values to be found and people can always depend on it to be a great experience." Audiences change with the passing of time and as they develop, they seek more entertainment variety. Chanhassen's recent programming addition of STEVIE RAY'S COMEDY CABARET is a perfect example. Brindisi is excited about opening the Comedy Cabaret, "Where else in the western suburbs can you go to a cabaret-style club and enjoy an evening of comedy? Some people don't want to drive downtown and this is an option for those guests. People can buy a show-only ticket for just $25, without a traditional dinner, arrive later, come casual and order from a new ala carte bar-grill menu if they choose." Service continues throughout the show and people can laugh along in an evening of theatre improv, comedy sketches and songs presented by Stevie Ray, the Twin Cities' own master of theatre improv and his talented comedy troupe. "We aren't changing who we are, but rather, building on what we have and improving it as we go. And," added Brindisi, "we want to bring along the younger audiences too. The newer titles will be highly appealing to our existing audience and to new audiences. It's essential for us to grow our audiences, maintain and improve upon our established reputation in the marketplace, and make our theatre profitable. It's called the theatre business. It's a challenge, but moving forward, we plan to also have fun on the journey."

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Sale of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is FINAL!

March 15, 2010: As of this morning, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has officially been sold. The new managing partners of the 41 year-old theatre include: Michael Brindisi, Chanhassen Resident Artistic Director; Tamara Kangas Erickson, Professional Choreographer; and Steven L. Peters, Owner and President of VenuWorks. Brindisi, Kangas Erickson and Peters are leading a local group of investors in the purchase from Thomas K. Scallen. The investor group includes: Steven L. Peters, President of VenuWorks; Doug Lennick, CEO and Managing Director of Lennick Aberman Group; Sandi and Jim Jensen, CFO and Associate of Lennick Aberman Group; and Duane Skluzacek, Partner in Dewberry Farms, LLP.

For well over a year, Scallen has been actively seeking a buyer for the dinner theatre complex. "It's extremely meaningful to know that the new management team/owners will uphold the legacy we've worked diligently to preserve," said Scallen. "We know Chanhassen Dinner Theatres will be in capable hands and will continue to thrive."

The teaming of Brindisi, Kangas Erickson and Peters is a perfect blend to chart the future course of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Brindisi, a native Philadelphian, arrived at Chanhassen in 1971 to perform in The Matchmaker. From that point he performed on stage in multiple Chanhassen productions while intermittently appearing on the Broadway stage. Among multiple acting and directorial projects, he co-founded Minnesota Festival Theatre in Albert Lea with his wife Michelle Barber. In 1989, Brindisi was asked to take the reins as Resident Artistic Director at Chanhassen. Since that time, he's directed more than 60 critically acclaimed productions on all four Chanhassen stages while leading his gifted in-house artistic team.

Similarly, Kangas Erickson also has some deep roots with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres with her first role being Marta in The Sound of Music in 1980. She graduated from St. Olaf College with a major in Fine Arts and Dance, and spent several years as a senior salesperson and interior design consultant for Ralph Lauren Home in New York. She has appeared in numerous productions at Chanhassen over the years and in 2004 she signed on as choreographer and guest director/artistic collaborator with Brindisi. She earned an Ivey Award in 2008 for her choreography of Chanhassen's acclaimed 42nd Street.

Peters founded his company VenuWorks in 1996 to provide management services for theatres, arenas and convention centers. With headquarters in Ames, IA, VenuWorks manages over thirty venues in eighteen markets in eleven states across the country. In addition, Peters has been a colleague and friend of Tom Scallen for over 20 years. Stated Peters, "Over the past twenty years Tom has graciously hosted us for nearly every Chanhassen opening. This is a marvelous place and it's an honor to be following in Tom's footsteps."

The partnership of this trio makes good sense. Brindisi and Kangas Erickson know Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and its audiences, and have the knowledge and appreciation of what it takes to maintain the theatres' long-standing reputation for artistic integrity. Peters has solid expertise and resources to streamline business practices, strengthen efficiencies, and create new profit centers for the theatre. Peters also emphatically stated that Chanhassen Dinner Theatres will remain in the city of Chanhassen. "We are the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Chanhassen." In addition, the new company will continue to honor all advance ticket sales and all gift certificates purchased under previous ownership. "All guest purchases are completely safe with us," he said.

This is a highly anticipated and emotional announcement for the managing partners and investors. Stated Peters, "We realize the positive impact that Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has had on the people of this community and the more than 10 million guests who have visited the theatre since it opened in 1968. We want to see it go on." Brindisi's and Kangas Erickson's longtime history with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres represents their strong affection and dedication to the institution, its audiences and its nearly 300 employees. Brindisi has witnessed the resolute commitment of the Bloomberg family who founded Chanhassen and ran it for twenty years before passing the torch to Tom Scallen, who likewise carried on the same traditions for the past 21 years. Said Brindisi, "At this juncture, we're looking forward to our future. Our goals are the same as our predecessors, to be profitable, to maintain the quality experience, to improve upon it, and to have fun. We're just asking the audiences to continue coming because we can't do it without them. The best days of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres are before us."
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A Letter From Footloose Playwright

January 26, 2010: Dear "Footloose" Cast, Crew, and Creative Team - Your director Michael Brindisi has told me about the terrific work that you're all doing on "Footloose," and I couldn't be more pleased. You see, I wrote the 1984 motion picture "Footloose" and the lyrics to all of the original songs in that film. Then, in 1998, with the help of a talented team of collaborators and a very inspired cast, I adapted that movie as a Broadway show.

Michael has been a fierce champion of our show for many years, and I know that its journey to the stage at Chanhassen has been a long and winding one. I'm very grateful for Michael's unstinting enthusiasm and support for "Footloose," and I'm equally thrilled by your participation.

As each of you rehearses to play your part in bringing the town of Bomont to life, I want to thank you for your hard work, your dedication and your talent; and I want to wish you an amazing run of the show. At Michael's invitation, I plan to be in Minneapolis to see your show by the end of February. I'll look forward to enjoying your performances and meeting every one of you at that time.

I've had thousands of people the world over tell me that appearing in "Footloose" resulted in some of the most cherished memories of their performing lives. I hope that you have a similar experience.
How could we ask for more?
Warmly, Dean Pitchford

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Letter of Intent Signed for Sale of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

January 7, 2010: A Letter of Intent has been executed for the purchase of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Michael Brindisi Chanhassen Resident Artistic Director and Vice President, and Steven L. Peters Owner and President of VenuWorks, are leading a local group of investors who hope to close the deal with current Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' owner and producer Thomas K. Scallen, by the end of February 2010. For over a year, Scallen has been actively seeking a buyer for the dinner theatres. "It's extremely meaningful to know that my artistic colleague Michael Brindisi, and my good friend and long-time colleague Steve Peters, will uphold the legacy we've worked diligently to preserve for this community," said Scallen. "We know Chanhassen Dinner Theatres will be in capable hands and will continue to thrive."

Brindisi and Peters' teaming is a perfect blend to chart the future course of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Brindisi, a native Philadelphian, arrived at Chanhassen in 1971 to perform in "The Matchmaker." From that point he performed on stage in multiple Chanhassen productions while intermittently appearing on the Broadway stage. Among multiple acting and directorial projects, he co-founded Minnesota Festival Theatre in Albert Lea. In 1989, Brindisi was asked to take the reins as Resident Artistic Director at Chanhassen. Since that time, he's directed more than 60 critically acclaimed productions on all four Chanhassen stages while leading his gifted in-house artistic team.

Peters founded his company VenuWorks in 1996 to provide management services for theatres, arenas and convention centers. With headquarters in Ames, IA, VenuWorks manages over thirty venues in seventeen states across the country. Peters has been a longtime friend of Scallen for over 20 years. "We developed our friendship during the years when Tom's renowned entertainment companies, Ice Capades and Harlem Globetrotters, appeared year after year in our venues," said Peters. "It's a friendship I've valued greatly and we've managed to steadily maintain it despite the fact that we live in different cities. Over the years Tom has graciously hosted us for nearly every Chanhassen opening since he's owned the theatre. It is an honor to be following in Toms footsteps at the Chanhassen."

The Brindisi - Peters' partnership makes good sense. Brindisi grasps the business of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and knows its audiences, and Peters has solid expertise and resources to streamline business practices and strengthen efficiencies. Peters already has ideas to create new profit centers for the theatre. He said, "Chanhassen's on-site scenic and costume design shops could be further utilized to build touring productions, and we're interested in marketing Chanhassen's successful student theatre camp concept to other communities. There is a great deal of future potential." Peters continued, "But one thing is absolutely certain. All intentions are to remain in Chanhassen." We are the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Chanhassen." Peters went on to state that the new company will continue to honor all advance ticket sales and all gift certificates purchased prior to the sale. "All guest purchases are completely safe with us," he said.

Shows currently on sale include OKLAHOMA playing on the Main Stage through January 23 and FOOTLOOSE opening on January 29th, also on the Main Stage. Running on the Fireside Stage through the spring is the world premiere musical of the 7th Nunsense installment, NUNSET BOULEVARD. The first order of business will be to determine the future production schedule. "This will be happening quickly as audiences are eager to know what's next so they can make their plans," said Brindisi. In addition, employee meetings will begin taking place. This is a highly anticipated announcement for Brindisi whose four-decade history with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres represents his affection and dedication to the institution, its audiences and its nearly 300 employees, "I've witnessed the resolute commitment of the Bloomberg family who founded Chanhassen and ran it for twenty years before passing the torch to Tom Scallen, who likewise has carried on the same traditions for the past 21 years. At this juncture, I'm looking forward to our future. Our goals are the same as our predecessors, to be profitable, to maintain the quality experience, to improve upon it, and to have fun. The best days of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres are before us."

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CDT's Food Drive Exceeded Expectations!

October 20, 2009: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres thanks its audiences and employees for generously contributing to its FEAST OR FAMINE FOOD DRIVE. The theatre exceeded its goal to raise $20,000 to benefit SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND, serving families in need across the State of Minnesota and into Wisconsin. In fact, donations generously tipped the goal scale at $24,225.85! We are especially thrilled that SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND is able to multiply each dollar raised to about $9 in food for the needy. With that in mind, the $24,225.85 is actually multiplied to over $218,000 or nearly 90,000 meals!

The FEAST OR FAMINE FOOD DRIVE ran from July 24 through September 27, 2009. Actors from the production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT and employees of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres worked together to collect funds following evening performances for nearly two months! The FEAST OR FAMINE FOOD DRIVE was inspired by a story theme of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. In the familiar and beloved Bible story, JOSEPH, led by his inspired dreams, leads the people of Egypt when he sets up a food store-housing program during seven years of plenty that is followed by seven years of famine. The store-housing plan sustains the people through the famine and eventually reunites Joseph with his family.

Thanks to everyone who got behind the project to make a difference in the lives of the many households who will benefit from the food supplies. It just goes to show that when many people join together and give just a few dollars and cents, the multiplied resources can make a huge difference! Thanks also go to Cub Foods who joined hands with the theatre to help get out the word by allowing us to poster many of their stores across the metro area. For more information on SECOND HARVEST, click here.

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