Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

News & Announcements

Ordway Center to Host Haiti Benefit Concert on Feb. 12

February 4, 2010: Twin Cities' Theater Community Performs to Raise Money for Haiti Relief at the McKnight Theatre at 7:30pm on February 12, 2010. Tickets are $30. In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, four local theater professionals have asked their friends and colleagues to help raise money in the Haiti relief effort. All proceeds will go to the Heart for Haiti Trust which will divide the donations into two charities; the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Feed My Starving Children. "The response from the Twin Cities theater community has been overwhelming and generous," agreed the event's producing team of Momoko Tanno, Jill Sandager, Laurine Price, and Daniel McDermott. "We are so excited that Ordway staff was so thrilled about this project and jumped on board right away!" The Heart for Haiti Benefit Concert, will be directed by Bob Neu (Minnesota Orchestra), Jake Endres (The Theatrical Music Company) and James Rocco (Ordway Center) and FOX 9's Robyne Robinson is scheduled to emcee the event. The evening will be a musical revue style concert including many of the Twin Cities' best-loved theater performers.

Scheduled to perform are: James Rocco, Connie Kunkle ("original tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat"), Linda Kelsey, Cantus Vocal Chamber Ensemble (Theater Latte Da's "All Is Calm"), "Sister Stories'" Christina Baldwin and Jennifer Baldwin Peden, Norah Long, Ivey Award winner Christiana Clark, Laurine Price (Ordway's recent production of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"), Jairus Abts and Ann Michels (Jungle Theater's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch"), dance duo Sossy Mechanics, writer and actor Aditi Kapil, "A Christmas Carole Petersen's" Tod Petersen, Ivey Award-winner Tamara Kangas, Vera Mariner, Up 'Til 2, Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Mu Daiko, MNPRov and Gobrosis and many others.

Donations will also be accepted online and donation forms will remain open for one week past the event's date. Performance and Ticket Information regarding Heart for Haiti Benefit Concert at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: Tickets are $30 and all proceeds processed by the Ordway Box Office will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and all donations collected the night of the event and online will go towards Feed My Starving Children's Haiti relief efforts. Box Office: 651.224.4222 / Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11am - 3pm / Phone line hours: Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm, and Saturdays 11am - 3pm.

For more information visit the website.

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

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."

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,

CDT Welcomes the Legendary Miss Patsy Cline

March 3, 2009: For the first time, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres will produce the hugely popular musical play about the legendary country singer, Miss Patsy Cline. ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE opens Friday, April 3 on the Fireside stage with official opening festivities two weeks later, on Friday, April 17th. ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE has enjoyed great success with audiences across the United States including a successful Off-Broadway run in 1997. According to American Theatre Magazine it has been one of the most highly produced musicals in America. ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE has also been enjoyed internationally in Canada, Europe and Australia. ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE is based on the true story of Patsy Cline's friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger. Seger first heard Cline on the "Arthur Godfrey Show" in 1957 and became an avid fan who constantly hounded the local disc jockey to play Cline's records on the radio. In 1961 when Cline went to Houston for a show, Seger and her buddies arrived early. By coincidence, she met Cline who was traveling alone. The two women struck up a friendship and Seger received the first of many letters and phone calls from Cline. The show's title was inspired by Cline's letters to Seger, which were consistently signed "Love Always...Patsy Cline." This unique pen-pal relationship provides much of Patsy's story culminating in that fateful evening when Seger hears of Cline's death in a plane crash at the age of 30. Seger supplies the narrative while Cline floats in and out singing 27 of the tunes that made her famous. ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE tells the story of Patsy's life with humor and poignancy. It offers fans who remember her, a chance to fondly reminisce, and gives new fans a glimpse of who Patsy was and what she meant to her original fans. Patsy Cline's enduring legacy as one of our greatest singers continues to thrill listeners, and ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE endures as a piece of American musical theatre that inspires audiences far and wide with its simple heart and pure joy of theatrical storytelling tradition. Somehow, it captures not only the spirit of Patsy Cline's brilliance, but also the magic of something truly Americana, part of the soul of country music -- the music of the common people.

ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE was created in 1988 by Ted Swindley in Houston, Texas where he was founding artistic director of Stages Repertory Theatre. Having been closely involved with the development of new plays and musicals throughout his career, Swindley was considering ideas for a small summer musical in the Texas City that would appeal to local audiences. Fortunately, a young singer in his company of actors had the desire to sing the Patsy Cline repertoire and the idea seemed a good match for the Houston theatre even though Swindley himself was not a country music fan or devoted fan of Ms. Cline. Of course, he was aware of Cline's big hits like "Crazy," "I Fall To Pieces" and "Sweet Dreams" but as he began researching the idea for a musical about the legendary country singer, he became an instant devotee of her repertoire of songs and the magnificent sound of Patsy's rich, contralto voice. The show was an instant hit with audiences and the author knew that what was meant to be just a local Texas story had much greater appeal. He had no idea Patsy's fan base was so deep and broad-based, or that the simple story of a fan's chance meeting would have such universal appeal.

Monica Heuser, in the role of Patsy Cline, makes her Chanhassen debut. Heuser first set foot in the Twin Cities when she was cast as Patsy Cline in Troupe America's 1998 National Tour of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline. It was the very first time she had performed the role and since then she has performed the role every year, somewhere, for more than a decade. In fact, she is officially sanctioned by the estate of Patsy Cline! Heuser's other notable credits include the 2007 Ivey Award-winning Love, Janis (Ordway) and the National Tour of Menopause The Musical. Cline's pen pal friend, Louise Seger, is played by the diversely talented and award-winning actor Peggy O'Connell. O'Connell has a long history performing with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres dating back to 1980 when she debuted as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. Since then, O'Connell has performed across the country from New York to Los Angeles appearing on Broadway opposite Tommy Tune in My One and Only, and on television in the popular television series "Northern Exposure." She can now be seen on stages across the Twin Cities from the Guthrie to Chanhassen. A live band appears on stage with the actors and provides vocal and instrumental accompaniment.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' Artistic Director Michael Brindisi directs. His artistic team includes: Musical Director Kyle Clausen; Choreographer: Tamara Kangas-Erickson; Scenic Designer Nayna Ramey; Costume Designer Rich Hamson; Lighting Designer Sue Ellen Berger; Hair/Makeup Designer Susan Magnuson and Sound Designer Russ Haynes. Production Stage Manager is Susan Magnuson.
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CDT's Seven Brides lifts spirits!

February 13, 2009: CDT brings down the house with Seven Brides For Seven Brothers! Read Graydon Royce's review from the Star Tribune.

ALTAR BOYZ' irresistible review!

November 16, 2008: Graydon Royce submits a review in the Star Tribune.

It's a HIT!

October 18, 2008: Enjoy this review of The Producers from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

40th Anniversary insights!

October 19, 2008: We're Celebrating 40 years of Twin Cities entertainment at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Graydon Royce writes more in this Star Tribune tribute.

Tamara Kangas Erickson receives Ivey Award!

September 23, 2008: TAMARA KANGAS ERICKSON was honored with outstanding choreographer recognition for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' 2008 production of 42nd Street. Many members of the original 42nd Street cast opened the gala Ivey Award ceremony with the opening dance number, "The Audition," from that recognized production.

The recognition ceremony was held at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis on Monday, September 22, 2008. (www.iveyawards.com)

Ms. Kangas Erickson humbly accepted the Ivey Award, giving credit to Chanhassen Resident Artistic Director Michael Brindisi, stating, "This award should equally go Michael Brindisi. Our relationship is truly a creative collaborative partnership in every sense of the word." Kangas Erickson also thanked Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' Producer, Thomas K. Scallen, commending the theatre company, and its management team on the occasion of the theatres' 40th Anniversary celebration this fall.

Ms. Kangas Erickson has served as sole choreographer for Chanhassen since 2004, choreographing such productions including: Anything Goes, Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story, Singin' in the Rain, Irving Berlin's Easter Parade, Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and 42nd Street among others. She has also tried her hand at directing at Chanhassen, most recently with the August 2007 production of Respect.

Swing! is a Hit! Read on...

August 14, 2008: Check out this review from the Star Tribune.

Swing! Director Sean Cercone Shares Insight.

August 9, 2008: CDT's guest director, Sean Cercone, is interviewed about directing Swing! for the Chanhassen Main Stage. Read more in this Star Tribune article.

Meet our Ambassador...Dick Stanley

May 8, 2008: Graydon Royce interviews the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' Ambassador/Greeter in this Star Tribune article.

Married Alive! review from Minneapolis Star Tribune

May 5, 2008: Graydon Royce notes the highs and lows of the new musical, Married Alive! in this Star Tribune review.
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