It seemed to me like the show is leaning in to things our culture has been trying to move beyond Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of guest commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here. I knew what I was walking into when I bought tickets to “Grease,” playing into October at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. It’s a musical rooted in 1950s nostalgia, filled with catchy songs and leather jackets, but also with themes that don’t exactly age well. I expected outdated lyrics like “did she put up a fight” or “she was good if you know what I mean.” I was prepared for some problematic moments. What I wasn’t prepared for was how uncomfortably far this production leaned into those moments — and how much the audience laughed along. By the time I walked out, I had seen enough. This wasn’t an attempt at a fresh take on “Grease.” It was a production that played its most troubling aspects straight, as if we were still living in an era when boys snapping girls’ bra straps was considered flirtation. This isn’t the first time I’ve had concerns with a Chanhassen production. A few years ago, I saw “Bye Bye Birdie” and found myself similarly unsettled. And let’s be clear — I have no issue with mature content or bold artistic direction. But there’s a difference between mature storytelling and outdated, uncritical recreations of problematic narratives. What’s especially troubling is that Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is a community institution. Families, school groups and young aspiring performers look to it as a gold standard for live theater. So what message does it send when it presents shows like “Grease” without any self-awareness? The talent onstage was undeniable, but I couldn’t help wondering — how do these actors feel performing these moments, winking through outdated and troubling behavior in front of children? I wanted to stay until the end, but as the second act unfolded, it became clear that the show had no interest in doing anything but reinforcing these moments as part of the “fun.” And so I left. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has long been a beloved part of our community, but nostalgia shouldn’t be an excuse for ignoring how culture has evolved. If it wants to remain relevant, it needs to recognize that times have changed — and so should its approach to storytelling. Commentaries The gender gap in ideology is prematurely wide state leaders will wring their hands over a collapse they engineered No other government entity in Minnesota enjoys near-total control over public access to its data Arts, People by | Apr 2025 In 1981, Tamara Kangas Erickson set foot on the stage of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) for the first time playing Marta Von Trapp in the Sound of Music she has been named the new president and art director of the theater Over the past 15 years in her role as vice president at CDT Erickson developed a close working relationship with the previous artistic director president and beloved member of the CDT community “[Tamara’s] deep appreciation for the arts coupled with her unwavering dedication to our staff make her the perfect leader to continue and build upon the remarkable legacy established by Michael Brindisi,” says Jim Jensen “I am deeply honored and incredibly excited that the board has entrusted me to lead Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in our next chapter,” Erickson says via press release “Michael Brindisi created something truly special here—a vibrant place where art and community flourish I am wholeheartedly committed to working alongside our incredibly talented team to ensure Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ continued success.” Currently, the theater is performing Grease which Brindisi directed and Erickson choreographed Upcoming main stage productions include Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Sign up for our newsletter and receive email updates with our top stories , , , , © Copyright 2026 Local. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy Read the May 2025 Lake Minnetonka Magazine Digital Edition            New CDT president and artistic director Tamara Kangas Erickson will replace the late Michael Brindisi Chanhassen Dinner Theatres announced Tamara Kangas Erickson as new president and artistic director She formerly served as its vice president for 15 years make her the perfect leader to continue and build upon the remarkable legacy established by Michael Brindisi,” co-owner and board member Jim Jensen said in a press release Late president and artistic director Michael Brindisi died unexpectedly on Feb. 5. at 76, after running Chanhassen Dinner Theatres since 1971. The theater held a memorial honoring his legacy on April 7 Erickson started working with Brindisi in 2004 as resident choreographer on his artistic team but her time at Chanhassen truly began as a child actor in 1981 where she played Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music Olaf and working in New York for Ralph Lauren she returned as a performer and assistant to the choreographer “Michael Brindisi created something truly special here—a vibrant place where art and community flourish,” Erickson said in a press release “I am wholeheartedly committed to working alongside our incredibly talented team to ensure Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ continued success.” The dinner theater provides employment for over 300 professional actors, musicians, and staff, including actress Amy Adams in the 1990s. Adams told Racket she would not be where she is today without Brindisi not only the opportunities that were held in Minneapolis “I don’t think I would have had the confidence to move to L.A and knowing that I truly believed I always a home to go to.” While Grease is still running at the dinner theatre until Oct the theater announced its fall and spring productions Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will run Oct Key Enterprises LLC is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for mspmag.com for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and applying the relevant accessibility standards Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) announced that the theatres’ leader and days before the latest show he directed opens “This amazing man has meant so much to our Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ family and this news is utterly shocking to us all.” The statement went on to say to hold his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and their young son in your thoughts and prayers. Brindisi’s wife, known professionally as Michelle Barber, and his daughter, Cat Brindisi and both have been in productions he directed Brindisi made his CDT debut in 1971 in “The Matchmaker” and earned his Actor’s Equity Union card in the process Brindisi was named the Resident Artistic Director of CDT in January of 1988 leading the now well-known dinner theater for 36 years and helping establish it as a nationally known regional theater Since being named as the Resident Artistic Director Brindisi has directed all of the shows at the dinner theater Because of the relationships Brindisi made with licensing houses in New York the regional theater was awarded the first regional productions of some well-known musicals including “Cats,” which Brindisi directed in 2003, “Les Misérables,” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Through a partnership with The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization Bridisi also debuted the world premiere stage adaption of “Irving Berlin’s Easter Parade” at CDT Brindisi was one of the three managing partners and the president of the organization in addition to being the Resident Artistic Director and their daughter Cat worked together on a production of “Hello Dolly!” at CDT in 2014 with Barber as the lead Brindisi has just directed his fourth production of the musical “Grease,” at CDT Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555 longtime artistic director of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 5.Courtesy of Chanhassen Dinner TheatresGo Deeper.CloseCreate an account or log in to save stories We have added it to a list of your favorite stories who led Chanhassen Dinner Theatres as artistic director for 37 years and directed 130 productions at the venue A fixture in the Twin Cities theater community friends and collaborators describe Brindisi as having infectious enthusiasm a deep love for actors and an unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling from his early days as an actor to his transformative role as Chanhassen’s artistic leader he worked extensively in summer stock and directed at theaters across the country “He was simply one of the best human beings I have ever known,” said actor David Brinkley who performed in numerous Chanhassen productions under Brindisi’s direction “My wife always tells me I’m prone to hyperbole but when you feel this deeply about someone MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all “He carried with him a light of joy and optimism,” Howland said “The first thing you saw when Michael approached you was this infectious smile and then there was telling you about what he was thinking about or an actor that he had just come across that was so amazing or an audience member that said something to him and everything revolved around joy and optimism.” Brindisi earned his Equity card in 1971 at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in “The Matchmaker.” He would later recall the moment when founding artistic director Gary Gisselman offered him a part but I want you to be the accordion player in the show.” Brindisi nearly left the industry altogether in the early 1970s “He was sitting at the Howard Johnson on 46th Street thinking about leaving New York when a friend knocked on the window and told him to audition for ‘Grease.’ That changed everything,” Howland said Brindisi landed a role in the show’s national tour a turning point that led to performances on Broadway and an eventual return to Chanhassen as an actor and director while appearing in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Brindisi was tapped to become Chanhassen’s artistic director He would go on to direct nearly every mainstage production for the next three decades “I just don’t know who else has done this,” longtime Chanhassen performer Tony Vierling said “I don’t know how many directors have been in one place and done so much.” Brindisi’s background as a performer informed his approach to directing “He was an actor’s director,” Brinkley said “Because he had been an actor and he knew actors had a process,” Vierling said “And so he oftentimes allowed actors their process before he imposed any kind of directorial ideas upon them.” Vierling performed in 49 of Brindisi’s productions at Chanhassen and had appeared onstage with him when Brindisi was an actor He remembers his attention to detail as an actor Brindisi would watch the show intensely during rehearsals “The joy that he had would just radiate,” Brinkley said And he had such a look of joy on his face when he was watching people perform I've never seen that on another director ever.” “We called it ‘the Brindisi laugh,’” Vierling said “I always called him ‘Boss.’ That made him laugh,” said actress and former newscaster Nancy Nelson who has starred in several productions of “Love Letters” under his direction Nelson recalled his light touch with directing We should work on getting great back,’” Brindisi told her during a rehearsal “And we talked about what his thoughts were,” Nelson said “Love Letters” is currently playing at the theater, where Nelson appears opposite former WCCO anchor Don Shelby Brindisi oversaw the rehearsals for the new production Brindisi was known for his deep respect for actors and his ability to bring out their best work many of whom got their first professional break at Chanhassen under his guidance “Actors came to him with hope in their pockets “And he was able to point a finger at so many of them and say he kept me working for years and years and years I raised an entire family because of Michael,” Brinkley said Brindisi’s interest in musical theater continued offstage as well Vierling recalled a dinner club he formed with Brindisi listen to cast albums and discuss productions they wished they could stage “Some of my favorite memories were just sitting around with those guys talking about musical theater and eating dinner and laughing,” Vierling said Brindisi directed “Grease” four times at Chanhassen, including its current run — his final production recalled the experience of working on Brindisi’s last production and he was so great with leading these younger actors and really trying to get the flavor of the piece because it’s an older piece,” Vierling said “So he was right there every day and always beaming He always wore this little hat that had the ‘Grease’ logo on it And it was always very joyful to work on ‘Grease,’ with him Brindisi was instrumental in saving Chanhassen Dinner Theatres from closure in 2010 when he took ownership of the theater “We would have closed our doors 15 years ago if he and his business partner hadn’t swooped in and saved us,” Howland said “And the dinner theater has been nothing short of miraculous since he did that.” we kept in touch constantly,” Brinkley said “We would just sit there and talk about the next show and what his ideas were for the next one And no one's ever done that with me before.” “We meet so many people in our lives,” Nelson said M&A Seminar on Preparing Your Company for Sale Presented by Maslon LLP and Northborne Partners The proposed Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center would be at the intersection of Highway 212 and Powers Boulevard in Chanhassen a field house with courts and turf and more (Rendering: BKV Group via city of Chanhassen) Voters get say on big projects in Chanhassen Efforts to reform Minnesota zoning laws fail again as local opposition blocks a bill limiting parking mandates[...] Performance contracting helps governments and schools cut energy costs Twin Cities housing starts were up across the board in April on the strength of another solid month for single[...] Greco Properties plans a 20-unit memory care facility on a tough-to-develop Edina lot Rice Creek Commons begins redevelopment with Micro Control HQ marking a major step after years of delays at t[...] proposes 43-unit mixed-use building in Excelsior with a renovation of the historic Dock Cinema Sign up for your daily digest of Minnesota News Efforts to reform Minnesota zoning laws fail again as local opposition blocks a bill limiting parkin[...] will break ground this summer on The Dorian a 190-unit apartment complex in Lake Elmo af[...] The University of Minnesota plans to sell 60 acres at UMore Park for $8.1M to North Wind Test for a [...] The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged despite political pressure from Pre[...] The Trump administration is swiftly remaking housing policy as the U.S Department of Housing and Ur[...] construction job openings dropped by 38,000 in March signaling slowing labor demand amid tarif[...] Trump's trade demands stretch beyond tariffs Performance contracting helps governments and schools cut energy costs is now an official city after a local vote Milwaukee Mitchell Airport will start a $95.2M international terminal project this summer after dela[...] Listen here analysis and commentary on Minnesota business We are the only independent daily newspaper dedicated to business reporting Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions Construction crews will resume work next week on Highway 101 between Highway 5 in Chanhassen and County Road 62/Townline Road in Eden Prairie according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation crews will return to complete final tasks on the project The work will require a temporary closure of the trail on the west side of Highway 101 at Purgatory Creek and Twilight Trail Additional work is scheduled for the week of May 19 when crews will add pavement markings at several intersections Drivers should expect lane closures and flaggers near Pleasant View Road All construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change The Highway 101 project began in June 2024 and includes resurfacing the road installing overhead pedestrian signals at Twilight Trail and Valley View Road repairing drainage issues at Purgatory Creek and building accessible pedestrian crossings and curb ramps Work is expected to be completed in spring 2025 and obey posted speed limits in work zones Violations carry a fine of $300 under Minnesota law For more information, visit the Highway 101 project webpage the brewery's owners announced Tuesday "It’s been an incredible journey and we are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty you’ve shown us over the years," the closing announcement reads Husband-and-wife duo Laura and Matthew Rosati opened the brewery in Chanhassen's former Perkins restaurant in April 2021 The closing announcement is being met with an outpouring of well-wishes from community members who filled the Facebook comment section with memories and encouragement "Loved the beers and the atmosphere and the people who were serving," wrote Troy Worbel which doesn't give a reason for the closure concludes: "Thank you for being a part of our story and for making Chanhassen Brewing Company such a special place We’ll cherish the memories and all the wonderful moments we’ve shared together Make sure to stop by before the 1st to grab your favorite beer and say goodbye."  saying he'd killed the mother of his child which features a swimming beach and splash pad in the venerable Farmers and and Mechanics Savings Bank building CHANHASSEN (WJON News) -- Car enthusiasts can check out a huge array of classic cars and more starting this week in Chanhassen The Cars and Caves auto show is returning to the Chanhassen AutoPlex starting this Saturday and runs every last Saturday of the month through September The show will have over 300 vehicles on display both indoors and outdoors in all makes and models like antiques You can also check out some of the more than 120 customized garages Each Saturday will also feature a different theme and charity partner The Chanhassen AutoPlex is a private garage condominium community and is nationally recognized for its exquisite "caves."  Cars and Caves is free to attend and there is free parking both on and off-site April 16 - Open ShowMay 31 - Classics (25 Years or Older)June 28 - Italian (Ferrari Antique cars, hot rods, and vintage bikes are on display in Chanhassen again in 2025\nRead More CHANHASSEN (WJON News) -- Car enthusiasts can check out a huge array of classic cars and more starting this week in Chanhassen She has been the vice president at the nation’s largest dinner theater since 2010 and resident director since 2004 It’s the beginning of a new era at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Vice president and resident choreographer Tamara Kangas Erickson, 53, worked with Brindisi on 52 shows over her career, including nearly every mainstage production at the theater since 2004, when she became resident choreographer. She has been CDT’s vice president since 2010, when she, Brindisi and a group of assembled investors bought —and saved — the now-thriving concern. Kangas Erickson is now the first female leader of the 56-year-old theater. Her vision will offer both continuity and innovation, said board member and co-owner Jim Jensen. “Her deep appreciation for the arts, coupled with her unwavering dedication to our staff, artists, employees, and audiences, make her the perfect leader to continue and build upon the remarkable legacy established by Michael Brindisi,” Jensen said. On Thursday, Kangas Erickson elaborated on that sentiment. “We’re going to be holding on to those things that our customers hold so valuable, which includes stories with heart, intimacy and an exchange of energy told with high, unmatched quality,” Kangas Erickson said. “Michael and I both loved to find the heart in stories, but I also have a passion for visuals and style, so maybe that will show up a little more.” The theater is near and dear to Kangas Erickson’s own heart. She first auditioned for CDT as a 9-year-old, singing “Do Re Mi” from “The Sound of Music” during the brief tenure of artistic director Howard Dallin. “I was this kid from Shakopee who’d come into the theater, stood on that stage and poured my everything into it,” Kangas Erickson said. “And I remember him saying, ‘Wow, that’s a big voice coming out of a very little body.‘” She won the part of Marta von Trapp, the calm and curious younger sibling. She would go on to perform in numerous shows at the company before assuming artistic leadership and building friendships with her ensembles, including film star Amy Adams. And she helped Chanhassen become an integral part of the Twin Cities performing arts ecosystem, a place whose long-term performing contracts allows artists and other members of the creative to maintain stable livelihoods. While Chanhassen currently has “Grease” on the boards and will remount “White Christmas” at the holidays — Brindisi’s last two productions — CDT also announced that “Guys and Dolls” will be Kangas Erickson’s first production as head of the company. She will direct the classic Frank Loesser musical starting in February 2026. “We’re very excited to present that show because the theater hasn’t done it since 1986,” Kangas Erickson said. “It’s an American classic that I think we can make feel fresh and modern.” CDT also announced that it had promoted general manager Solveig Huseth Theis, who has been with the company since 1978, to executive vice president, and Nick Haug, who was formerly in marketing and theater relations, to the new role of director of entertainment and company manager. “We have a big plan in place and an amazing team to execute it and continue to deliver for our guests, artists, employees and this community,” Kangas Erickson said. Rohan Preston covers theater for the Minnesota Star Tribune. Stage & Arts Sally Wingert is by turns gentle and caustic in a show that shows God is the ultimate entertainer Gioachino Rossini’s comic opera plays at the Ordway Music Theater in St Benson Boone’s American Heart Tour will open at Xcel Energy Center on Aug just two years after he played in town at the Fine Line the current vice president of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) the board of directors announced that she will be the new artistic director and president of the renowned dinner theater Her appointment follows the unexpected death of Michael Brinsidi on Feb. 5 who had previously served in the same two roles for 15 years including as artistic director for more than 35 years RELATED: Theater community remembers longtime Chanhassen Dinner Theatre artistic director Erickson served alongside Brindisi as the vice president of CDT since 2010 when they were both a part of the new ownership group to purchase CDT Brindisi and Erickson were two of the three managing partners with Brindisi serving as president and Erickson as vice president Erickson also worked closely with him on artistic direction for the last 20 years Their partnership started in 2004 when Erickson became a resident choreographer on Brindisi’s artistic team they worked together on more than 50 musicals at CDT and a few other productions outside of CDT Erickson has directed a couple of shows at CDT other regional theater shows and an off-Broadway production “I am deeply honored and incredibly excited that the board has entrusted me to lead Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in our next chapter,” Erickson said in a statement “Michael Brindisi created something truly special here – a vibrant place where art and community flourish I am wholeheartedly committed to working alongside our incredibly talented team to ensure Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ continued success,” Erickson added “Grease” is playing at CDT through Oct and it was the final production he directed The next show is “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” opening Oct It will feature original direction by Brinsidi Erickson will direct the spring 2026 production CloseCreate an account or log in to save stories Tamara Kangas Erickson has been with the theater for more than 20 years serving as vice president for the past 15 and directing or choreographing over 50 productions alongside Brindisi Erickson served as resident choreographer on Brindisi’s artistic team Erickson first performed at CDT as a child in “The Sound of Music” and returned as a performer and choreographer after college Her directing credits include “The Musical of Musicals: The Musical” and “Respect: The Musical Journey of Women.” Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is the nation’s largest professional dinner theatre Arts by | Mar 2025 To celebrate World Theatre Day on March 27 (or the days before and after!) theater goers needn’t go far for a taste of live stage performances And if there is any story that lends itself to musical theater showing now through October 4 (times vary) at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres the show’s themes resonate with generations of teenagers with tales as old as time—love peer pressure and all the excitement and travails that go along with high school life and bop along to the rhythms of Greased Lightnin’ We Go Together and a crowd favorite Beauty School Dropout Warren Casey and John Farrar and book by Jacobs and Casey the production hits on all cylinders to create the essence of the time period while staying relevant to today’s audiences Come for the musical but arrive even earlier for drinks For additional information, call 952.934.1525, or visit chanhassendt.com The theater community is remembering Michael Brindisi The 76-year-old was the longtime artistic director and co-owner of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater He passed away unexpectedly Wednesday after a brief illness Brindisi was a man of many talents and one who filled plenty of shoes.“He is the face of this theatre,” said Tony Vierling “It’s rare to meet a person like that Brindisi had been affiliated with the theater since 1971 when he played the accordion in a show but he then took over as artistic director in 1988 “He was a mentor and a leader,” Vierling said some current and former co-workers gathered to remember Brindisi at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre “His joy for the whole thing was huge,” said David Brinkley, a former actor at CDT “For the people on that stage he made careers he offered newcomers the first opportunity that is some legacy to make people’s dreams come true,” Nelson added One longtime friend had a unique relationship with Brindisi you’re oftentimes not very popular,” said Dominic Papatola Papatola was a theater critic for the Pioneer Press for decades He says there were both good and bad reviews but having honest conversations about it with Brindisi made him special “If there was a Mount Rushmore of artistic directors in the Twin Cities Michael would be one of the guys on the mountain,” Papatola said Brindisi and his business partners bought the theatre 15 years ago. Many say he brought a new level of enthusiasm and leadership “It was like the theater was re-born,” Papatola said His friends and colleagues are now working to process the loss.“Michael is bigger than life he can’t be gone,” Nelson said. “It was simply shock.”“It’s too surreal still,” Brinkley added As the stage at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre lights up again those closest to him know he will forever live on “I envision for decades to come it will be Michael Brindisi’s Chanhassen Dinner Theater and people will endlessly say ‘I’m doing it for Michael,'” Nelson said Brindisi was just finishing rehearsals this week for the theater’s new revival of Grease “Grease,” Michael Brindisi’s final production at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres He signed his name in electric song and snazzy dance the director who died unexpectedly of heart failure on Feb two days before the opening of “Grease” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres took his final bow with a show that’s a fitting testament to his gifts “Grease” is suffused with the hallmarks of his signature style Every sassy step and feisty shimmy speaks to his penchant for energetic and vital entertainment Brindisi also had a knack for finding wit and honesty in the shows He brought new sophistication and shine to titles that we think we know or that we take for granted “Grease,” which he acted in across the country in the 1970s and which he directed before This musical about Rydell High teens navigating their emotions around love longing and belonging is executed with livewire gusto Newcomers Sam Stoll and Dayle Theisen bring charisma and freshness to the romantic couple Danny and Sandy Stoll deftly navigates the balance between Danny’s bad boy greaser and the soft side he shows to Sandy We get to witness his growth as he moves toward adulthood Theisen also evinces Sandy’s gradual maturation as she steps into self-knowledge and power From the lust and longing of “Summer Nights” to “You’re the One That I Want,” the pair have a natural chemistry it’s hard to rival John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John bringing their own verve to the iconic roles which he played in the previous “Grease,” and he’s making a strong argument to be Minnesota’s Andre De Shields blazing and bright on “Beauty School Dropout.” There are other performers who have returned to a production choreographed with zest by Tamara Kangas Erickson and conducted ebulliently by Andy Kust But the beauty of this “Grease,” and the testimony that it provides of Brindisi’s eye is that there’s lots to sing about in the small parts singing and somersaulting off his car on “Greased Lightnin’.” Anna Hashizume finds new colors and dimensions in Rizzo a character with no filter that spews meanness every which way Rizzo is generally off-putting because of her caustic nature so it’s a testament to Hashizume’s honesty and the director’s guidance that we care for Rizzo in a moment of vulnerability and uncertainty around her pregnancy there are lots of little Easter eggs like that in the production Maureen Sherman-Mendez sparkles as Cha Cha As she executes Kangas Erickson’s frolicsome choreography in spectacular style Sherman-Mendez advances the story while giving us a new view of what has traditionally been a throwaway character KateMarie Andrews’ Frenchy sounds nearly believable when she tells us an innocent version of how she got her name Angela Steele gives Marty a snappy edge that aligns with Alan Bach’s Sonny we could go on with Suzie Juul as Jan and Evan Tyler Wilson as mooning king Roger And don’t forget Eric Romero as dweeby square Eugene Kim Kivens as uber-stern Miss Lynch and Michael Gruber as a Vince Fontaine the announcer who’s totally in love with the sound of his own voice they’re cooking with “Grease,” a show that because of the circumstances around it and its own merit will be etched in memory Tickets: $94.29-$126.80, 952-934-1525 or chanhassendt.com. The “Bad Boys” star is near the end of his comeback tour Rhiana Yazzie’s new play is highly creative but occasionally feels overstuffed His death comes two days before the opening of “Grease,” a show that was pivotal in his life and which will open as scheduled a Broadway actor-turned-director-turned-theater owner died Wednesday at his home in Chanhassen after a brief illness Brindisi served as artistic director and co-owner of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres the nation’s largest theater of its kind and a company he helped save by joining a group that purchased it in 2010 “Michael has been under the weather for the last couple of days but this is a total shock,” said theater spokesperson Kris Howland Brindisi, 76, was finishing rehearsals this week of a new revival of “Grease,” which is slated to open Friday he went on a 56-week national tour with “Grease” as an understudy for four parts That engagement would lead to his Broadway debut in “Once in a Lifetime,” where he acted with John Lithgow and Treat Williams and shared a dressing room with legendary director Jerry Zaks “Grease” will open at CDT as planned Friday The elder of two children born to barber Tony and pastry seller Rita Brindisi Brindisi was born in 1948 and grew up in a close-knit Italian neighborhood in Philadelphia He was in 10th grade when a teacher took him to his first Broadway show — “Golden Boy,” starring Sammy Davis “All that power, all the energy, everything — I wanted part of that,” he told the Star Tribune in 2019. But his parents wanted him to go to college, so he enrolled at Philadelphia’s Temple University. But he never went to class, acting in plays instead. He flunked out. It was his second attempt at college that brought him to Lea College in Albert Lea, Minn. He succeeded there by putting on popular theatrical revues that bridged the town-and-gown gap. The school covered his tuition for his work. After college, Brindisi won a spot in the troupe of sketch comedy impresario Dudley Riggs, playing an accordion. That performance caught the eye of Gary Gisselman, who was casting his production of Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” at Chanhassen. Gisselman created a role for Brindisi as an accordion player, and the two became lifelong friends. “Michael has a great love of people, and that shows up in everything he does as an actor, a director, a manager,” Gisselman said. But Brindisi would leave Minnesota to perform around the nation, returning to Chanhassen frequently throughout the 1970s and ’80s. He became Chanhassen’s resident artistic director in 1988, and in 2010, was part of the group that purchased the company. “Gary and I loved what Michael achieved onstage but more importantly with the theater,” said Margo Gisselman, wife of Gary and also Brindisi’s colleague at Chanhassen for more than 25 years. “The different facets of the theater are all full-time jobs — the productions have to be good, the food has to be excellent, the place has to look great and the employees have to be happy. And Michael excelled at all of them.” Brindisi was the patriarch of gifted theatrical family. His wife, Michelle Barber, is an esteemed actor. The pair met at Chanhassen when they were in different plays. He was doing “What The Butler Saw,” and she was in “Annie Get Your Gun.” Their union produced Cat Brindisi-Darrow, an actor and director who’s now associate artistic director of the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Fla. Brindisi-Darrow is married to actor, playwright and composer David Darrow. On Wednesday, Barber was on a flight from Sydney, Australia, where she was visiting family, back to Minnesota. “It’s heartbreaking and I’m in shock,” she said. Brindisi had a gimpy walk, a vestige of a 2013 operation to relieve the pinching pressure of vertebrae on his spinal column because of a condition called cervical stenosis. But he otherwise was in fine fettle, recently traveling to Iowa, Florida and Pennsylvania to stage productions of “Mamma Mia!” and “Jersey Boys.” Asked once why he was still running full throttle at an age when many are thinking of lounging in the sun, he said, laughing, “I can’t help myself.” “He always said that he would work until the very end, that’s what would make him happy,” said Brindisi-Darrow. “The fact that he died peacefully in his sleep and there wasn’t a struggle is a kind of gift.” Besides Barber and Brindisi-Darrow, survivors include a grandson and numerous relatives. Director Michael Brindisi refreshes the star-making musical that “saved” his life If Chanhassen Dinner Theatres artistic director Michael Brindisi tears up when he talks about “Grease,” it’s because the musical has so much meaning for him he was a struggling actor down to his last dollar at the Howard Johnson’s in Times Square when a fellow actor saw his dejection and encouraged him to join the long audition line across the street Brindisi didn’t even know anything about “Grease” — the show that attracted that crowd — but after impressing the creative team he landed a part as an understudy in the ensemble for the national tour It also put him on the path that eventually led to him being a co-owner of America’s largest dinner theater as he produces the fourth Chanhassen production of “Grease” — including a version that played at the Pantages Theatre in downtown Minneapolis — Brindisi hopes that it will be as meaningful for his actors and audiences as it has been for him “No part is ever too small because you never know where your opportunity is going to come from,” Brindisi said “The other thing is that because this show is so popular people treat these characters like cartoons and going through things everyone goes through.” Laura Osnes famously headlined as Sandy in “Grease” at Chan before going on to Broadway and beyond Now the company is hoping to mint other stars with a cast studded with veterans alongside newer They’re fire — so gorgeous and talented,” said resident choreographer and theater co-owner Tamara Kangas Erickson this version will have undercurrents of the productions we’ve done in the past “Grease” orbits the gangster wannabes Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies who rule Rydell High Here are some yearbook-style portraits of performers playing some of the most rebellious seniors She was a swing in Chanhassen’s just-closed “White Christmas,” which means she covered about 10 of the show’s ensemble parts she grew up in Maple Grove before attending the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University she tried to make a go of acting in the Windy City but found herself doing everything but her chosen profession An ensemble role in 2022 in the Ordway’s “Beauty and the Beast,” where she also performed with “Grease” co-star Sam Stoll innocent and passive but she’s misunderstood,” Theisen said she steps into a more confident version of herself.” He drew oohs and aahs with his smooth baritone on “Oh What a Night” as Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys.” And he memorably dashed off a spicy “Oh Carol” as smitten Neil Sedaka in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” both at Chanhassen baby-faced performer is playing Danny Zuko the cool leader of the Burger Palace Boys who had a summer fling with new girl Sandy Dumbrowski that he is trying to hide Stoll is the rare Danny who not only has the pipes and solid acting chops but also is a stylish dancer on the national tour of “Jekyll & Hyde” and on cruise ships because the cast gets on so well and he has a better read on his character “I’m embracing Danny’s balance between a sweet guy and a tough guy,” Stoll said “I love that he’s on the cusp of becoming an adult and he’s realizing that he doesn’t need to be a crass little boy anymore.” Hashizume depicted Rapunzel in the Guthrie’s “Into the Woods” and several roles in History Theatre’s “I Am Betty.” Now she’s stretching out in the biggest part of her career and I always thought that I’d be pigeonholed to doing just crossover work,” Hashizume said “To be doing this feels like a completely new experience.” “People look at a show like ‘Grease’ and think they know the whole story — Sandy is the good girl “But Rizzo is very complex as she works through things that teenagers have to work through Young people have big feelings and they don’t have the frontal lobe development to say let’s think about this.’ Her coping mechanism is being angry and fighting.” He returns to Chanhassen after six years seeing the world as a performer on Norwegian cruise ships he was one of four principal singers in several revues and also headlined two full productions — “Kinky Boots,” in which he played real estate agent Richard Bailey and “The Choir of Man,” where he was a featured vocalist “My favorite itinerary was Australia to New Zealand but I loved Greece Portugal and seeing all these other places,” Mwanza said He has played Teen Angel — the guardian who encourages Frenchy not to be a “Beauty School Dropout” — before at Chan “Teen Angel is a sassy character but at the crux of it all is a message that we can all use: ‘I know you can do better so let’s do better,‘” Mwanza said She plays good-natured but not too smart dreamer Frenchy who is eager to get on with life and be a beautician She sparkled as Little Eva and as a Chiffon in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” And while she has been in shows at the Children’s Theatre Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Three Little Birds,” she is finding a home at Chan “I really connect with Frenchy on her love of fashion and hair and color,” Andrews said “I also like the care she has for her friends and the fact that the reason people start to like Sandy is because she loves Sandy so much.” if she could change anything about Frenchy “She could try something and stick with it for a little longer.” flashing personality and character in ensemble roles “I’m usually a one-named character that sings a fun upbeat song to help tell the rest of the story,” he said referencing Pepper in “Mamma Mia!” Action in “West Side Story” and Rocky in “Rocky Horror Show.” “Kenickie has a full Benson did “Grease” once before — in seventh grade at Minneapolis’ Marcy Open School He played Teen Angel and it was memorable not just because it quickened his desire for the stage “I had my first backstage kiss right before I went on,” he said “She missed and kissed my contact out of my eye I was blinking a lot when I sang the song.” he sees his character in “Grease” with greater clarity “How do you crack through the surface of someone who’s a wall of emotional blockages and is all persona?” Benson said Tickets: $94.29-$126.80, 952-934-1525 or chanhassendt.com. Tamara Kangas Erickson has been appointed the new President and Artistic Director of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.Photo courtesy of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres The Board of Directors of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) today announced the appointment of Tamara Kangas Erickson as its new President and Artistic Director This appointment follows the passing of the sudden passing of Michael Brindisi Erickson brings extensive organizational experience and expertise to the job she served as CDT’s Vice President for the past 15 years outstanding leadership skills and strong relationships inside and outside of the theatre as the new CDT President CDT noted that her close working partnership with Michael Brindisi on artistic direction over the past 20 years her strong understanding of the CDT audience and her relationships with the CDT network of actors made her the obvious board choice to be the new CDT Artistic Director “Tamara’s extensive experience skills and vision are invaluable assets for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres which will bring both continuity and innovative change to our amazing theatre make her the perfect leader to continue and build upon the remarkable legacy established by Michael Brindisi.” Erickson and Brindisi forged a strong artistic partnership beginning in 2004 with Erickson first serving as Resident Choreographer on Brindisi’s artistic team they collaborated on more than 50 musical productions at CDT as well as notable productions at The Historic Pantages and the national tour of Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing Erickson has also directed productions for CDT such as The Musical of Musicals: The Musical and Respect: The Musical Journey of Women Her recent directing credits also include Little Women and the Off-Broadway production of This One’s for the Girls Erickson and Peters formed a new ownership group alongside Doug Lennick to purchase of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres from its previous owner the acclaimed professional dinner theatre has continued to thrive providing employment for over 300 professional actors “I am deeply honored and incredibly excited that the board has entrusted me to lead Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in our next chapter,” said Erickson I am wholeheartedly committed to working alongside our incredibly talented team to ensure Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ continued success.” Erickson’s connection to CDT began early: she first appeared on its stage as a child actor in 1981 playing Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music Olaf and years working for Ralph Lauren in New York she returned to the Chanhassen stage as a performer in numerous productions and as Assistant to the Choreographer Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has been a cherished Twin Cities’ institution renowned for providing exceptional live theatre and dining experiences The Board of Directors believes Erickson’s appointment marks an exciting new era in the theatre’s history one that will ensure its continued success and relevance in the dynamic world of entertainment and the performing arts Headwaters Development plans to build a 59-unit apartment building at a Chanhassen site with Santa Vera Drive and Saratoga Drive on the north and Laredo Drive on the east Headwaters pitches rentals near downtown Chanhassen The defending 5A state champions are still alive and as is their hopes of defending their title Chanhassen advances to the state semis after a 38-21 win over St Thomas Academy Saturday afternoon at Osseo High School ***Click the video box above to view extended highlights of this game*** Chanhassen will play in the state semifinals at U.S Click here to view a complete 5A state bracket The city of Chanhassen will see one less brewery in 2025 as the Chanhassen Brewing Company has announced it will be closing its doors in the coming weeks A Facebook post from Chanhassen Brewing announced that it would be permanently closing its doors on Feb “Thank you for being a part of our story and for making Chanhassen Brewing Company such a special place,” the brewery wrote in a statement “We’ll cherish the memories and all the wonderful moments we’ve shared together Make sure to stop by before the 1st to grab your favorite beer and say goodbye.” Chanhassen Brewery established itself in 2019 A reason for the closure was not stated by the brewery nor have they stated any future plans for the company moving forward Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Chanhassen ended its 2024 season much the way the Storm got started — losing to Elk River The score was closer in the Class 5A state tournament game Friday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, a 21-19 loss vs. the 44-22 blowout suffered by the Storm against the Elks in their season opener shared a great deal with Elk River — a champion in 2016 “We both got a lot better,” Elk River coach Steve Hamilton said For more on the Elks' victory, click here to read this story on startribune.com when everything can be tracked and quantified Sometimes momentum swings in a single moment and its as notable as a jackhammer pummeling concrete only traceable when the game is over and hindsight is king On Friday, the Elk River Elks (11-1) defeated the Chanhassen Storm (8-4) 21-19 in the MSHSL Class 5A semifinal at U.S Chanhassen scored on a Noah Kloke touchdown reception but Elk Rivers' Cooper Mansfield blocked the extra point It was a raindrop with ripples that turned into waves Chanhassen quarterback Nathan Ramler threw an interception to Elk River linebacker Ben Hickman "… I just turned and saw the route we had seen all week in practice I was definitely looking at the Jumbotron worrying about getting caught." Elk River converted the PAT for a 7-6 lead the Storm and head coach Cullen Nelson decided to go for the 4th-and-1 conversion on their own 29-yard line The Elks stuffed the Storm and scored with the short yardage and took a 14-6 lead into the second half the turnover on downs and the touchdown felt like the jackhammer on the concrete "We probably should’ve held them to seven points [as a defense] if I punt the ball on fourth down," Nelson said Chanhassen fought back in the third quarter and cut the lead to 14-12 with a touchdown run from Kade Bush The Storm tried for the 2-point conversion Elk River scored again in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 21-12 Chanhassen now needed two possessions to take a lead or tie the game "The blocked extra point after our first touchdown was probably the momentum play," Nelson said "You’ve got to try and catch up to a team that you don’t know how many times you’re going to get the ball back." The Storm scored a touchdown with a pass to James Kopfmann but Chanhassen only had time for one Hail Mary attempt "Momentum in high school is just everything," Elk River coach Steve Hamilton said "One play like that turns a whole game." Elk River will play the winner of Alexandria vs Owatonna in the Class 5A Prep Bowl on Saturday Elk River receives the opening kickoff and we're underway Elk River drives to the Chanhassen 6-yard line and they eventually turn the ball over on downs Noah Kloke takes a pass from the backfield to the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown Chanhassen leads 6-0 with 1:24 remaining in the first quarter Ben Hickman intercepts Chanhassen quarterback Nathan Ramler and returns it 65-yards for a touchdown Levi Harris runs in a 1-yard touchdown after the Elks defense turns Chanhassen over on down in its own territory Teams are back on the field to warm up for the second half Chanhassen receives the kick and we're underway and Chanhassen recovers on the Elk River 40-yard line Elk River leads 14-6 with five minutes remaining in the third quarter Kade Bush takes the direct snap and runs in a 2-yard touchdown Elk River stops the Storms' 2-point attempt Elk River leads 14-12 with 1:13 remaining in the third quarter Carsyn Kleffman runs up the middle for an 18-yard touchdown Brecken Keoraj intercepts Ramler and returns it 69 yards to the Chanhassen 16-yard line Elk River leads 21-12 with five minutes remaining James Kopfmann catches an 11-yard touchdown pass and the Storm will attempt to recover an onside kick and Chanhassen will have the ball on the Elk River 49-yard line with three seconds remaining Elk River knocks down the Hail Mary attempt More 2024 Minnesota high school football coverage To get live updates on your phone - as well as follow your favorite teams and top games - you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App JACK BUTLERJack Butler is the Regional Editor of the Midwest for SBLive/High School on SI Jack has covered high school sports in Oregon © 2025 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER Elk River opened the 2024 football season with a lopsided victory over Chanhassen While the Storm were hoping for a different result on Friday when the powers met again known for their mystical running game where opponents aren’t sure who has the ball rushed for 240 yards and controlled the ball for just more than 25 minutes in recording a 21-19 victory in the Class AAAAA semifinals at U.S which recorded a 22-point victory over the Storm on Aug couldn’t exhale until a desperation heave from midfield was batted away as time expired ***Click the video box above to watch Elk River vs The victory sends Elk River to the Class AAAAA Prep Bowl Championship game against either Owatonna or Alexandria on Saturday Those two semifinalists play in the final game of the day on Saturday Elk River was the Class AAAAA champion in 2022 as well as 2016 The Elks were the state runner-up in two other seasons.  Chanhassen opened the scoring on a 23-yard scoring connection from junior quarterback Nathan Ramler to senior wide receiver Noah Kloke It would be the only time the Elks would trail Elk River built its lead to 21-12 when sophomore running back Carsyn Kleffman scored on a 17-yard run with 8:10 left in regulation time pulled to within 21-19 on an 8-yard pass from Ramler to James Kopfmann with 1:44 left in regulation time Elk River worked the clocked down and turned it over on downs to the Storm with seven seconds left in regulation and no timeouts.  Courtesy: Minnesota State High School League The Chanhassen Storm won on the road at Chaska Community Center on Saturday The visiting team took the lead early in the first period Nolan Warner scored late in the second period assisted by Logan Smith and Ryan Mcpartland The Hawks narrowed the gap to 2-1 early in the third period when Donovan Madsen netted one assisted by Tyler Schmieg and Bridger Kolesar Quinn Reding made it 3-1 with a goal nine minutes later assisted by Theo Koubeck and Grayson Endres Jack Gleason also increased the lead to 4-1 with a goal two minutes later assisted by Ryan Mcpartland and Nolan Warner The teams meet once more at Victoria Ice Arena on February 3rd The Hawks will play the Orono Spartans on Tuesday 2025 at Crookston Pirates while the Storm will face Benilde-St They recall the impact the late director and theater had on their careers and lives Hollywood star Amy Adams remembers the period when her life changed unexpectedly and for the better who had seen her perform while working at a Colorado dinner theater plucked her to replace an injured dancer in “Crazy for You” at his Minnesota company at the suburban playhouse on an upward trajectory that resulted in stardom in such films as “Doubt,” “Junebug,” “The Fighter,” “American Hustle,” “The Master” and “Man of Steel,” where she played Lois Lane Pointing to Brindisi’s artistic guidance and support Adams said in a phone interview from Japan that he and the theater gave her something more lasting than the training and discipline that she still calls on today “The kind of community the theater provided at that time in my life really gave me the courage to step forward,” Adams said “When I moved to Los Angeles to start auditioning [for film roles] I always felt like I had a place to go home to Chanhassen was my home and that meant the world to me.” In 2006, Brindisi cast Laura Osnes, the Eagan High School grad who had also trained at the Children’s Theatre Company, as Sandy in “Grease,” a show that had special meaning for him. He often said that it saved his career and life. “Grease” was similarly life-changing for Osnes, who would leave the Chanhassen production and then go on to win the lead role as Sandy on Broadway via a reality TV competition. “I can’t say enough about Michael because he played such a pivotal role in my trajectory,” Osnes said. “I was in the fifth or sixth month of my eight-month contract when he gave me the green light to fly to L.A. and audition for ‘Grease.‘” She recalled that the whole audition process made her incredibly nervous but Brindisi provided unqualified reassurance. “He said, ‘You’re gonna win,‘” Osnes said. “He could see things in you that you might not even see in yourself. And he helped make my Broadway dreams come true.” Another Chanhassen “Grease” headliner that Brindisi cast has also gone on to big things. Caroline Innerbichler would star in the Broadway tour of “Frozen” and also originate a lead role on Broadway in “Shucked the Musical.” Innerbichler, also an Eagan High School grad who briefly trained in the Guthrie Theater/University of Minnesota BFA program, said that she’d been trying repeatedly to get into Chanhassen before Brindisi finally tapped her in 2012 for “Bye Bye Birdie.” Innerbichler would go on to play the lead in “The Little Mermaid” among a battery of roles at the dinner theater. Brindisi was not only a strong artistic leader but because of the community he fostered and the role that Chanhassen plays, being in the company changed her world. “It was one the biggest meal tickets for theater where you get health insurance and Equity [union] points,” Innerbichler said. “For me, I had left school and at 25 it allowed me to be a performer who didn’t have to wait tables. I could get a one-bedroom apartment and feed my dog as a grown-up.” Like others, Innerbichler was guided, perhaps even mentored, by Tony Vierling, whom she had met on the national tour of “A Prairie Home Companion” and who has the distinction of being directed by Brindisi perhaps more than any other performer — over 50 productions. Vierling first met Brindisi at Iowa State University when he came in as a guest speaker and director. “He was like a Dustin Hoffman or Al Pacino with all this passion and energy,” Vierling said. “I was impressed by his belief that this work and craft could take you anywhere and that you can do anything with it.” Vierling would meet and marry his husband because of Brindisi, who invited Michael Gruber into the company, luring him from a Broadway career. “It’s pretty amazing how he got the ball rolling for me in the second half of my life,” Gruber said, recounting a dinner at Rosie O’Grady’s in New York, and his eventual first role in “Easter Parade,” which was developed at Chanhassen in 2007. “He said, ‘Do you think you want to come out and do it?’ It was a total leap of faith, and I don’t want to get too mystical about it, but it was something out of the stars,” Gruber continued. He met Vierling in that cast, and the pair echo something that all those who have worked at Chanhassen under Brindisi stress. It’s a theater family that fosters tight-knit community, and that allows artists to develop their skills in a supportive artistic hothouse. Adams said that she still counts people from her Chanhassen days, including Vierling and resident choreographer co-owner Tamara Kangas Erickson, as friends. And that’s all a tribute to the environment that Brindisi created and fostered. When: 2 p.m. Monday with an open house to follow from 3:30-6 p.m. Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen. Ticket holders are being rebooked into future performances of both shows COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on two major Twin Cities stages At Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the coronavirus infection has put an early brake on its newest show, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” Tuesday and Wednesday performances have been canceled Theater Latté Da also has scratched Thursday through Sunday performances of its new Macbeth-inspired musical, “Scotland, PA.” “We woke up to the news of one positive case and we had a plan to cover up to three positive cases but not five which is where we are now,” managing director Elisa Spencer-Kaplan said Wednesday “The better part of valor here is to give everyone the time they need to time to rest and recover so that we can come back strong for our last week of shows.” The first COVID case was reported the following day That set off a Jenga jigsaw as artistic director Michael Brindisi tapped understudies within the company to cover the roles for actors felled by the infection The weekend performances went off without a hitch others in the cast and crew also tested positive for the coronavirus Chanhassen reached outside of its immediate performing ensemble for help tapping veterans and technical crews from the past “It’s disappointing to everyone — to our guests who can’t see the show to the artists who really want to do their work to all of us who love to see the 1954 movie brought so beautifully to life,” said Joel Rainville “We’re doing everything we can to ensure everyone’s well-being and to get things back on track.” Chanhassen’s architecture may make it vulnerable to outbreaks The company has only two large communal dressing rooms — one for women adding that the southwest metro company’s intensive efforts include deep cleaning its spaces The cancellations come at a critical time for Chanhassen a three-stage commercial venue that relies on its box office for sustenance Performances of “White Christmas,” which runs through Jan “Our box office has worked hard to re-seat our guests,” Rainville said He added that this type of hiccup is something that occurs with sad regularity The virus has affected every Chanhassen show since the company reopened in the wake of the pandemic including “Footloose,” “The Music Man” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” COVID also is affecting other Minnesota performing arts companies. At Artistry in Bloomington, there have been three cases around its production of “Rent,” but no cancellation so far. “We’ve had a musician, a dresser and an actor down. So, as of right now, we think we’re going to be fine for this weekend, but it’s a daily proposition,” executive artistic director Kelli Foster Warder said Wednesday. “It’s just a bummer for the audience, a heartbreak for the artists and it’s expensive for the theater.” As the titular character, Sally Wingert is by turns gentle and caustic in a show that shows God is the ultimate entertainer. The “Bad Boys” star is near the end of his comeback tour. Rhiana Yazzie’s new play is highly creative but occasionally feels overstuffed. At Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, artistic director Michael Brindisi meant the world to the cast. They honored his legacy Friday night, two days after his death. Grief that hung like storm clouds was parted Friday night at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres as the nation’s largest dinner theater dealt with a tragic dilemma. How would actors and audiences react to the opening of “Grease” just two days after artistic director Michael Brindisi, who had worked at Chanhassen for 50-plus years and led it for the past 37, died? Would it doom the production? How would the shock of mourning affect what is usually a peppy and boisterous show? The theater didn’t even consider postponing or canceling this “Grease,” an official said, but instead charged ahead in a situation so rare, most can only recall composer Jonathan Larson’s 1996 death a day before off-Broadway previews of his iconic musical, “Rent.” “It’s what Michael would have wanted,” said Michelle Barber, Brindisi’s widow and a fellow actor. “The actor in him would’ve loved all this acclamation and outpouring.” Barber arrived at the theater hours after returning from Australia, where she was visiting family, to give the actors a pep talk at a brush-up rehearsal Friday afternoon. She was greeted with tears and hugs. “Michael is in this room with us, and he’s so proud of each of you,” Barber told the ensemble. “He wants you to go up there and carry forward. Go get ’em!” Brindisi died at his home in Chanhassen on Feb. 5 at age 76. Barber revealed that the cause was heart failure. Barber was accompanied to the rehearsal by their daughter, Cat Brindisi-Darrow, who also had flown in the day before, from Florida where she is associate artistic director of the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota. Dressed like her father in a jacket with a baseball cap pulled low over her brow and carrying the cane that he had used since 2013 after an operation for stenosis, Brindisi-Darrow shared an email with the “Grease” ensemble that her dad had sent her. Dreams are realized regardless of whether or not one reaches a goal, he told her in the email. “It’s in the doing where you succeed, not the results,” Brindisi-Darrow said. A Philadelphia kid who loved baseball and the accordion, Brindisi acted on Broadway and became a Minnesota legend. Chanhassen thrives with 300 employees and a bevy of theater and comedy shows, concerts and a bar. But that’s not the real measure of its impact. It’s a place of cherished celebration where people have marked birthdays, weddings, graduations and, sometimes, death. In his 37 years at the helm, Brindisi directed 120 productions at the theater, entertaining millions who flock to the suburban playhouse by bus and car from as far away as the Dakotas and Nebraska. “Michael made people feel special, and he celebrated their humanity with a big heart,” said Nancy Nelson, the onetime broadcaster who now works as a greeter at Chanhassen. Nelson spoke before the Friday evening performance. “He made so many dreams come true.” Brindisi also provided employment and livelihoods for thousands of actors, musicians and stagehands. Some of them returned Friday to the theater. “I met my husband when we were both working here,” said actor Emily Rose Skinner after the show ended. Skinner has performed in 19 productions at Chanhassen but is not in the current one. “All of us — we love this state and region — owe Michael so much.” “Grease” ensemble member Laura Rudolph, who dressed in homage to Brindisi for the rehearsal, said that he not only preached values but that he lived them in a way that she and those she met at Chanhassen have become. “It’s a cliché to say that you become family here, but Michael made that true,” Rudolph said. “When we strike out to do anything, like build our own company, we feel we can because of not just the success that Michael had, but the values that he used to build the company here.” Brindisi usually sat at table No. 415 on opening nights, and it was occupied by longtime general manager Solveig Theis and her party on Friday. “I owe my whole career to Michael,” Theis said. “A lot of us can say that, but it’s true. He touched so many lives.” Brindisi always underplayed his accomplishments, dressing in jeans and T-shirts with a signature baseball cap. He shied away from the spotlight. But the show was all about him Friday as Nelson welcomed the capacity audience to “a night of celebration in Brindisi’s honor.” She also led the crowd in raising their glasses in a toast “to the joy of musical theater that he so believed in, to this last production … to his final bow.” At the end of the show, Brindisi-Darrow was teary-eyed. “Thank you,” she said to Maureen Sherman-Mendez, who plays dancer Cha-Cha in “Grease.” “I just wept throughout the show because this group of actors doing this show is so overwhelming.” Former news anchor Don Shelby, who took to the stage after retiring, was directed by Brindisi and Nelson in “Love Letters.” Brindisi taught him generosity and grace, Shelby said Friday before the show, adding that the director also impressed him with the breadth of his talents. “Michael had a way of doing shows that matched entertainment with profound drama,” Shelby said, adding that at the end of rehearsals with Brindisi, he usually liked to tick him off by quoting Prospero from “The Tempest,” Shelby said Friday before the performance. “Our revels now are ended. These our actors, as I foretold you, were all spirits and are melted into air, into thin air. … We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” ending Chanhassen’s season with a loss after defeating the Storm in the season opener Chanhassen ended its 2024 season much the way the Storm got started — losing to Elk River The score was closer in the Class 5A state tournament game Friday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, a 21-19 loss vs. the 44-22 blowout suffered by the Storm against the Elks in their season opener. Chanhassen, the defending Prep Bowl champion, shared a great deal with Elk River — a champion in 2016, 2017 and 2022. “We both got a lot better,” Elk River coach Steve Hamilton said. The Elks now await the other Class 5A semifinal winner, Alexandria or Owatonna, who play at 7 p.m. Saturday. Chanhassen’s defense turned over the Elk River offense at the Storm’s 4-yard line in the first quarter. But the Elks defense picked up the offense as senior defensive back Ben Hickman intercepted a pass and returned the ball 65 yards for a score and 7-6 second-quarter lead. “We practice over and over again these drops, these drops,” Hickman said. “I turned and saw the route I had seen all week in practice, then I saw the ball. I looked up at the Jumbotron because I was worried about getting caught.” Hamilton joked: “It’s always funny to hear that because I think I would trip and fall.” Turning serious, Hamilton said: “It was a huge play that electrified our sideline.” Elk River’s offensive swagger returned late in the second quarter as quarterback Levi Harris scored from 1 yard and produced a 14-6 halftime lead. Junior Kade Bush trimmed Chanhassen’s deficit to 14-12 with his 3-yard scoring plunge. Elk River sophomore running back Carsyn Kleffman carried up the middle for a 17-yard score and a 21-12 lead. But the Storm weren’t finished. They drew closer when Nathan Ramler hit James Kopfmann for a touchdown, making the score 21-19 with 1:44 on the clock, but that score went final. David La Vaque is a high school sports reporter who has been the lead high school hockey writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune since 2010. He is co-author of “Tourney Time,” a book about the history of Minnesota’s boys hockey state tournament published in 2020 and updated in 2024. High Schools has a state-high 40 goals in seven games for St The Raiders have lost only once and will have a chance to avenge that one this week Minnesota high school scores and results for all sports from around the state CHANHASSEN — The Sartell High School dance team had a strong showing at the 14-team Chanhassen Invite Saturday Eastview took first place in both high kick and jazz Brainerd placed second in both varsity jazz and kick Sartell's JV high kick and jazz teams both placed third The Central Lakes Conference Championships take place at 7 p.m