Chanhassen Dinner Theatres - 'Hello Dolly!'

There is no comparison to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres experience. As one of only a handful of equity (professional) dinner theatres still operating in America, the shows are top quality. As the largest privately owned restaurant in Minnesota, the dining experience is on par with the best. As the largest dinner theatre complex in America, patrons would have to search far and wide for a comparable evening combining comfort, fine cuisine, delectable drink and pleasurable entertainment.

"Hello Dolly!"
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
501 W. 78th St.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
(952) 934-1525
www.chanhassentheatres.com

Dates: Showing now through February 21, 2015

The age-old tale of matchmaker, Dolly Levi, is back. It has been 50 years since the Broadway debut, and 22 years since its last staging at CDT. The tale of Dolly starts with New Yorkers abuzz about her return. This brassy but forlorn widower develops an interest in her irascible client, Horace Vandergelder, while Horace's two employees also become enmeshed in Dolly's matchmaking. Dolly has no doubt about casting the future for others ("I Put My Hand In") but reveals an uncertainty about her own fate.

Nuanced Lead Role
One can ponder whether the sweet and affable Michelle Barber can tackle a lead role originally written for salty and assertive Ethel Merman (Ethel turned it down and Carol Channing took control making it her signature role. Ethel did later play the role, as did eight other robust personalities). Barber creates a more vulnerable character at the beginning, a widower unsure if she is doing the right thing. She gains her legs by the time she strolls down the aisle at Harmonia Gardens to the tune of "Hello Dolly!" as we cheer her return along with the cast. Keith Rice fills the Vandergelder role with aplomb, delighting the audience as a grumpy half-millionaire.

Related: A Night At The Ordway

Strong Supporting Roles
Adding to the complexity of Dolly's adventures, Director Michael Brindisi introduced another nuance. His wife, Michelle Barber, is lead actress, and their daughter, Cat Brindisi, is supporting actress. Cat pretty much grew up in the CDT environment, leaving only for college in Duluth and earning her spurs in theatres around town. Adding further to the complexity, Barber played the same supporting role 22 years ago. It turns out, daughter Cat acts out the complexities of the plot flawlessly and is absolutely spellbinding in professing her love for Cornelius ("It Only Takes a Minute"). Tyler Michaels, as Cornelius, carries the story exuding sincerity like no other. We drown in a chemistry of human interaction cheering for Cat and her role, Irene, and Tyler and his role, Cornelius.

Spectacular Song and Dance
The band is on stage, or behind stage in full view, a striking move that highlights the absolute precision with which conductor Andrew Cooke and five others lead the show through its musical paces. Every song is sung so the audience can understand the words while enjoying the melody. The play is filled with dance and the stage is filled with dancers who perform professionally.

Quality Cuisine
Attentive ushers seat patrons smoothly, followed immediately by the wait staff who works quite efficiently under the deadline of having your food in front of you and getting your dessert and coffee order for intermission all before the play starts. Everyone at this writer's table was delighted by the quality of the entre, sides and dessert served to such a large audience in such a short time.

A Brief History
Founded in 1968, the Chanhassen rode the wave of a dinner theater fad in the 1970s when name stars played at theatres around the country. Some even owned theatres. The demise of the dinner theatre is unfortunate, but thanks to the exceptional efforts of the CDT staff and several local community leaders, performing arts remain alive and well in Chanhassen. Its cast is comprised of Actors' Equity Association members, all professional and seasoned performers.

Related: 2014 Minnesota Fall Theater Preview

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.