At Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, we combine the thrill of live entertainment with the joy of a delicious meal. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with music, laughter and exceptional performances.
1968
Opening Year
240+
Productions
Over 300
Staff Members
13 Million
Guests Served
At Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, we bring stories to life through world-class performances, exquisite dining, and heartfelt hospitality, creating unforgettable experiences for all who walk through our doors. From cherished traditions to new adventures, every visit is an opportunity to connect and celebrate.
We are committed to fostering respect, hospitality, creativity, and collaboration, striving to create extraordinary experiences that captivate and delight our guests.
Our founders, Herbert and Carolyn Bloomberg, built the 90,000 square foot entertainment complex in Chanhassen, Minnesota, located west of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Herbert was an established developer and builder, and Carolyn an interior designer. The two combined their talents and built Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, which was originally known as “The Frontier.”
Both the names Minnesota and Chanhassen have origins in the Dakota language. Before the settlers arrived, this land was the home of multiple indigenous tribes including the Anishinaabe (Chippewa, Ojibwe) and the Dakota (Sioux) peoples who cared for the land and whose legacies still live on to this day. The name “Minnesota” comes from the Minnesota River, which the Dakota called “Mni-sota,” meaning, “clear water” or “where the water reflects the skies.” Chanhassen, the name of our city and beloved theatre, comes from the Dakota phrase “Caŋhasaŋ Paha,” meaning, “the hills with whitish bark trees.” Caŋhasaŋ can also be translated as a reference to the sweetness of maple tree and its syrup.
CDT Founders Herb and Carol Bloomberg.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Founded
It was the vision of founders Herb and Carol Bloomberg to bring a “little bit of Broadway to the Midwest.” They loved traveling to New York to enjoy great Broadway productions and felt audiences deserved a quality musical theatre experience here in the Twin Cities. They acquired land in Chanhassen, Minnesota, a tiny rural community with a population of less than 500 people. The 90,000 square foot dinner theatre was built on what was then cornfields and countryside.
1968
Gary Gisselman, Founding Artistic Director, on the CDT Main Stage (1968).
Main Stage Opening
In 1968, founding Artistic Director Gary Gisselman opened How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on the Main Stage. By 1971, when I Do! I Do! opened in the Downstairs Playhouse Theatre, CDT’s popularity was growing. Slated for a six-week run, I Do! I Do! continued to be extended due to popular demand. It finally closed 22.5 years later going down in history as the world’s longest-running musical production featuring its original cast. The stars, David Anders and Susan Goeppinger, were married in real life after 2 years of playing the married couple in the production. They were featured in press around the globe including the May 1, 1989 issue of People Magazine.
1968
Fiddler on the Roof, featuring Hollywood actress Loni Anderson (middle), on the CDT Main Stage (1971).
Back-to-Back Mainstage Hits
Smash productions including Fiddler on the Roof and A Flea In Her Ear helped to cement CDT as a cornerstone of Minnesota’s live musical entertainment scene. Due to increased popularity, CDT extends the runs of multiple shows and produces bold productions including Company and Equus under the direction of Gary Gisselman.
1970s
42nd Street on the CDT Main Stage (1988).
25th Anniversary Celebrated
With performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and 42nd Street, CDT continues to draw audiences from near and far. Dinner Theatre was growing in popularity and through the 80s CDT grew to four producing stages under one roof to include The Courtyard and The Fireside! In 1988, Michael Brindisi becomes the new Resident Artistic Director, and in 1989, Thomas K. Scallen acquires CDT from founders Herb and Carol Bloomberg.
1980s
Amy Adams in Good News on the CDT Main Stage (1998).
Nurturing Talent and a Star in the Making
CDT launches its Summer Education Program, offering camps led by professional actors and creative design team members that enrich the lives of thousands of students aged 5–18. During this time, Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Adams graces the CDT stage for four seasons (1996–1999) before launching her celebrated film career.
1990s
CDT premieres the first regional production of Cats on the Main Stage directed by Michael Brindisi (2003).
National Recognition
Resident Artistic Director Michael Brindisi builds key relationships with New York licensing houses, establishing CDT as a premier regional theatre. As a result, CDT was awarded the first regional productions of major titles like Cats, Les Misérables, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Brindisi also partnered with The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization to debut the world premiere stage adaptation of Irving Berlin’s Easter Parade, further elevating CDT’s national profile.
2000s
CDT Managing Partners (pictured from left to right): Steven L. Peters, Tamara Kangas Erickson, and Michael Brindisi.
The Show Must Go On!
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is purchased by a new ownership group led by dedicated employees and committed regional investors. The three managing partners include Michael Brindisi, President & Resident Artistic Director; Tamara Kangas Erickson, Vice President & Resident Choreographer; and Steven L. Peters, Treasurer & President of VenuWorks.
2010s
Proudly Entertaining You!
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres remains the nation’s largest professional dinner theatre, hosting award-winning productions and serving as a beloved gathering place for audiences of all ages.
Present DayExplore the show-stopping past productions that have graced our stage!
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is committed to delighting its audiences and creating lifelong memories with a high-quality end-to-end entertainment, dining and service experience.