Quote of the Day: I have a special place in my heart for this fun theatre piece. Michael Brindisi, Artistic Director of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Director for this production of Grease, beloved artist, father, husband, and friend to many. His sudden death after a brief illness, just days before opening/media night, left many stunned and saddened. The love and joy he had for theater arts lives on in this beautiful production. His creative spirit lives on through his work and all the lives he touched and careers he launched. He will be deeply missed. 

Sam Stoll as Danny and Dayle Theisen as Sandy in Grease at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 10/4/25. Photo: Dan Norman

Grease is one of those shows that is embedded into Americana culture. It has it all – fun upbeat music, iconic period costumes and hair-dos, colorful setting, a love story, teen angst, and all the nostalgia you can create in about two hours of high-quality entertainment. Do yourself a favor, and get out to the Chanhassen for this delightful show!

Our dynamic duo for this production are Sam Stoll as Danny Zuko and Dayle Theisen as Sandy Dumbrowski. The two are perfectly matched in vocals, dancing, and charisma. It’s absolutely a joy to watch them perform. 

The Greasers: in Grease at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 10/4/25. Photo: Dan Norman

The Greasers exude style, attitude, and stellar dance moves: Rush Benson as Kenickie, Adam Moen as Doody, Alan Bach as Sonny, and Evan Tyler Wilson as Roger. They were superb in “Grease Lightning.” If brawls were dance-offs, they’d win every time! Wilson also shines in the fun “Mooning” song (not in the film) with Suzie Juul who plays Jan.

The Pink Ladies in Grease at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 10/4/25. Photo: Dan Norman

The Pink Ladies who rock Sandy’s world are full of pizzazz. Renee Guittar as Patty, KateMarie Andrews as Frenchy, Angela Steele as Marty, and Suzie Juul as Jan. Anna Hashizume plays the rebellious Rizzo and slays with one of the best songs of the score, “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.” Maureen Sherman-Mendez comes out and knocks our bobby socks off as Cha-Chas Digregorio in her featured dance number!

The showstopper moment was when Kasano Mwanza comes out as Teen Angel (which I remember from the 2017 production, gave us Prince vibes)! He has more stage presence than a houseful of Christmas lights. His vocals are other-worldly. Luckily, he joins the cast in the finale with “Grease is the Word,” because the crowd can’t get enough of him!

Kasano Mwanza as Teen Angel and ladies in Grease at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 10/4/25. Photo: Dan Norman

Some other fun moments are Michael Gruber as the slick, but creepy, Vince Fontaine. Tony Vierling as Johnny Casino, and the adorable Kim Kivens as Miss Lynch, who gets her moment in the Hand Jive. Eric Romero plays the dorky Eugene with great comedic timing. The rest of the ensemble display their stellar dancing and singing skills: Tommy Benson, Cody C. Carlson, Mark King, Tommy McCarthy, Audrey Parker, and Laura Rudolph.

Cast of Grease at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, thru 10/4/25. Photo: Dan Norman

Fun, 1950’s set designed by Nayna Ramey. Great period costumes by Rich Hamson. Sue Ellen Berger designed the Lighting, and Russ Haynes is the Sound Designer. Hair & Makeup by Lex Patton and Tracy Swenson – and they looked great! Andy Kust is the Music Director and conductor of a 20 piece band, on stage, up and behind a scrim, and rockin’ and rollin’ to our heart’s content!

You can see Grease at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through October 4, 2025. Don’t delay in buying tickets! This is a popular show and seats sell out fast.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Write about someone who gave you a big break in your career, or helped you in life. Someone who champions you and your work. I think Michael Brindisi was that person for many people. May his memory be a blessing.