Chanhassen Villager editorial

After having recently watched one bid for the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres fail to come to fruition, we know “it ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings.” But we have high hopes for the latest purchase proposal for the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

Michael Brindisi, long-time artistic director and vice president for the theater, and Steven Peters, owner of VenuWorks, are leading a local group of investors who hope to close on the purchase of the Chanhassen landmark next month.

The fate of the dinner theater has been up in the air for the past several years as signs pointed at various times to the theater moving to the Mall of America or some other location outside of Chanhassen.

Obviously, it would have been a semantical nightmare to have the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres based in Bloomington. It also would be a blow to Chanhassen, which has been known for more than 40 years as the home of the theater.

Having Brindisi — and his deep Chanhassen roots — in an ownership role bodes well for keeping the theater where it belongs.

It was also reassuring to read this quote, by Peters, regarding the future of the theater: “But one thing is absolutely certain. All intentions are to remain in Chanhassen.”

While current owner Thomas K. Scallen has been actively seeking a buyer, the worst-case scenario for the community of Chanhassen has been the prospect theater pulling up stakes and relocating. In addition to losing the anchor business in town, the primary identity of town, and a great entertainment venue, the community would lose hundreds of jobs and lots of related business.

The prospective new owners also want to explore fresh strategies to improve upon the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres experience. And nobody has a better handle on what works in Chanhassen than Brindisi, who has been with the theater in some role since 1971.

“I’ve witnessed the resolute commitment of the Bloomberg family who founded Chanhassen and ran it for 20 years before passing the torch to Tom Scallen, who likewise has carried on the same traditions for the past 21 years,” Brindisi said. “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.”

To that we say, “Bravo.”