Learn about the Chanhassen Dinner Theater

A popular entertainment and tourist destination in the Twin Cities, Minnesota is the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Since 1968 there have been over 193 productions at its various stages, with over 8 million visitors in attendance list. This number is staggering but not surprising considering the quality shows shown on Chanhassen. 

The 90,000 square meter facility was built and designed by Herbert and Carolyn Bloomberg on what was once a cornfield. The Old Log theater had contracted them to build the new plant. They followed this job by building their own theater complex about 30 minutes from downtown. They decided to follow this project by building their own theater complex 30 minutes from downtown. To increase the likelihood of their vision included a restaurant. When it rates on new restaurants and the distance from the center, the project seemed to be a utopia is doomed to failure. 

But on 11 October 1968 Chanhassen Dinner Theater Minnesota opened. The Bloomberg selected "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" as the first show to make a statement. It ran for a month and a half before the "Fantastic" took the stage. Now for a pun. The scene was set for what is today the largest professional dinner theater in America. And as for the restaurant, today is the largest privately owned one in the entire state of Minnesota. Not bad for such a risky venture. 

On 18 February 1971 production of "I Do! I Do!" opened in the playhouse, a small theater space in the Chanhassen Dinner Theater facility. It ran a staggering 21 years. What is more amazing is that it included the original cast for the entire run. It is quite a performance, huh? It was a cornerstone for the Playhouse production and Chanhassen, known throughout the country. It ended in November 1992 but after "I Do Love the Holidays" took a couple of months, "I Do! I Do!" Back for a short run from late January to early December 1993. It was then replaced by "Steve Ray's Comedy Troupe", which had an almost two years running. But nothing compared to the amazing run benefit from the "I Do! I Do!". 

Both "Steve Ray's Comedy Troupe" and "I Do! I Do!" Later reverted to Chanhassen Dinner Theater, but in another room. The Courtyard, now called Club was host for each of the plays in 1995. Day Club is a popular place for wedding receptions, private parties and even business meetings. Chanhassen has been home to many other popular games such as 42nd Street and Oklahoma. This is by no means the complete list. Can be found at Chanhassen Dinner Theater website chanhassentheatres.