Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Stages THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER, Beginning Today

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres continues the remarkable legacy of Twin Cities' theatre impresario Don Stolz, as it presents his charming children's production of THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER this holiday season. It will make its Main Stage debut from today, November 11 through December 29, 2013.

Don Stolz's endearing children's musicals have been beloved by Twin Cities' theatergoers since 1961. Over those years, it is estimated these works have been enjoyed by over one million school children and their families. School children and families will be delighted by the playfully-staged musical fairy tale scheduled to run in repertory with Chanhassen's 45th anniversary revival of Fiddler on the Roof.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' President and Artistic Director Michael Brindisi said, "This was an opportunity we couldn't pass up. For years Don has been a dear friend of ours and we are completely honored to produce the show and see Don's iconic work live on here at Chanhassen." Brindisi continued, "Many people might not know that the founders of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Herb & Carol Bloomberg, also built the Old Log Theater for Don before they built their own theatre, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Over the years the two families were great friends and colleagues, so this is a perfect proposition."

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER is an upbeat, whimsical romp about a troupe of elves who help restore a poor cobbler to prosperity by crafting a pair of the most fantastic and magical shoes the town has ever seen. This heart-warming adaptation written by Don Stolz, and featuring original music by Tom Witry, tells a tale not only of midnight enchantment, but of generosity and virtue rewarded. It's a holiday story meant to introduce children of all ages to the magic and fun of theatre.

The production will be directed by Don Stolz's son, Tom Stolz. THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER features a cast of Equity performers including: Lynn Dyrhaug-Rotto, Suzanne Graff, Kym Chambers, Judy Heneghan, Alan Johnson, Tom Stolz and Michael Ritchie.

Plans are in-the-making for possible box-lunch offerings and other family activities.

Tickets for school groups (12 or more) for THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER are available Nov. 11 through Dec. 29 with matinees twice daily on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Performance times are at 10am and 12:30pm. School group tickets are now available through group sales at 952-934-1547. They are priced at $9 per person.

There will also be limited public performances available on Sundays from Nov. 17 through Dec. 29 at 1pm. Tickets for public performances for parties of less than 12 go on sale August 5th by calling the box office at 952-934-1525. They are priced at $16 per person.

Now celebrating 45 years, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is the nation's largest professional dinner theatre company. It is also Minnesota's only year-round, fully-professional producing musical theatre company. With scenic and costume shops on site, all design elements are created and executed by CDT's resident artistic design and technical staff. The artistic program is led by President and Artistic Director, Michael Brindisi. Brindisi works with co-owners Tamara Kangas-Erickson, VP and Choreographer, and Steven L. Peters, to manage CDT. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is committed to delighting its audiences and creating lifelong memories with a high-quality end-to-end theatre, dining, and service experience. To learn more, visit chanhassendt.com.

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