Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Announce HAIRSPRAY, BYE BYE BIRDIE

On the heels of the decision to extend Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' production of HAIRSPRAY through May 26, 2012, the theatre has announced the next two Main Stage productions to follow.

XANADU BYE BYE BIRDIE

Opening June 1, 2012 Opening October 5, 2012

XANADU follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny. The goal - to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first ROLLER DISCO...hey, its 1980! But when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds.

Based on the Universal Pictures' cult classic film of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, this hilarious, roller-skating musical adventure about following your dreams despite the limitations others set for you, rolls along to the original hit score composed by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne and John Farrar featuring songs like "Magic," "All Over The World," "Suddenly," "I'm Alive," "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Xanadu." It's hilarity on wheels for adults, children and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres weaves an electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep audiences in stitches.

A $5 million Broadway musical adaptation of the same name began previews on May 23, 2007, and opened on July 10, 2007 starring Kerry Butler as Kira, Cheyenne Jackson as Sonny and Tony Roberts as Danny. The show, which humorously satirized the plot of the film, was a surprise hit, and was nominated for several Tony awards. It also won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Musical of 2008. The original cast recording was released December 2007. The Broadway production closed on September 28, 2008 after 49 previews and 512 performances. A successful national tour followed. However, the tour never came to the Twin Cities market.

BYE BYE BIRDIE is a stage musical with a book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams, and music by Charles Strouse.

Among the most captivating musicals of our time, it tells the story of a rock‘n'roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. The singer, Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type, has a pompadour and thick sideburns. Albert Peterson, his agent, is a pleasant, mild-mannered young man. Albert's faithful secretary Rose Alvarez keeps him and Birdie moving forward in the world. Rosie concocts one final national publicity plan before Conrad's induction. Conrad will bid a typical American teen-age girl goodbye with an all-American kiss. Kim MacAfee of Sweet Apple, Ohio wins the honor. The arrival of Birdie in Sweet Apple causes people of all ages to swoon, and the quiet little town goes into a spin. It is decided that Birdie will give his "One Last Kiss" on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

BYE BYE BIRDIE is a satire done with the fondest affection. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres plan to breathe new life into this classic musical. "I am thrilled to bring this production to the CDT stage for many reasons. And, I have some new ideas to freshen it up a bit," comments CDT Artistic Director, Michael Brindisi. "I can't wait to showcase our amazing creative talent, both behind-the-scenes and on-stage ... to produce something even better." Bye Bye Birdie includes such musical numbers as: "Going Steady," "Put On A Happy Face," "Telephone Hour," "A Lot of Livin' To Do" and "Kids." The hit musical score, the story and its theme of parents and teens will still resonate with today's audiences.

The original Broadway production was a Tony Award-winning success. It won the 1960 Tony for Best Musical, spawned a London production, a sequel, a 1963 film, a 1995 television production and a 2009 Broadway revival.

Both XANADU and BYE BYE BIRDIE will be new to Chanhassen audiences since neither has been produced previously. Michael Brindisi, President and Artistic Director stated, "Both production choices represent our company's philosophy of bringing newer works to the Main Stage, but also to remain true to producing familiar classics that people want to see again. Both productions will be perfect for all audiences including families, groups and those new to CDT, and that's crucial as well."

Main Stage productions are performed eight times weekly with evening performances Tuesdays through Sundays and matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Dinner and show ticket prices are as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evenings $68; Friday and Saturday evenings $79; Wednesday matinee $59; Saturday matinee $63; and Sunday evening $69. Show-only tickets are available no sooner than ten days prior to the performance. Student Rush tickets may be purchased one hour prior to the performance with valid student ID, and are based on availability. Tickets for XANADU and BYE BYE BIRDIE will be available for purchase effective November 16. For information call the theatre box office at (952) 934-1525 or (800) 362-3515. For parties of 12 or more, contact Group Sales at 952-934-1547 or (800) 355-6273 or go online to www.ChanhassenDT.com.

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