Chanhassen Dinner Theatres opened its new production of “Grease” on Friday night in front of a full house — save for the one crucial person who was notably absent.

CDT co-owner, president and artistic director Michael Brindisi died unexpectedly two days prior, leaving the cast, crew and staff of nearly 400 — as well as the theater’s many ardent fans — reeling. Given the late 76-year-old’s work ethic and obvious pride in his company, it’s not surprising that the show must, and did, go on.

To be sure, the weight of Brindisi’s death could be felt, even through CDT’s famously cheery “let us entertain you” ethos. But it was also difficult not to appreciate the fact that everyone involved was operating at full capacity, from the youthful* cast to Rich Hamson’s colorful costumes to Tamara Kangas Erickson’s sparkling choreography to Brindisi’s commitment to finding new sparks in a true musical warhorse. (*: As is a tradition of sorts for productions of “Grease,” much of the cast appeared to be at least a decade removed from their teen years.)

It certainly helped that the show held a special place in Brindisi’s heart. In 1977, when he was living in New York and struggling to find work, he landed an understudy role on the first national tour of “Grease.” He went on to spend more than a year on the road and emerged from the experience with a new vigor and passion for his craft.

Brindisi first brought “Grease” to CDT in 2006 and saw the musical break box office records for the theater. It was such a hit, CDT partnered with Hennepin Theatre Trust for a summer encore run at Pantages Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. CDT revived “Grease” once more for another wildly successful run in 2017.

For the current production, Brindisi and company opened up the set and moved it closer to the front of the stage, giving an already high-energy show even more immediacy. Sam Stoll impressed as Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys” and Neil Sedaka in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and does the same again here as romantic lead Danny Zuko. As his on-again/off-again squeeze Sandy, Dayle Theisen sometimes felt a bit tentative, but then again, that works for the character.

Familiar CDT faces populate much of the teams behind Danny and Sandy, the lovable teenage dirtbags that are the Burger Palace Boys and the drinking, smoking and cussing Pink Ladies. CDT newcomer Anna Hashizume, who was terrific in History Theatre’s “I Am Betty,” crafts a complex Rizzo that finds the heart hidden behind her steely exterior.

Kasano Mwanza steals the show in his brief, but vital, turn as the Teen Angel, just as he did in 2017. “Grease” flies by at a rapid clip, but Mwanza gives it that extra kick in the second act. Maureen Sherman-Mendez also lights up the stage in the latter half as Cha Cha in a seemingly manic, but actually masterfully controlled, performance.

Brindisi left Chanhassen Dinner Theatres with another hit in “Grease.” Tickets are mostly sold out through early April and word of mouth should keep seats filled through October when it’ll be replaced by a sophomore run of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” Audiences will get the first real taste of the vision Brindisi’s successor will bring right around this time next year.

Whatever happens, Brindisi’s legacy will forever loom large over Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. He’d be the very first to tell you he didn’t do it alone, but his focus, drive and unabashed love of theater is the reason CDT is still up and running after 57 years. He guided the company through thick (2019’s “Mamma Mia!” ran for an entire year) and thin (2012’s “Xanadu” was one of CDT’s biggest flops) and kept it running as other dinner theaters around the country withered away. He overcame both the Great Recession and the COVID lockdown. And he did it all while providing solid, reliable employment to those both on and off stage and consistently producing entertaining, populist musicals that never felt tired or pandering.

Rest in peace, Michael Brindisi. You’ll be missed.

‘Grease’

When: Through Oct. 4
Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen
Tickets: $126.80-$88.87 via 952-934-1525 or chanhassendt.com
Capsule: Now more than ever, “Grease” is the word at CDT.

Related Articles

Theater review: Guthrie’s ‘Midsummer’ is the Shakespeare of your dreams

Theater review: ‘Sanctuary City’ is a frank look at the friendship of two Dreamers

Theater review: Artistry’s ‘Sweet Charity’ a fine production of a weak musical

Review: History Theatre’s ‘Root Beer Lady’ a captivating portrait of a woman of the wilderness

Set in 1913, the politically charged musical ‘Parade’ remains utterly relevant today