Tamara Kangas Erickson is the new president and artistic director of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the company’s board of directors announced Wednesday.
She steps into the role left by Michael Brindisi, who died unexpectedly on Feb. 5, just days before CDT’s production of “Grease” opened.
Tamara Kangas Erickson has been named president and artistic director of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. (Courtesy of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres)
“Tamara’s extensive experience, skills and vision are invaluable assets for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, which will bring both continuity and innovative change to our amazing theater,” said Jim Jensen, CDT co-owner and board member, in a news release. “Her deep appreciation for the arts, coupled with her unwavering dedication to our staff, artists, employees and audiences, make her the perfect leader to continue and build upon the remarkable legacy established by Michael Brindisi.”
Erickson, who has served as CDT’s vice president for the past 15 years, began working with Brindisi in 2004, first serving as resident choreographer. The pair collaborated on more than 50 musicals at CDT as well as productions at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis and the national tour of “Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing.”
In March 2010, Brindisi, Erickson and Steven Peters formed a new ownership group alongside Doug Lennick, Jensen and other key players in the purchase of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres from its previous owner, Thomas K. Scallen. Since then, the dinner theater has employed more than 300 professional actors, musicians and staff.
CDT’s current production of “Grease” runs through Oct. 4. For the holiday season, the company will bring back last year’s hit “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” for a run from Oct. 10 through Feb. 7. Erickson will direct the 2026 spring production of “Guys and Dolls,” which runs Feb. 13 through Sept. 26.
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