STARKID! to Honor MN Musical Theatre Students at Chanhassen, 1/22-2/28

One hundred talented high school students from across the State of Minnesota are thrilled to have been selected to appear in Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' third annual StarKid event to honor and celebrate young musical theatre talent in our schools. StarKids have garnered the amazing opportunity to appear onstage in BYE BYE BIRDIE at CDT alongside the cast, Jan. 22 through Feb. 28, 2013.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' President and Artistic Director Michael Brindisi has assigned the StarKids to actors in the professional Acting Company whom the students will shadow through the backstage and onstage experience. Students will receive their own dressing rooms and have publicity photos taken for their hometown newspapers. CDT President and BYE BYE BIRDIE Artistic Director Michael Brindisi is happy to repeat the StarKid event for the third year.

He stated, "These are incredible events not just for the students, but also for our staff and for our audiences. We make the experience energizing for the students and a valuable learning tool without making it too stressful." Brindisi continued, "Our intentions were to make these annual events and this marks our third go-around. There are so many worthy musical theatre students in our communities. This is a fantastic opportunity that we can provide."

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres contacted more than 150 high school music-theatre educators from Albert Lea to St. Cloud in the great search for StarKids. Music-theatre educators were asked to send two students to participate in StarKid to represent the best talent their schools had to offer. In the end, fifty schools are registered; each school sending two students.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Public Relations Director Kris Howland stated, "That search for worthy students takes weeks to organize. Students are also incredibly busy with school and demanding extra-curriculars and we need to offer many options to accommodate students and their families."

A total of four students (two schools represented each night) will appear in each production of BYE BYE BIRDIE on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and for Wednesday matinees as well.

BYE BYE BIRDIE is performed eight times weekly (through March 30, 2013) with evening performances Tuesdays through Sundays and matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Dinner and show ticket prices are as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evenings $70; Friday $81; Saturday evening $81; Wednesday matinee $61; Saturday matinee $65; and Sunday $71. Show-only tickets are available no sooner 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. Special prices are available for fans of StarKids. When you call the box office, mention your StarKid's name and the keyword: STARKID. For tickets and 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.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is the nation's largest professional dinner theatre company. It is also Minnesota's only year-round, fully-professional producing theatre company. With scenic and costume shops on site, all design elements are created and executed by Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' resident artistic design and technical staff. The artistic program is led by Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' President and Artistic Director, Michael Brindisi. Brindisi works with co-owners Tamara Kangas-Erickson, VP and Choreographer, and Steven L. Peters, to manage Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 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.

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