Chanhassen Dinner Theatre in Chanhassen, MN 55317

For nearly 40 years, Twin Citians have been trekking out to Chanhassen - no longer such a chore, now that the metro area extends out that far! - to enjoy high-quality musical theater productions.

Currently, three stages host Broadway favorites and other classic fare, with the most family-friendly productions usually scheduled during the summer. While some shows are suitable for children as young as five, parents should be aware that this is not a children's theater. (For example, if you're used to high school productions of Grease, you might have found some elements of the original Broadway version Chanhassen recently presented objectionable.) The theatre is very sensitive to this, and invites concerned parents to request detailed information about content before ordering tickets. Babies should be left at home.

The dinner part of the experience includes bread, salad, entree, and coffee, tea, or milk. Appetizers, desserts, and drinks are available for an additional charge. Menus for children and vegetarians are available upon request.

Purchase tickets in advance, and be aware that most guests dress up a bit here; jeans, sneakers, or shorts will stand out. Youth discounts are sometimes offered, and show-only tickets, when available, are sold 10 days prior select performances.

Classes: Performance Training classes, a new offering for ages 13 and up, are geared toward kids who are serious about a career in the performing arts. The classes meet for two hours once a week, and hone existing skills and audition techniques, with eight-week sessions that include dance, voice, and acting. The classes are taught by professional actors from Chanhassen, as well as guest artists.

Summer Camps: Weeklong half-day First Act Theater Camps for ages eight to 18 are also taught by Chanhassen's stable of professionals, but here the focus is more on fun, giving kids an exciting glimpse behind the scenes at a working theater. The emphasis is on building confidence while introducing kids to theater fundamentals, including acting, movement, voice, costuming, scenery, and auditioning. Camp fees run $225/week for morning or afternoon sessions; no extended care is available. One special full-day offering just for teens costs $425/week.