He signed his name in electric song and snazzy dance.
Michael Brindisi, the director who died unexpectedly of heart failure on Feb. 5, two days before the opening of “Grease” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, took his final bow with a show that’s a fitting testament to his gifts.
“Grease” is suffused with the hallmarks of his signature style. Every sassy step and feisty shimmy speaks to his penchant for energetic and vital entertainment.
Brindisi also had a knack for finding wit and honesty in the shows, especially the chestnuts that he chose. He brought new sophistication and shine to titles that we think we know or that we take for granted.
“Grease,” which he acted in across the country in the 1970s and which he directed before, is no exception. This musical about Rydell High teens navigating their emotions around love, longing and belonging is executed with livewire gusto.

Newcomers Sam Stoll and Dayle Theisen bring charisma and freshness to the romantic couple Danny and Sandy. Stoll deftly navigates the balance between Danny’s bad boy greaser and the soft side he shows to Sandy.
We get to witness his growth as he moves toward adulthood. Theisen also evinces Sandy’s gradual maturation as she steps into self-knowledge and power.
From the lust and longing of “Summer Nights” to “You’re the One That I Want,” the pair have a natural chemistry. Sure, it’s hard to rival John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, who starred onscreen as the fun flirts. But these two do an admirable job, bringing their own verve to the iconic roles.