The longtime leader of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres died unexpectedly on Wednesday. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres announced Michael Brindisi died following a brief illness. "His extreme passion for life and his love for what we do here for our employees,

His death comes two days before the opening of “Grease,” a show that was pivotal in his life and which will open as scheduled.

Michael Brindisi, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ president and artistic director, died unexpectedly Wednesday following a very brief illness. He was 76.

Since being named the Resident Artistic Director at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 36 years ago, Michael Brindisi has directed all of the shows at the dinner theater, CDT said, more than 120 productions in total.

Beginning as an actor back in 1971 before shifting to directing in the late 80s, Brindisi spent countless hours on and around the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre stages.