"Gruber proves to be a leading man worthy of his movie-musical predecessors. In a pencil-thin moustache and with a knowing smirk, he lends depth to his entirely self-serving hoofer, and his transformation isn't overplayed, but left to open-ended suggestion.

"'Steppin' Out With My Baby' is astonishing as Gruber seduces the young women in the cast, then leads the males in a complicated tap-dance rendition of the song's melody." -- Variety

"Chanhassen brought in Michael Gruber from New York to play Don Hewes,
and the Broadway veteran shows off his leading man skills. His dancing
and singing are both easy and graceful, while his character is complex,
shifting between charming and caddish in the same scene." -- TalkinBroadway.com

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"Gruber is a phenomenal performer, graceful and smooth, with tremendous stage charisma.
He moves well and has a gorgeous tenor." -- Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune

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"Gruber is a well-polished song and dance man. He glides over the stage
with a persuasive air." -- St. Cloud Times

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Except as otherwise noted, all photos © Act One, Too LTD

"Steppin' Out With My Baby"

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Keith Rice, Michael Gruber
Michelle Barber, Ann Michels

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This production was co-developed by Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and the world-renowned Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization in New York. Called, “the happiest musical ever made,” EASTER PARADE is light and airy as a scrumptious soufflé. It's a joyous confection featuring some of Irving Berlin's most beloved tunes including, “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “It Only Happens When I Dance With You,” and “Easter Parade.”

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'A Couple of Swells' with Ann Michels as Hannah Brown

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Production Photos

Link to a video clip of performances and interviews
from the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Link to a video clip of performances and interviews
from KARE TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul (Note: the clip starts with an ad)

Link to an audio clip of interviews and singing
on Minnesota Public Radio's website.

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Thomas Mustachio, Ann Michels, Michael Gruber,
Michelle Barber, Keith Rice, Michael Brindisi

photo © MPR/Mike Pengra

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Preview from Playbill Online

Preview from St. Paul Pioneer Press

Press Release from Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Article from St. Paul Pioneer Press about the process required
to take Easter Parade from screen to stage; Michael is interviewed.

Review from St. Paul Pioneer Press

Review from Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune

Review from St. Cloud Times

Review from TalkinBroadway.com

Review #2 from St. Cloud Times

Review from Variety

Article about Irving Berlin's daughter Elizabeth Irving Peters attending a performance

Michelle Barber, Michael Gruber, Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization
president Ted Chapin, Elizabeth Irving Peters, Ann Michels and Keith Rice

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Chanhassen Dinner Theatre dons a 6-foot-tall, 15-foot-wide Easter bonnet
to celebrate the stage premier of Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade."

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