Sam Stoll: Minnesota’s Danny Zuko is Home

Sam Stoll has been cast as Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ (CDT) latest Danny Zuko. Stoll has been a recurring cast member in CDT shows since being cast in “The Prom” in early 2023, including playing Bob Gaudio in last year’s Spring production of “Jersey Boys.” Stoll is not only a powerhouse on the stage but also an incredibly humble, sweet person with a catching sense of enthusiasm for his craft and his return to Minnesota.

Although Stoll spent the first part of his career in New York and beyond, he was born, raised, and educated in Minnesota.

 “I always had a feeling I would settle down in Minnesota,” Stoll says. “Having gone to college at MSU Mankato, I was very aware of the great opportunities to work here in the Twin Cities and knew I would possibly return one day.”

Still, wanderlust and a slew of amazing opportunities — like traveling with the “Jekyll & Hyde” show — kept him occupied for quite some time.

“There are so many great memories over the years and travels. First, meeting and performing with Dolly Parton at Dollywood was unforgettable,” Stoll reminisces. “She rode onstage in a hot rod car, and we performed some classic ‘50s tunes to announce the opening of a new roller coaster. She was so kind when she spoke with us and surprisingly tiny!”

The professional opportunities were exciting, but Stoll insists the people he met made the biggest impact.

“Every one of those jobs brought different wonderful humans into my life whom I cherish and taught me so much about what it means to be an artist and a kind human,” Stoll says.

Like a lot of people, Stoll found himself craving a change in 2020.

“When the pandemic happened, my partner and I realized that we wanted a change of pace,” Stoll says, explaining his eventual move to the Twin Cities. “The art, the people, our home, being closer to my family, the summers here and our little puppy. It’s a fantastic place to call home.”

In addition to making a home back in Minnesota, the pair also recently marked a huge milestone together: they got married.

“It has been such an incredible few years, and capping it off with our wedding felt like the perfect sign of us really settling in here,” Stoll says. “We got married in August 2023 at the courthouse with our families there, and it was so special.”

Their wedding rather fortuitously fell on a special date. “We actually didn’t even realize the significance of the time and place we chose until our officiant reminded us that 10 years prior, in August of 2013, the first gay marriage was performed on those very steps!” Stoll says.

Stoll’s first role with the CDT was a special one to him because it spoke to a core part of his identity.

“[‘The Prom’] was particularly special to me for a number of reasons,” Stoll says. “Being a part of a show that celebrates queer love is something that I will deeply cherish. Dancing in that final number as a joyful gay kid was so empowering. Almost every single night, I would tear up.”

Stoll knows how important representation in storytelling is.

“Looking out into the audience and seeing other queer kids, partners and families seeing themselves represented on stage was incredible,” Stoll says. “The greatest joy of being a performer is telling stories that move people … to connect people, empower them, help them escape, or help them understand a differing perspective than their own.”

Stoll is looking forward to his upcoming role in CDT’s “Grease”, although this won’t be his first time playing the man, the myth, the legend, Danny Zuko. In fact, it won’t even be his first time playing the role at a dinner theater.

“Funny enough, I actually played Danny at a different dinner theater in Florida,” Stoll says with a laugh. “But playing this role in my home state and at one of my favorite theaters is an absolute dream! It’s such an over-the-top and electric musical, and getting to be Danny again gives me another chance to dig deeper and bring even more energy and heart to the role.”

Playing a beloved character can be a double-edged sword.

“Playing an iconic character can be tough because people have their own idea or image of who Danny should be,” Stoll says. “I want to make sure Danny is the character they know and love while also infusing a bit of myself into the role, too.”

Because “Grease” is such a popular show, it is slated to have an extensive run time — from January through October of 2025.

“Putting on a musical for audiences over the course of 8 months requires many humans hard at work to make every show shine and to keep it thriving,” Stoll explains. “Every person from the greeters to the waitstaff, from our spotlight crew to our marketing team, and everyone in between makes it possible to deliver on a great night of theater.”

In addition to the staff and creative team, Stoll is excited about the actors at the helm of the show.

“Every single person brings their character to life in their own fresh way while still staying true to the classic movie,” Stoll says. “It’s such an electric show with immense talent!”

This is especially true when it comes to his co-star.

 “My dear friend and scene partner, Dayle Theisen, is just a delight on and off the stage,” Stoll says. “Not only does she bring such warmth and heart to Sandy, but she is a true triple threat. I’ve loved seeing her really step into her own, and I think she is one to watch here in the cities.”

Above all, Stoll is just grateful to be back here in his home state, fully engaged in his craft. 

“I just want to thank people for supporting art of all kinds,” Stoll says. “Without theatergoers, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love, so thank you! … I’m so thrilled to be doing this show again and to rock out on that stage!”

See Sam performing as Danny in “Grease” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres! Show and ticket information can be found at www.chanhassendt.org