Tribute: QUEEN
Get ready to rock as The Encore celebrates the legendary sound of Queen. With electrifying vocals, a powerhouse band, and all the theatrical flair you’d...
About the Theatre
The Encore Musical Theatre Company is Southeast Michigan’s premier professional musical theatre, committed to producing high-quality musicals and live music performances that entertain, inspire, and bring communities together. Recognized by the performers’ union, Actors’ Equity Association, The Encore is a not-for-profit professional musical theatre company located in historic Dexter, Michigan. Our mission is to create the highest quality theatrical productions with an emphasis on musical theatre, utilizing both nationally and locally sourced professional artists to bring stories to life in our uniquely intimate space.
The Encore was founded in 2008 by Broadway actor Dan Cooney and local residents Anne and Paul Koch. All three shared a love for the charming “Village of Dexter” and a belief that what would make it even more vibrant was a theater. Over the past 15 years, the Encore has produced over 190 productions, concerts and other special events, including many Golden Age classics, powerful contemporary musicals, new works, and diverse concert offerings.
In our 15-year history, we have played host to many Broadway and award-winning artists including Tony Walton (Tony, Emmy and Oscar winner), Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Smash, Supergirl), Kahil El’Zabar (legendary modern jazz multi-instrumentalist), Kathie Lee Gifford (Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee, Daytime Emmy winner), Alice Ripley (Tony Award-winning Broadway actor), John McDaniel (The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Emmy and Grammy winner), Telly Leung (Aladdin, Glee), Jessica Grové (The Wizard of Oz, Thoroughly Modern Millie), Erika Henningsen (Mean Girls), Gary Adler (Avenue Q, Alter Boyz), Aaron LaVigne (Jesus Christ Superstar), Janet Allard (Playwright, Fulbright Fellow), Niko Tsakalakos (Composer/Lyricist), Larry Gatlin (The Gatlin Brothers), Conor Ryan (Moulin Rouge), Ali Ewoldt (The Phantom of the Opera), Hugh Panaro (The Phantom of the Opera) and many others.
The Encore is home to a successful Summer Theatre Program that began in 2010, educating children ages 5-18 each summer. The popular program has grown to over 150 students yearly, and provides a nurturing and safe space for children to create, explore, make lasting friendships and build their confidence.
Thanks to a great deal of community support, The Encore continues to thrive and contribute significantly to the economic and cultural richness of Dexter and Southeast Michigan.
Upcoming Shows
SISTER ACT
The University of Michigan at The Encore presents a feel-good musical comedy… bursting with energy, Sister Act follows a nightclub singer who unexpectedly finds herself hiding out...
Tribute: CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG
Rich harmonies and timeless songwriting take center stage in this tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Featuring songs like “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Helplessly...
HOLIDAY INN
Celebrate the magic of the season with Holiday Inn, a charming musical filled with timeless songs from Irving Berlin. Centered around a farmhouse that transforms with...
Tribute: MICHAEL JACKSON
Step into the world of the King of Pop with a high-octane tribute to Michael Jackson. From “Thriller” to “Billie Jean,” this concert delivers the...
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Witty, whimsical, and delightfully over-the-top, The Pirates of Penzance is a comic operetta brimming with clever wordplay and unforgettable melodies. Featuring bumbling pirates, star-crossed lovers, and a...
COME FROM AWAY
Based on an extraordinary true story, Come From Away tells of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them in the wake of...
Tribute: SARA BAREILLES
Up close and deeply personal, this Sara Bareilles tribute transforms the Lobby Stage into an intimate evening of storytelling through song. Featuring hits like “Love...
A CHORUS LINE
An intimate look behind the curtain, A Chorus Line follows a group of dancers auditioning for a Broadway show as they share their personal stories, struggles, and...
Tribute: JIMMY BUFFETT
Escape to paradise with this high-spirited tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Featuring favorites like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” this beachy concert is all about good...
Review: “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC BIGGER & WEIRDER TOUR at Acrisure Amphitheater
“Weird Al” in true fashion sang a variety of spoofs from his original catalog, including hits like: “Tacky,” “Polkamania!,” 'It’s My World (and We’re All Living in It),” 'One More Minute,”“Another One Rides the Bus,” 'Amish Paradise,” 'Smells Like Nirvana,' and “Dare to B…
Review: DARIUS RUCKER'S SONGS OF SUMMER TOUR at Acrisure Amphitheater
I was fortunate enough to see and work a show when Darius first reintroduced himself as a Country artist at a small acoustic concert. Darius Rucker played the 107 MUS The Moose (WMUS) concert in Muskegon, Michigan, in 2013 shortly after he transitioned to country music, acting as a headliner for the…
Review: A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER at Avon Players
A production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is only as strong as its many moving parts, and this cast delivered them with delicious precision. The women of the show were far more than romantic interests orbiting Monty’s schemes—they were a dazzling constellation all their own. Hosan…
Review: HAMILTON at The Fisher Theatre
Hamilton is the room where it happens—a history remix that’s not throwing away its shot at dazzling you with rhyme, rhythm, and revolution. Founding fathers trade powdered wigs for mic drops as ambition rises faster than the tempo, and duels come with both pistols and punchlines. This production…
Review: THE LION KING at Broadway Grand Rapids
The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 25 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America…
Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Stagecrafters
Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a poor milkman in Anatevka, and his five daughters who choose love over arranged marriages, challenging Tevye’s beliefs about faith and family.…
Review: LUCKY STIFF at University Of Michigan Flint Theatre
Lucky Stiff is a musical comedy that felt like the perfect combination of Weekend at Bernie’s mixed with the play Noises Off. It was funny, zany, and completely unpredictable.…
Review: THE OUTSIDERS at The Fisher Theatre
Do you want to see a show with some of the most exciting and breathtaking stage combat you’ve ever seen? Do you want to see a cast perform some of the most buttery smooth vocals currently on tour? Then I implore you to get tickets for The Outsiders performing at the Fisher Theatre through March 15…
Review: DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE at Fox Theatre
it’s hard for me to pick a favorite performance of the night, but if I had to pick one that stands out, it was when Brandon Armstrong and Britt Stewart danced to Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce. Every season, I see these two get criminally overlooked on the show! Brandon Armstrong is a …
Review: DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES at Van Andel Arena
True to the show's name, we hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a ride for some “Road Trip Adventures”. Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy invite the audience to embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations.…
Past Shows
A Thoroughly Friendly Day at The Encore
A Thoroughly Friendly Day at The Encore is a special sensory-friendly performance of the musical Fiddler on the Roof, designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities,...
Tribute: BILLIE HOLIDAY
Step into the Encore’s lobby stage for a smoky, soulful evening of music and memory. This tribute to “Lady Day” captures the emotion and elegance...
RENT
The Encore Musical Theatre Company presents RENT, Jonathan Larson's rock musical inspired by Puccini's La Bohème, running April 9–May 3, 2026, at the Maas Theatre....
FeaturedRENT
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Celebrate the power of love, community, and living for today with RENT, the groundbreaking musical that changed Broadway...
Tribute: TAYLOR SWIFT
From country roots to global pop icon-experience the evolution of Taylor Swift’s sound with this electrifying concert. A hit-filled evening for fans of every era....
Tribute: DEFYING GRAVITY - The Music of Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz gave Broadway some of its most unforgettable anthems-from the magic of Wicked (“Defying Gravity,” “For Good”) to the soul of Pippin (“Corner of...
Tribute: BOB SEGER
Michigan’s Own Rock’s Finest Turn the page with this high-energy concert honoring Michigan rock legend Bob Seger. Featuring hits like “Night Moves,” “Against the Wind,”...
FeaturedDisney's FROZEN
Frozen storms The Encore stage in this highly anticipated production! Based on the smash hit Disney film, this Tony-nominated Broadway musical brings the magic of...
Limited Tickets Remain
A Merry Little Christmas
Get into the holiday spirit with Encore favorites, Chris Joseph, Gayle E. Martin, and Ash Moran. Join the talented trio for an intimate evening on...
FeaturedRADIO RECALL
Celebrating Queen to Coldplay, The Beatles to Tina - Radio Recall is both intimate and explosive - an authentic performance that takes you through the...
FeaturedSHE LOVES ME
The Encore presents the University of Michigan’s renowned Department of Musical Theatre’s production. Step into the charming world of She Loves Me, a romantic gem...
FeaturedTribute: STEVIE WONDER
Celebrate the genius of one of Motown’s most iconic voices. From “Superstition” to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” this unforgettable night of soul, funk, and joy will...
Dan Cooney & Friends: The Nashville Edition
Join us for a special evening as we celebrate The Encore’s Artistic Director, Dan Cooney, and the release of his brand-new EP (Extended Play) Album—featuring...
FeaturedWest Side Story
This timeless tale of love and conflict in the streets of New York comes alive in The Encore’s intimate Maas Theatre. With electrifying choreography and...
Tribute: Joni Mitchell
A tribute to the iconic singer-songwriter whose timeless melodies and poetic verses span folk, rock, and jazz. From classics like “Both Sides Now” to “Big...
FeaturedThe Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde's comedic masterpiece starring Fred Grandy (TV's The Love Boat)
Comedy
Tribute: Elton John
Get ready to sing along to classics that have defined generations like “Rocket Man“, “Tiny Dancer“, and “Your Song” as we celebrate the legendary career...
FeaturedSense & Sensibility
Rediscover the timeless tale of love and resilience in Michigan’s premiere production. Winner of Chicago’s Jeff Award for Best New Musical, Paul Gordon’s soaring score...
New MusicalMichigan Premiere
Tribute: The Beatles
One of the most iconic bands in music history, The Beatles captivated the world with their revolutionary sound and timeless hits like “Hey Jude,” “Yesterday,”...
FeaturedAnnie
Experience the heartwarming classic Annie. This timeless Tony Award-winning musical is the perfect holiday outing!
Holiday Show
FeaturedChelsea Packard: Broadway, Old Fashioned
Chelsea Packard returns to The Encore for an intimate evening of Broadway classics…jazzed up! Experience Chelsea’s stunning and agile vocals - One Night Only!
FeaturedTribute: Broadway Thrillers
A spine-chilling concert that celebrates Broadway’s darker side. Featuring haunting melodies from shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, Sweeney Todd, Wicked, and more… this concert promises...
FeaturedBat Boy The Musical
Based on a "true story" in the tabloid "The Weekly World News", Bat Boy: The Musical tells a tale of acceptance and belonging.
Limited Tickets Remain
Tribute: Sam Cooke
A trailblazing figure in the world of music, Sam Cooke left an indelible mark on the rhythm and blues scene of the 1950s and ’60s...
FeaturedNew World Comin'
Four girls with big dreams set out for New York City…life comes along for the ride.At a time when it seems like the whole world...
New Musical
Dan Cooney & Friends
Cool off with Dan Cooney & Friends!Join us for a summer concert at The Encore, featuring a great mix of music, including some original songs,...
FeaturedRodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
Wednesdays/Thursdays at 3PM Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30 Saturdays/Sundays at 2PM
FeaturedTribute: Classic Rock 2.0
A highly anticipated sequel to Season 14's most popular tribute concert, Tribute to Classic Rock 2.0 is the ultimate celebration of the music that defined...
Concert
FeaturedI'm Not Rappaport
The Love Boat stars Fred Grandy and Ted Lange (Gopher and Isaac) reunite on The Encore’s stage in this Tony Award -winning comedy.
Comedy
FeaturedTribute: The Mamas and the Papas
This tribute concert will showcase an incredible lineup of talented musicians paying homage to the timeless music and harmonies that defined The Mamas & the...
Tribute: Women in Jazz Starring Tammy McCann
Star jazz vocalist, Tammy McCann takes us on an unforgettable musical journey in celebration of the indelible mark left by female jazz musicians throughout history....
FeaturedInto the Woods
“Into the Woods, each time you go there’s more to learn of what you know"
FeaturedAlice Ripley and John McDaniel
Tony Award winner, Alice Ripley, joins The Rosie O’Donnell Show’s John McDaniel for a “Cabaret at The Encore” special event.
Tribute: Paul Simon & Garfunkel
Join us for an evening filled with the greatest hits of Paul Simon, showcasing his remarkable solo career as well as the beloved classics from...
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
This holiday season discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list! With a dazzling score by Irving Berlin, featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,”...
Featured25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Encore proudly welcomes the internationally acclaimed Musical Theatre Department from The University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Winner of the Tony...
Buy Now & Save
FeaturedTribute: Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons
Join us as we kick off our Season 15 Tribute Concert Series with the ultimate homage to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at The...
FeaturedLittle Shop of Horrors
THE ENCORE: Southeast Michigan's Premier Professional Musical Theatre Company proudly presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.Little Shop of Horrors is a deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood...
John McDaniel and Jessica Grové
renowned artists John McDaniel and Jessica Grové take the stage for a mesmerizing one-night-only cabaret performance. Audiences can expect an enchanting evening of music, showcasing...
Featured42nd Street
Come and meet those dancing feet on 42ND STREET, the glamorous, Tony Award-Winning, 1930’s musical spectacular. The stakes are high when a young chorus girl...
FeaturedJohn McDaniel and Hugh Panaro
The Encore Musical Theatre's new Cabaret Series brings Grammy and two-time Emmy Award-winner, John McDaniel (The Rosie O'Donnell Show) and Broadway star Hugh Panaro (The...
Jeremy Jordan
Tony-nominated Jeremy Jordan sells out The Encore for one-night-only concert in Dexter, MichiganTony and Grammy-nominated actor and singer Jeremy Jordan is set to take the...
A Tribute to James Taylor
Join us as we wrap up our Season 14 Tribute Concert Seriers at The Encore with a tribute to the master songster, James Taylor....
DIVAS Tribute Concert
Join The Encore for their popular tribute concert series! DIVAS will celebrate the greatest pop singers of all time - Whitney, Mariah, Celine, Adele, Aretha...
FeaturedOnce on This Island
Once on This Island is a Calypso-flavored tale of one small girl who finds love in a world of prejudice. Winner of the 2018 TONY AWARD FOR...
Kahil El'Zabar's A MODERN EXPLORATION OF THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble’s “A Modern Exploration of the American Songbook” featuring the 2020 "Chicagoan of the Year" in Jazz, Tammy McCann (vocals) and the...
Stairway to Heaven: A Tribute to Classic Rock
Enjoy the best of Classic Rock with our tribute concert including songs from Queen, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and many many more! Directed by Dan Cooney, Music Direction by R. MacKenzie...
A Christmas Story The Musical
The holiday classic comes to life on stage with this hilarious and colorful musical from University of Michigan alumn songwriting team, Pasek and Paul (Tony...
RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS: A Tribute to The Carpenters
Broadway stars Chelsea and Geoff Packard bring the music of The Carpenters to life with an evening of their greatest hits including, "Solitaire", "Rainy Days...
FeaturedAin't Misbehavin'
A sassy, sultry musical celebration of legendary jazz great, Fats Waller. Aint Misbehavin is one of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time and...
FeaturedMAMMA MIA!
On a small Greek island, Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding one which includes her father giving her away. The problem? Sophie doesnt know who...
TRIBUTE: BILLY JOEL
The Encore Presents TRIBUTE: Billy Joel, MAY 12 - 15Billy Joel turns 73 this week and The Encore is celebrating in a big way! One...
FeaturedA THOUSAND FACES
A THOUSAND FACES: THE LON CHANEY MUSICAL tells the incredible true story of the pioneering silent movie star, who changed the face of film. Born...
TRIBUTE: DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES
Celebrate Women's History Month with a tribute to America's most successful vocal group of all-time, THE SUPREMES! Detroit vocalist ARIELLE CROSBY (Stevie Wonder and Queen...
FeaturedStevie Wonder Tribute Concert
The Encore performs Stevie Wonder's greatest hits....
FeaturedModern Jazz Meets Musical Theatre
What happens when you take the Great American Songbook of Musical Theatre and hand it over to a collaboration of Broadway vocalists and global Jazz...
FeaturedThe Eagles Tribute Concert
A tribute to the band The Eagles. Enjoy your favorite songs like "Hotel California", "Desperado", and "Take it Easy"!...
FeaturedMerry & Bright
Broadway Stars, Chelsea and Geoff Packard, return to The Encore for 3 nights of Holiday Cheer with MERRY & BRIGHT. The married couple, both veterans...
FeaturedGIVE 'EM HELL, HARRY!
When Harry Truman was unexpectedly thrust into the U.S. Presidency in 1945, he was ridiculed by both the press and the public as the little...
FeaturedAlways...Patsy Cline
The touching and true story of country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with a Texas housewife Louise Seger. Told through the heartfelt and...
FeaturedTribute Concert Series: QUEEN
The first concert in the Season 13 Tribute Concert Series. Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We are the Champions and more!...
FeaturedSmokey Joe’s Cafe
The longest running review on Broadway, Smokey Joes Cafe takes you to The Neighborhood, featuring the music of Leiber and Stoller, with recognizable tunes such...
James and the Giant Peach Jr.
James and the Giant Peach Jr. is a fun-filled musical take on the classic story! You may remember this adventure of a boy who just...
The Secret Garden
The Encore Musical Theatre Company proudly presents The Secret Garden, running November 14th through December 22nd 2019. The Secret Garden is directed and choreographed by...
Crazy for You
The Encore Musical Theatre Company proudly presents Crazy for You, running June 20th through August 11th, 2019. Crazy for You is directed by Daniel C....
Next to Normal
The Encore Musical Theatre Company proudly presents Next to Normal, running January 31st through February 24th, 2019. Next to Normal is directed by Wilde Award...
Hello, Dolly!
The Encore Musical Theatre Company proudly presents Hello, Dolly!, running November 15th through December 23rd, 2018. Hello, Dolly! is directed by Jamie Colburn, music directed...
A Little Night Music
The Encore Musical Theatre Company proudly presents A Little Night Music, running September 20th through October 14th, 2018. A Little Night Music is directed and...
West Side Story
West Side Story is a musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It was inspired by...
INTO THE WILD: A New Musical
The Encore Musical Theatre Company opens the developmental premiere of INTO THE WILD on April 14th. Based on the novel of the same name by...
|
Oliver! The Berman Center for Performing Arts (7/17-7/26) |
|
O.A.R., Gavin DeGraw & KT Tunstall Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (9/05-9/05) |
|
Rendezvous with Rachel Revere™ First Congregational Church UCC South Haven (8/15-8/15) |
|
The Phantom of the Opera Cobb Great Hall (8/25-9/05) |
|
McNeal Power Center for the Performing Arts (2/25-2/28) |
|
Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre (11/19-11/22) |
|
The Wizard of Oz Baldwin Theatre (7/24-8/02) |
|
My Chemical Romance & Iggy Pop Comerica Park (10/21-10/21) |
|
Much Ado About Nothing Arthur Miller Theatre (2/25-2/28) |
|
|
SISTER ACT THE ENCORE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY (10/08-10/17) |