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.
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 expect, this tribute brings iconic hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and “We Will Rock You” to life. Bold...
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 in a convent—only to turn the choir into a powerhouse of soul and spirit. Packed with infectious...
Rich harmonies and timeless songwriting take center stage in this tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Featuring songs like “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Helplessly Hoping,” and “Teach Your Children,” this concert captures the spirit of a generation with warmth, authenticity...
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 each holiday, this joyful story features romance, laughter, and classics like “White Christmas.” It’s a warm...
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 moves, the music, and the magic that made him a global icon. With dynamic choreography and a live band, it’s a thrilling celebration...
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 hilariously peculiar sense of duty, this Gilbert and Sullivan favorite is...
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 9/11. With a soaring score and a deeply human story, this moving musical celebrates kindness, resilience, and the power of...
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 Song,” “Brave,” and selections from Waitress, this concert highlights her signature blend of heartfelt lyrics...
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 dreams. Featuring iconic songs and groundbreaking storytelling, this Pulitzer Prize–winning musical is a powerful...
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 vibes, great music, and a little island escapism. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ultimate summer...
We were fortunate to head back to the Acrisure Amphitheater last weekend, this time to hear Tony®, EMMY®, and five-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist Josh Groban take the stage for his “Stage, Screen, and Symphony” tour in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The …
We were fortunate to head back out to the Accurasure Amplitheatre last weekend for the Thomas Rhett The Soundtrack to Life tour, with special guests Conner Smith and Emily Ann Roberts (who had a very Dolly Parton-style approach to singing and storytelling).…
We were fortunate to attend the second-to-last stop on Lindsey Stirling’s Duality Tour, after her most recent album of the same name. This concert came at the right time for me personally, as I had gotten some rough news earlier in the day, that was very unexpected, and had debated attending the s…
Kentucky-raised and Nashville-based, Mary Kutter writes songs that live in the gray area, blurring genre lines and creative narratives. Drawing from country storytelling and rock-leaning intensity, her music favors sharp images over easy answers. As both a songwriter and recording artist, Kutter gra…
Hank Williams, Jr.'s rescheduled tour stop this past Friday at the Acrisure Amphitheater was nothing short of impressive and worth the wait from the original date, which was moved due to wildfire smoke from Canada reducing the Air quality in Michigan, and making it not good to be outside for extend…
We attended Unity Fest Day 2, out at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Michigan, and although Unity has great Bands and Artists and is a multi-day event, it isn’t just about the music; it is far bigger than that! For over 25 years, the heart behind the Unity Christian Musical Festival has been bigger …
Lynyrd Skynyrd Acrisure Amphitheater, July 31, 2026…
Escape to Margaretaville has been one of my bucket list shows as long as I have known they made it a musical. I was supposed to originally see it back in 2020, when it was part of a season ticket I had to the Broadway Grand Rapids season, but ultimately it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemi…
“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…
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…
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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, neurodivergent conditions, dementia, and other special needs. Set in the village of Anatevka, the show...
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 of a true jazz legend, up close and personal.
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. Directed by Matt Bogart, the production follows a group of young artists—including filmmaker Mark and musician...
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Celebrate the power of love, community, and living for today with RENT, the groundbreaking musical that changed Broadway forever. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Awards, RENT follows a group of young artists and friends...
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. Sponsored by Dexter's Pub.
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 the Sky,” “Magic to Do”) and the spirit of Godspell (“Day by Day,” “Prepare Ye”). This concert lifts the curtain on...
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,” and more, it’s a gritty, heartfelt salute to a hometown hero. Sponsored by Dexter's Pub.
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 Arendelle to life with show-stopping numbers like “Let It Go” and dazzling special effects. With a powerful story of...
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 The Lobby Stage. It’ll be Merry, it’ll be Bright, and if you like Christmas music (and who doesn’t?!) you won’t want to miss this...
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August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom FIM Flint Repertory Theatre (9/18-10/04) |
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Les Miserables Grosse Pointe Theatre (9/18-10/11) |
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August Wilson's Seven Guitars Detroit Repertory Theatre (5/21-6/27) |
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Come From Away Village Theater At Cherry Hill (9/11-9/20) |
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SIX (Boleyn Tour) Wharton Center [Cobb Great Hall] (12/01-12/06) |
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Murakami by the Sea Arthur Miller Theatre (4/08-4/11) |
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Tribute: MICHAEL JACKSON THE ENCORE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY (1/15-1/17) |
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Scrooge! The Hilberry Gateway (12/04-12/20) |
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Chicago the Musical Boardwalk Theatre (9/26-10/11) |
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The Lion King Wharton Center [Cobb Great Hall] (4/08-4/25) |
