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
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....
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Celebrate the power of love, community, and living for today with RENT, the groundbreaking musical that changed Broadway...
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...
Music by Jerry Bock | Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick | Book by Joseph Stein One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Fiddler on...
by Brian Hilbrand - February 06, 2026
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....
by Emily Schenk - December 18, 2025
The national touring cast of Hell‘s Kitchen arrives at The Fisher Theatre. Hell’s Kitchen features pop hits from Grammy Award-winning Alicia Keys. Hell‘s Kitchen is a story of a young girl growing up in Manhattan trying to chase her dreams, find love, and navigate the city....
by Emily Schenk - December 17, 2025
Doris Walker, played by Ellie Baker, was the star of the show, and in more ways than one, her angelic voice and quick wit really played into the fast-talking talking powerful female, Macy’s exact executive, her child, and charisma was matched only by The Man and Red himself. Kris Kringle brought j...
by Brian Hilbrand - December 16, 2025
A story, although not written by Seuss, is an after-story of sorts, detailing what happens the night after Cindy Lou Who meets the Grinch, who, interestingly enough, and without giving too much away, end up getting married. The wild and crazy events that go down as a result of that are nothing sho...
Past Shows
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...
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,”...
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...
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...
Celebrating Queen to Coldplay, The Beatles to Tina - Radio Recall is both intimate and explosive - an authentic performance that takes you through the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Oscar Wilde's comedic masterpiece starring Fred Grandy (TV's The Love Boat)
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...
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...
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,”...
Experience the heartwarming classic Annie. This timeless Tony Award-winning musical is the perfect holiday outing!
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!
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...
Based on a "true story" in the tabloid "The Weekly World News", Bat Boy: The Musical tells a tale of acceptance and belonging.
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...
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...
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,...
Wednesdays/Thursdays at 3PM Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30 Saturdays/Sundays at 2PM
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...
The Love Boat stars Fred Grandy and Ted Lange (Gopher and Isaac) reunite on The Encore’s stage in this Tony Award -winning comedy.
This tribute concert will showcase an incredible lineup of talented musicians paying homage to the timeless music and harmonies that defined The Mamas & the...
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....
“Into the Woods, each time you go there’s more to learn of what you know"
Tony Award winner, Alice Ripley, joins The Rosie O’Donnell Show’s John McDaniel for a “Cabaret at The Encore” special event.
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...
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,”...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Join us as we wrap up our Season 14 Tribute Concert Seriers at The Encore with a tribute to the master songster, James Taylor....
Join The Encore for their popular tribute concert series! DIVAS will celebrate the greatest pop singers of all time - Whitney, Mariah, Celine, Adele, Aretha...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The Encore Presents TRIBUTE: Billy Joel, MAY 12 - 15Billy Joel turns 73 this week and The Encore is celebrating in a big way! One...
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...
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...
The Encore performs Stevie Wonder's greatest hits....
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...
A tribute to the band The Eagles. Enjoy your favorite songs like "Hotel California", "Desperado", and "Take it Easy"!...
Broadway Stars, Chelsea and Geoff Packard, return to The Encore for 3 nights of Holiday Cheer with MERRY & BRIGHT. The married couple, both veterans...
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...
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...
The first concert in the Season 13 Tribute Concert Series. Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We are the Champions and more!...
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. is a fun-filled musical take on the classic story! You may remember this adventure of a boy who just...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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 is a musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It was inspired by...
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...
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