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 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…
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. The show was eye-catching and inspiring, and one of my favorite things is the theatricality. She seamlessly integrates intricate choreography, breathtaking aerial a…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
71 total · showing 11–20
Celebrating Queen to Coldplay, The Beatles to Tina - Radio Recall is both intimate and explosive - an authentic performance that takes you through the soundtrack of your life. Harkening back to your first album or attending your first concert, Radio Recall will make you laugh...
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 that inspired the 1990s Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks film, You’ve Got Mail! Set in a 1930s European perfumery, this...
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 have you dancing in your seat. Sponsored by Dexter’s Pub.
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 original songs inspired by family and life’s personal moments. In the spirit of Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café, the...
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 an unforgettable score by the great Leonard Bernstein, this classic musical captivates audiences with its powerful themes 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 Yellow Taxi ,” join us for an intimate concert on the Lobby Stage.
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 of one of music’s most beloved icons, Sir Elton John.
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 and Jane Austen’s beloved characters take us on the journey of the Dashwood sisters as they navigate romance...
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 ,” and “ Let It Be “. Join our talented musicians and singers as they pay tribute to the leaders of the British...
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Ghost Light Cabaret Series: One Hit Wonders Flint Institute of Music (8/31-9/02) |
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Les Miserables Grosse Pointe Theatre (9/18-10/11) |
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University of Michigan Dance Company 2027 Power Center for the Performing Arts (2/11-2/14) |
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Beetlejuice Cobb Great Hall (9/18-9/20) |
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A CHORUS LINE THE ENCORE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY (6/17-7/18) |
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Guys & Dolls Bay City Players (4/24-5/09) |
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WMU Theatre Presents Ragtime - In Concert Dalton Center Recital Hall (2/11-2/14) |
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An American in Paris Power Center for the Performing Arts (4/22-4/25) |
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Tribute: JIMMY BUFFETT THE ENCORE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY (7/23-7/25) |
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Silent Sky Parish Theatre (11/06-11/15) |
