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.
3x GRAMMY-winning duo Dan & Shay brought their “The Young Tour” to the Acrisure Amphitheater on Friday, as part of their North America tour, in support of their forthcoming studio album, Young. Arriving this past August via Warner Records Nashville, the 26-date run will feature support from T…
Brooks & Dunn, the best-selling country duo of all time and most-awarded artists in CMA history, extend their NEON MOON TOUR into 2026. The Country Music Hall of Famers brought their “don’t miss” (Whiskey Riff) live show to Acrisure Amphitheater on Friday, September 25, with special guests Wil…
In 2025, her songs 'Tequila and Whiskey' and 'Homewrecker' went viral on TikTok. Soon after, Avalon released her debut album, Southern Belle Raisin' Hell, on January 17, 2025. She used her mugshot from a previous arrest for the album's cover. David Lee Murphy is best recognized by his massive hit…
Some people know innately who they are and what they stand for. Within minutes of any interaction with Craig Morgan, it’s clear God, family, and country are his foundation. The veteran hitmaker continues to celebrate those pillars on his new EP, American Soundtrack. “I try to celebrate God, f…
It’s the kind of story you read about in books and watch on the big screen at the movies. For the band ALABAMA, it’s not just a story; it’s their life. It’s a classic American tale of rags to riches. From humble beginnings picking cotton in the fields to international stars that went on to s…
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…
45 total · showing 11–20
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 to leave you thrilled! Sponsored by Dexter’s Pub.
Based on a "true story" in the tabloid "The Weekly World News", Bat Boy: The Musical tells a tale of acceptance and belonging.
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 is changing once again, New World Comin’ , a feminist take on a ‘60s jukebox musical, remembers another time when rights for women was an idea about...
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 generations and continues to inspire millions worldwide.
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 Papas' legacy.
“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.
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Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre (11/19-11/22) |
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La Rondine (The Swallow) Power Center for the Performing Arts (11/05-11/08) |
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What Could Possibly Go Wrong? A Musical Theatre Cabaret of Love, Lies and Bad Decisions Theatre NOVA (11/06-11/15) |
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The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance Meadow Brook Theatre (10/07-11/01) |
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Men's Glee Club Spring Concert Hill Auditorium (4/17-4/17) |
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SIX DeVos Performance Hall (1/12-1/17) |
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Disney's The Lion King Cobb Great Hall (4/08-4/25) |
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THE ONE GOOD THING OR "ARE YA PATRICK SWAYZE" Williamston Theatre (9/24-10/25) |
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Purpose Detroit Repertory Theatre (1/08-3/14) |
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Michael Blaustein Michigan Theater (12/04-12/04) |
