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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.

🌙 Make a Night of It

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Articles

Review: DAN & SHAY “THE YOUNG TOUR” at Acrisure Amphitheater

Review: DAN & SHAY “THE YOUNG TOUR” at Acrisure Amphitheater

by Brian Hilbrand · October 8, 2026

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…

Photo Review: BROOKS & DUNN 2026 Neon Moon Tour

Photo Review: BROOKS & DUNN 2026 Neon Moon Tour

by Brian Hilbrand · September 29, 2026

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…

Photo Review: Willow Avalon and David Lee Murphy

Photo Review: Willow Avalon and David Lee Murphy

by Brian Hilbrand · September 29, 2026

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…

Photo Review: Craig Morgan

Photo Review: Craig Morgan

by Brian Hilbrand · September 13, 2026

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…

Photo Review: Alabama: Live In Concert

Photo Review: Alabama: Live In Concert

by Brian Hilbrand · September 13, 2026

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…

Photo Review: Josh Groban  Stage, Screen, and Symphony tour

Photo Review: Josh Groban Stage, Screen, and Symphony tour

by Brian Hilbrand · September 2, 2026

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 …

Review: THOMAS RHETT: 'SOUND TRACK TO LIFE TOUR' at Acrisure Amphitheater

Review: THOMAS RHETT: 'SOUND TRACK TO LIFE TOUR' at Acrisure Amphitheater

by Brian Hilbrand · August 26, 2026

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).…

Review: LINDSEY STIRLING’S DUALITY TOUR at Acrisure Amphitheater

Review: LINDSEY STIRLING’S DUALITY TOUR at Acrisure Amphitheater

by Brian Hilbrand · August 22, 2026

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…

Photo Review: Mary Kutter and Junior Brown, Special Guest for  Hank Williams, Jr.

Photo Review: Mary Kutter and Junior Brown, Special Guest for Hank Williams, Jr.

by Brian Hilbrand · August 16, 2026

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…

Photo Review: Hank Williams, Jr. @Acrisure Amphitheater, Friday, August 14th, 2026

Photo Review: Hank Williams, Jr. @Acrisure Amphitheater, Friday, August 14th, 2026

by Brian Hilbrand · August 16, 2026

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…

Past Shows

45 total · showing 31–40

Modern Jazz Meets Musical Theatre

FeaturedModern Jazz Meets Musical Theatre

Feb 18 – Feb 19, 2022

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 artists for fresh creative interpretation? A night at The Encore Cabaret: Modern Jazz Meets Musical Theatre! This event will bring...

The Eagles Tribute Concert

FeaturedThe Eagles Tribute Concert

Feb 10 – Feb 13, 2022

A tribute to the band The Eagles. Enjoy your favorite songs like "Hotel California", "Desperado", and "Take it Easy"!

StageMagThe Eagles Tribute Concert StageMag
Merry & Bright

FeaturedMerry & Bright

Dec 16 – Dec 18, 2021

Broadway Stars, Chelsea and Geoff Packard, return to The Encore for 3 nights of Holiday Cheer with MERRY & BRIGHT. The married couple, both veterans of the Great White Way, have starred on Broadway in Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Matilda and...

GIVE 'EM HELL, HARRY!

FeaturedGIVE 'EM HELL, HARRY!

Dec 8 – Dec 12, 2021

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 man from Missouri. Seven years later when he left office, he was hailed the world over as one of the great leaders of the 20th Century.Now...

Always...Patsy Cline

FeaturedAlways...Patsy Cline

Nov 11 – Nov 28, 2021

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 hilarious memories of Louise, ALWAYSPATSY CLINE is an endearing tale that combines down-home humor, unbridled heartache, and 27...

Tribute Concert Series: QUEEN

FeaturedTribute Concert Series: QUEEN

Oct 13 – Oct 17, 2021

The first concert in the Season 13 Tribute Concert Series. Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We are the Champions and more!

Smokey Joe’s Cafe

FeaturedSmokey Joe’s Cafe

Sep 23 – Oct 10, 2021

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 as Hound Dog, Love Potion No.9, Poison Ivy and Stand By Me.

James and the Giant Peach Jr.

James and the Giant Peach Jr.

Feb 28 – Mar 8, 2020

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 wants to find his place in the world, but youve never seen it like this. With music by the team behind the Broadway smash hit, Dear Evan Hansen...

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

Nov 14 – Dec 22, 2019

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 Cami Glauser, and music directed by Tyler Driskill and R. MacKenzie Lewis.The Secret Garden is a musical...

Crazy for You

Crazy for You

Jun 20 – Aug 11, 2019

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. Cooney, choreographed by Matthew Brennan, and music directed by Tyler Driskill.Crazy for You is a musical with music by George...

BroadwayWorld TV


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Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre (11/19-11/22)
La Rondine (The Swallow) in Michigan La Rondine (The Swallow)
Power Center for the Performing Arts (11/05-11/08)
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? A Musical Theatre Cabaret of Love, Lies and Bad Decisions in Michigan What Could Possibly Go Wrong? A Musical Theatre Cabaret of Love, Lies and Bad Decisions
Theatre NOVA (11/06-11/15) PHOTOS
HAIR - The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical in Michigan HAIR - The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
The Hilberry Gateway (4/09-4/25)
Sonic Live in Concert in Michigan Sonic Live in Concert
Miller Auditorium (2/25-2/25)
August Wilson's Fences in Michigan August Wilson's Fences
Kalamazoo Civic Auditorium (3/05-3/14)
WMU Theatre Presents Ragtime - In Concert  in Michigan WMU Theatre Presents Ragtime - In Concert
Dalton Center Recital Hall (2/11-2/14)
An American in Paris in Michigan An American in Paris
Power Center for the Performing Arts (4/22-4/25)
Honk! JR. in Michigan Honk! JR.
Kalamazoo Civic Auditorium (1/15-2/07)
The Wiz in Michigan The Wiz
Midland Center for the Arts (6/04-6/05)