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.
Experience the heartwarming classic Annie. This timeless Tony Award-winning musical is the perfect holiday outing!
Holiday Show
One of the most iconic bands in music history, The Beatles captivated the world with their revolutionary sound and timeless hits like “ Hey Jude ...
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 ...
Get ready to sing along to classics that have defined generations like “ Rocket Man “, “ Tiny Dancer “, and “ Your Song ” ...
Experience the timeless wit and charm of Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece starring Fred Grandy as the formidable Lady Bracknell. Join us for an evening of ...
A tribute to the iconic singer-songwriter whose timeless melodies and poetic verses span folk, rock, and jazz. From classics like “ Both Sides Now ” ...
West Side Story
6/5
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7/6/2025
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 ...
RELATED STORIES
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Michigan Awards
by BWW Awards - December 09, 2024
Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Michigan Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!...
The Encore Musical Theatre Company Presents ANNIE
by A.A. Cristi - November 11, 2024
The Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter, Michigan, has announced the opening of ANNIE on the Maas Stage from December 5, 2024, to January 12, 2025, featuring Ellen Gruber as Annie and David Moan as Daddy Warbucks....
The Encore Theatre Welcomes Cheryl Willoughby as Director of Development
by Stephi Wild - August 15, 2024
The Encore Musical Theatre Company has announced the appointment of Cheryl Willoughby as Director of Development. Entering its 16th season, the successful nonprofit produces top-quality professional theatre in the Great Lakes region and has experienced rapid growth since relocating to Dexter’s histo...
Past Shows
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 ...
Bat Boy The Musical
10/10
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10/20/2024
Based on a "true story" in the tabloid "The Weekly World News", Bat Boy: The Musical tells a tale of acceptance and belonging.
Limited Tickets Remain
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 ...
New World Comin'
9/12
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9/22/2024
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 ...
New Musical
Cool off with Dan Cooney & Friends! Join us for a summer concert at The Encore, featuring a great mix of music, including some original ...
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 ...
Concert
I'm Not Rappaport
4/11
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4/21/2024
The Love Boat stars Fred Grandy and Ted Lange (Gopher and Isaac) reunite on The Encore’s stage in this Tony Award -winning comedy.
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
2/15
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3/3/2024
“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 ...
Buy Now & Save
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 ...
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 ...
42nd Street
6/1
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6/25/2023
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, Michigan Tony and Grammy-nominated actor and singer Jeremy Jordan is set to take ...
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 ...
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 ...
Ain't Misbehavin'
9/15
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10/2/2022
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 ...
MAMMA MIA!
6/16
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7/17/2022
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
4/21
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5/1/2022
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"!...
Merry & Bright
12/16
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12/18/2021
Broadway Stars, Chelsea and Geoff Packard, return to The Encore for 3 nights of Holiday Cheer with MERRY & BRIGHT. The married couple, both veterans ...
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!...
Smokey Joe’s Cafe
9/23
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10/10/2021
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 ...
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 Secret Garden
11/14
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12/22/2019
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 ...
Fun Home
9/12
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10/13/2019
Fun Home is a Tony Award-winning musical based on Alison Bechdel's 2006 graphic memoir of the same name. The musical features music by Jeanine Tesori ...
Crazy for You
6/20
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8/11/2019
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. ...
Next to Normal
1/31
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2/24/2019
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 ...
Hello, Dolly!
11/15
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12/23/2018
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
6/21
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8/12/2018
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 ...
Assassins is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr. It ...