A Modest Proposal from Fred Grandy

“The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king”.

Most of us have probably heard that phrase from Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2, but have you ever stopped to wonder why we call them “plays”? The word is derived from the Old English word “plegan” which meant “to amuse oneself or make merry”. And by the 14th Century the word described any joyous public spectacle which was much needed at the time because if you know anything about the 14th Century there wasn’t much to be joyful about. So both prince and peasant went to the theatre to be taken out of themselves, to escape the tribulations of daily life, and maybe for a brief few hours have their consciences captured by a spectacle that tugged at their heart strings and fired their imaginations.

Not much has changed has it? Today we still go to the theatre to escape, to find joy and wonder in stories and songs that provide a temporary sanctuary from a world that is often too much with us. And I can tell you as an actor who has played theatres and soundstages in New York and Los Angeles and scores of regional playhouses across the United States, no place does it better than your own Encore Musical Theatre.

Under the expert and loving guidance of Dan Cooney and Jessica Grové, The Encore has consistently provided theatre goers in southeast Michigan with Broadway-caliber productions rarely found outside of New York or London.

A few years ago, The Encore provided me the opportunity to develop my one man show, Give ‘Em Hell, Harry, which I subsequently toured all over the country. I was so impressed that I lured my Love Boat cast mates Ted Lange and Jill Whelan to The Encore to perform I’m Not Rappaport, an experience they can’t stop talking about. And I am still so smitten with The Encore’s commitment to quality and community that I am braving the Michigan winter to play Major General Stanley in their upcoming production of The Pirates of Penzance. Working at The Encore is not a job for me. It’s a gift.

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”

So says Blanche Dubois in Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire, a sentiment repeated daily by every nonprofit theatre company in America. Not a single not-for-profit playhouse from New York to Honolulu can survive on ticket sales alone. Every one relies on the kindness of strangers, donors and patrons like you who give generously to support theatre arts. The Encore is blessed to have a huge community of friends who have helped fill the historic Copeland building’s stage with music and memories that keep bringing audiences back for more.

So to keep building that standard of excellence we ask again for your support. And as a special incentive, Dan and Jessica have told me that they have found an anonymous donor who will match dollar for dollar the first $50,000 raised (through January 31, 2027). So please give now and double your support.

Thank you to each and every one of you who have given in the past or are contributing for the first time…

“Wilkomen, bienvenue, welcome!”

See you at the Curtain Call.