Season 15: Packed with Thrilling Musicals, Concerts, and Some Very Special Events
September 7, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Washtenaw County, Michigan, May 12, 2023 – The Encore Musical Theatre announces its 15th Anniversary Season with a thrilling lineup. “This season is special,” says Artistic Director, Dan Cooney, “because, in honor of our 15th year, we are bringing back four beloved musicals that were last seen in our old garage space and taking them to new heights!” The season opens with Little Shop of Horrors (September 7–24, 2023). Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind this deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical that has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years.
For the holidays, The Encore presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Based on the classic film, this dazzling score features some of Berlin’s best-known standards, including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and the iconic title song. This uplifting, wholesome musical will delight audiences of all ages.
In February, Michiganders can escape the winter gloom and go Into the Woods! This Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical brings everyone’s favorite storybook characters together in a timeless, yet relevant piece. When everyone’s wish is ultimately granted, unexpected consequences ensue…
April brings the return of Fred Grandy (Gopher from The Love Boat) in the Broadway play I’m Not Rappaport, reuniting Grandy with his Love Boat co-star, Ted Lange (Isaac). The play (which later became a film with Walter Matthau and Ossie Davis), tells the story of two elderly men, Nat and Midge, who meet regularly in Central Park and engage in humorous and poignant conversations about their lives and the world around them. I’m Not Rappaport will be directed by Vincent Cardinal (University of Michigan).
The season closes in June with the classic American musical, Oklahoma! The first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, II, this Tony Award-winning show first debuted on Broadway in 1943, once again garnering eight Tony nominations in 2019 and a win for Best Revival of a Musical. Featuring unforgettable songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” this production will be a collaboration with University of Michigan’s Dance Department for a spectacular staging of this must-see musical that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
The Encore’s popular Tribute Concert Series will launch Season 15 with a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Sept. 28–Oct. 1, 2023. This is followed by tributes to Paul Simon (and Art Garfunkel) Jan. 11–14, Women in Jazz March 8–9 (with the return of International Jazz Artist Tammy McCann), and a deep dive into the ‘60s with the music of The Mamas & the Papas March 14–17. The series will close May 2–5 with Classic Rock 2.0.
Season 15 also includes two very special events: A production of the long-running Broadway musical Chicago in collaboration with University of Michigan’s Department of Musical Theatre (Oct. 20–29), and the return of John McDaniel for another Broadway Cabaret, featuring Dexter’s own Broadway star, Jessica Grové. These last two events will not be included in the subscription packages, but a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase through The Encore’s website.
Season 15 subscriptions go on sale on June 1st and single tickets go on sale on June 20th, 2023. Subscribers enjoy priority booking and a 10% discount on tickets they purchase for family and friends. Pricing can be found on The Encore’s website at theencoretheatre.org. at the box office by calling 734-268-6200, or in-person at The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 7714 Ann Arbor Street, Dexter MI 48130. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10AM – 2PM.