Encore Announces 18th Season Lineup

The Encore Musical Theatre Company has announced its 18th Season, a lineup of beloved musicals and high-energy tribute concerts running from Sept. 2026 through July 2027.

“This season is about belonging: the joy of being welcomed, the courage to be seen, and the power of people coming together,” said Artistic Director and co-founder Dan Cooney. “Each show celebrates community in its own way, from the outrageous and joyful to the deeply human.”

The Mainstage Series opens with a special presentation of the University of Michigan’s Sister Act (October 8–17), a joyful, high-powered musical comedy filled with gospel music, big laughs, and an infectious spirit of community. The holiday season brings Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (November 27–January 3), a tap-filled celebration of classic American songbook standards wrapped in a warm, nostalgic story.

In the new year, audiences can dive into the witty brilliance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance (February 18–March 14), a fast-paced operetta packed with clever wordplay, soaring melodies, and comic absurdity. Next comes the deeply moving Come From Away (April 15–May 9), the remarkable true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland’s extraordinary kindness in the days following 9/11, told through a stirring, folk-inspired score. The season closes with A Chorus Line (June 17–July 18), the iconic and intimate portrait of dancers chasing their Broadway dreams, celebrated for its raw honesty and unforgettable music.

Complementing the Mainstage productions, The Encore’s Tribute Concert Series returns with five electrifying weekends: Queen (September 11–13), Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young (October 23–25), Michael Jackson (January 15–17), Sara Bareilles (May 20-23), and Jimmy Buffett (July 23 –25). Each concert offers a high-caliber, live-musician experience celebrating the legendary artists who defined generations of music. This popular concert series is once again sponsored by Dexter’s Pub.

“Season 18 reflects both the scale of what our audiences have come to expect and the intimacy that makes The Encore so special,” Managing Director Frank Mack said. “Whether you’re here for a full musical or one of our tribute concerts, there’s a sense of closeness and immediacy that makes every performance unforgettable.”

Board President Dan O’Haver said, “The Encore continues to be a cornerstone of artistic excellence in our region. This season not only celebrates extraordinary work on stage, but also the incredible community that supports and sustains it.”

Subscription packages for the 18th Season will be available beginning with a pre-sale for eligible Circles of Giving Members on May 12, followed by Season 17 subscribers on May 19. Subscriptions and single tickets open to the general public on May 26. Options include the Super-Saver 10 package—featuring all five Mainstage productions and all five tribute concerts—offering a 15% savings, and 10% off additional ticket purchases. Patrons may also select 8, 5 or 3 shows for a 10% discount. Subscribers also receive unlimited free exchanges on subscription tickets. Packages can be purchased online at TheEncoreTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 734.268.6200, Tuesday through Friday, 10am–2pm.