Dexter's Encore Theatre announces 2013 season lineup

It has been a year of changes for the theater, beginning with the purchase of the building where the theater is housed, allowing for expanded technical and educational programming. Thalia Schramm joined the staff as associate artistic director, working with artistic producing director Dan Cooney (currently cast in "Mamma Mia" on Broadway), and in August, Janet E. Torno joined The Encore staff to work with producing director Anne Koch, Cooney and the growing Encore Board of Directors to spearhead fund-raising activities.

“Our vision is for this to be a season of favorites - shows that people hold close to their hearts and love to sing along to. We want our audiences to come out of each show with a huge smile on their face,” Cooney said in a press release.

Encore’s fifth season will begin with a well-loved favorite, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," February 7-March 3, starring country pop group SIR3N (Madison Deadman, Bryana Dorfman and Megan Casey) as the narrators. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, it was their first musical to be performed publically on Broadway in 1982. Joseph is filled with many favorites including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph."

In the spring, the Encore will be producing its first play, "Lend Me a Tenor," by Ken Ludwig, which will run March 28-April 14. Opening on Broadway in 1989, it won 9 Tony Awards and has been translated into 16 languages and performed in 25 countries. "Lend Me a Tenor" is a zany comedy of mistaken identity when a renowned tenor is late for his starring role, setting off a series of plot twists, and hilarious hijinks.

In May and June Encore will rock back to Rydell High with pop culture favorite, "Grease," playing May 16-June 9. Remembered for characters Danny Zuko, Sandy Rizzo, the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, "Grease" will bring back memories with songs like “Greased Lightnin’”, “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”, “Summer Nights”, “You’re the One That I Want” and “We Go Together.”

Stephen West (star of Encore's recent production of "Fiddler on the Roof") will return for the Encore’s summer production of the classic, "South Pacific," playing July 11-August 11. West will star as Emile de Beck in this Rogers and Hammerstrin hit, featuring songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy,” “Bali Ha’i,” “There is Nothing Like a Dame” and “I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair.”

The Encore’s 2013 fall show will be Stephen Sondheim favorite, "Company," September 26-October 20. The show centers on Bobby - a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, let alone marriage - and the five married couples who are his closest friends, as well as Bobby's three girlfriends. Set on Bobby’s thirty-fifth birthday, the show consists of short vignettes dealing with relationships. It includes some of Sondheim’s best work: “Company,” “Not Getting Married,” “Marry Me a Little,” “The Ladies Who Lunch” and “Being Alive."

Irving Berlin’s holiday favorite "White Christmas," November 21-December 22, will conclude the 2013 season. Based on the 1954 holiday film of the same name, this stage musical version will keep you smiling, with favorites like, “Sisters,” “Snow,” “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” “Blue Skies,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and of course “White Christmas."

Additionally, The Encore will launch a series of adult and youth master classes taught throughout the year. These classes will be taught by Cooney as well as other Broadway actors and directors in the area. Look for more information as the program develops later this fall.

Tickets for Encore’s 2013 season will go on sale November 1, 2012. For more information, call 734-268-6200 or visit the Encore's website.