When Dan Cooney, Artistic Director of The Encore Musical Theatre Company, first imagined what would become the theatre’s wildly popular Tribute Series, the idea started far from Dexter—in the heart of New York City.
“The inspiration for The Encore’s Tribute Series stemmed from seeing tribute shows at 54 Below in New York City, Cooney said. “Despite its small stage, those shows were incredibly fun, sparking my curiosity about what a more fully realized show would feel like with a band and singers taking The Encore stage.”
That seed of an idea grew into something that now defines one of The Encore’s signature offerings—an ongoing concert series celebrating beloved artists and timeless songs. In a short time, the Tribute Series has become a fan favorite, offering audiences a chance to experience the music they love in a live, theatrical setting that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Connecting with audiences
While The Encore is best known for its full-scale musical theatre productions, Cooney wanted to explore how the theatre could connect with audiences in new ways. The Tribute Series became a bridge between the world of Broadway and the power of pop, rock and soul.
“Our selection process involves feedback from audiences and our own insights into what might appeal to them. It’s a balance of taking risks and sticking with what we know will resonate,” Cooney said.
That balance—between artistic exploration and audience familiarity—is what keeps the lineup dynamic. Some tributes highlight national legends, while others shine a spotlight on homegrown heroes.
Tribute concerts have a special kind of energy. They bring people together not just for nostalgia’s sake, but because they celebrate shared experiences—moments when music marked time in people’s lives.
“Tribute concerts resonate strongly due to their ability to draw diverse crowds. While some enjoy both traditional musicals and tributes, many fans are devoted to the iconic recording artists we celebrate, having loved their music for decades,” Cooney said.
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In other words, these aren’t just concerts—they’re community gatherings. The Encore’s tribute audiences often differ from its traditional theatre patrons, which Cooney sees as a major success.
“The Tribute Series has attracted music lovers who may not have been interested in musical theatre otherwise,” Cooney said. “While we lack concrete data, I’m confident we’ve converted some of these attendees into musical theatre enthusiasts.”
That crossover is meaningful. The Encore’s Tribute Series not only entertains—it introduces people to the world of live theatre in a comfortable, familiar way.
“There are noticeable differences in attendance between tribute shows and Broadway-style productions,” Cooney said. “Some patrons come exclusively for tributes or musicals, but many cross over based on specific artists or themes.”
Behind the music
Bringing these tributes to life is a creative process that honors the spirit of the original artists while showcasing The Encore’s trademark polish.
“Preparing a tribute show involves focusing on beloved music, sometimes surprising the audience with unexpected choices. Music direction and arrangements are collaborative, encouraging artists to express themselves while often keeping close to the original for authenticity,” Cooney said.
It’s a delicate balance—keeping true to songs that fans know by heart while allowing performers to make the material their own.
“Our performers bring a wealth of experience, and each artist approaches the iconic songs uniquely. Finding their authentic voice is integral to their process,” Cooney said.
That freedom often leads to thrilling results, where the emotion of the original mixes with the spontaneity of live theatre.
Moments that stay with you
For Cooney, one of the joys of the Tribute Series is watching audiences connect so powerfully to the performances that they can’t help but react in real time.
“We’ve witnessed numerous remarkable audience reactions, including unexpected mid-show standing ovations,” Cooney said.
One night, that connection turned deeply emotional.
“A standout moment occurred during a recent Stevie Wonder tribute concert when Chris Joseph brought his 14-year-old niece on stage to sing. The connection between Karah and Stevie, both being people with blindness and having met in person, created a truly special experience that resonated deeply with the audience.”
Looking ahead
The Tribute Series has already become a cornerstone of The Encore’s programming, drawing consistent crowds and building new bridges between artists and audiences. But Cooney isn’t done yet.
“We’re pleased with the current model of the Tribute Series but aim to enhance the experience by incorporating more technical elements to create an even more exciting experience for our patrons,” Cooney said.
As the series continues to evolve, expect to see even more ambitious production design, lighting and staging—while keeping the music itself front and center.
Upcoming shows
October 23-26: Radio Recall
February 5-8: Bob Seger
February 19-22: Defying Gravity—The Music of Stephen Schwartz
March 12-15: Taylor Swift Tribute
May 7-10: Billie Holiday Tribute
The Encore Theater is located at 7714 Ann Arbor Street in Dexter, Michigan. It is a professional, non-profit musical theatre in the historic Village of Dexter.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
