A Garage Theater Became Michigan's Hottest Stage. Here's How.

Sun Times News theater writer Steve Sheldon goes inside The Encore Theatre in Dexter, Michigan, to meet Daniela Rodriguez del Bosque — a Mexican-born, Webster University-trained leading lady whose Mimi in Rent is the talk of southeast Michigan — and Jessica Grové, the Encore’s marketing director (and co-founder’s wife) who’s been there from the company’s “crazy idea” beginnings. We talk about how an immigrant from Monterrey ended up leading shows at a converted schoolhouse on Main Street; how the Encore went from a Broad Street garage to a partnership with the University of Michigan; and what’s next for the theater that’s quietly become the cultural hub of Dexter — including a major capital campaign, a Tony Award dream, and a sold-out final weekend of Rent. 🎭 RENT closes May 3rd at The Encore Theatre. 🎟 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF runs June 4th – July 19th. Tickets at theencoretheatre.org. 🥂 The Encore’s Annual Gala — May 14th. $250 ticket = donation to the theater + dinner from 42 North Social House + a performance directed by Vincent Cardinal with Broadway guest stars. Chapters 00:00 Theater magic 00:45 Jessica Grove on the Encore’s vision 03:06 A 23-Year Old actress impressed these vets 04:05 From Monterrey to Webster to Dexter 05:05 “The Encore was the first theater that believed in me” 06:06 Michigan is obsessed with theater! 07:32 “Out Tonight” — a performance from Daniela 09:08 The future of Encore! 09:41 The Gala, May 14th 10:50 See Rent before it’s gone — and Fiddler is next About The Encore Theatre The Encore Theatre is southeast Michigan’s professional musical theater, located in the historic Copeland Building in Dexter. Founded by Broadway veterans Dan Cooney and Jessica Grové, the Encore has produced more than 50 productions and built ongoing partnerships with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. 🌐 theencoretheatre.org About The Sun Times News The Sun Times News is southeast Michigan’s local news source, covering Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Manchester, and the surrounding communities. “From the Front Row” is a video interview series with the artists, performers, and storytellers shaping our local arts scene. 🌐 thesuntimesnews.com Credits Interviewer: Steve Sheldon Producer / Editor: Priscilla Creswell With: Daniela Rodriguez del Bosque, Jessica Grove Photography from Rent at The Encore Theatre. Hashtags #TheEncoreTheatre #DexterMichigan #SunTimesNews #FromTheFrontRow #RENT #MusicalTheatre #MichiganArts #DanielaRodriguez #FiddlerOnTheRoof