Dan Cooney – Mostly Musical Theatre

Encore’s Extraordinary “Into the Woods” (review)

There is probably very little I can say that hasn’t already been written about Encore Musical Theatre Company’s Into the Woods — simply, it’s brilliant, original, and the best musical they have presented. I, for one can tell you that I am sick and tired of Into the Woods — I’ve seen every one of itsContinue reading “Encore’s Extraordinary “Into the Woods” (review)”

Tuneful, delightful “Christmas Caroled!” at Encore (Review)

There is a lot to like about the new musical, Christmas Caroled at the Encore Musical Theatre Company, not the least of which is a superb ensemble cast that makes some really terrific music together. A framing mechanism that finds a grumpy down-on-his-luck Abner Z Scruggs (get it?) falling asleep and dreaming about his workContinue reading “Tuneful, delightful “Christmas Caroled!” at Encore (Review)”

Superb cast in Encore’s GODSPELL (review)

GODSPELL arrived at the Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter last night, and it is a tribute to director Dan Cooney and his superb cast and musicians that this production ranks right up there among the best, and in some ways superior to the current Broadway production. This is an earthy revival of the showContinue reading “Superb cast in Encore’s GODSPELL (review)”

“Nevermore” at Encore (Review)

Simply put, Encore Musical Theatre Company’s “Nevermore” is the best production they have presented. Period. Dan Cooney is exceptional in a role he originally created for the Signature Theater in Arlington, and here both stars and directs. And he is surrounded by a terrific supporting cast of five women. Weaving lyrics adopted from theContinue reading ““Nevermore” at Encore (Review)”

Hilarious and Winning “Spelling Bee” is Encore’s best…

“The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee”, which opened tonight at the Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter is simply their best production to date. The 25th Annual company: Chris Shewchenko, Christine Bunuan, Jeffreu James BinneySteve DeBruyne, Thalia Schramm, Sonja Marquis, Colleen Elizabeth Meyer, Evan Williams, Elizabeth Jaffe, Tobin Hissong The seam between professional andContinue reading “Hilarious and Winning “Spelling Bee” is Encore’s best…”