Broadway Stars Chelsea Packard, Jessica Grové, and Matt Bogart Lead Michigan Premiere of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility at The Encore February 27 – March 16, 2025
- Encore Staff Writer
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
Broadway Stars Chelsea Packard, Jessica Grové, and Matt Bogart Lead Michigan Premiere of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility at The Encore February 27 – March 16, 2025
The Encore Musical Theatre Company is proud to present the Michigan premiere of Sense & Sensibility, a romantic new chamber musical with book, music, and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Daddy Long Legs) and based on the novel by Jane Austen. Directed by Broadway veteran Matt Bogart, this highly anticipated production runs February 27 through March 16 and is generously sponsored by Judith Manocherian, LLC (Broadway’s Tony Award-Winning revival of Once on This Island).
Fresh from critical acclaim and multiple awards in Chicago, where it was lauded for its lush score and elegant storytelling, Sense & Sensibility brings Jane Austen’s timeless novel to life. Chicago critics hailed it as “mesmerizing” (Chicago Tribune) and “utterly charming” (Chicago Sun-Times), with the production earning accolades for its nuanced adaptation and emotional resonance.
The Encore’s production stars an exceptional cast of Broadway talent. Chelsea Packard (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Wicked, Promises, Promises), a Broadway star and University of Michigan professor, plays the sensible Elinor Dashwood. Jessica Grové (Les Misérables, Sunday in the Park with George, Thoroughly Modern Millie) portrays the passionate Marianne Dashwood. Matt Bogart (Jersey Boys, Aida, Smokey Joe’s Café, Miss Saigon) takes on the role of Colonel Brandon. Joining them are Adam Woolsey as Edward Ferrars, Marlene Inman as Fanny Dashwood/Mrs. Jennings, U-M graduate Chad Marge as the dashing Willoughby, Sanchi Pandey as Lucy Steele/Miss Grey, and Mitchell J. Hardy as John Dashwood/Sir John Middleton.
The premiere production at The Encore includes never-before-seen revisions, and has allowed writer, Paul Gordon, to further develop the piece for smaller theatres.
Tickets for Sense & Sensibility are $57, ($28 for children under 12, $55 for seniors/military), and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 734.268.6200. Don’t miss this unforgettable production that captures the heart and wit of Jane Austen’s classic novel, with a modern musical flair. Seating is limited in The Encore's intimate Maas Theatre space, so early booking is recommended.
Performance Schedule:
February 27 – March 16, 2025: *Thurs./Fri./Sat. at 7:30pm, Sat./Sun. at 2pm.
*Thurs. 3/6 is a 3pm performance
TICKETS are available online and through our box office for our March 20th ENCORE GALA!
We warmly invite you to join The Encore's founders, leadership team, and board of directors for an unforgettable evening celebrating community and the impact of professional non-profit musical theatre in Dexter.
The highlight of the evening will be an exclusive concert on The Maas stage, featuring three incredible Broadway power couples who now call the Dexter-Ann Arbor area home. The evening’s emcee will be The Encore’s own star, David Moan, whose unforgettable performances in Annie, 42nd Street, Mamma Mia, and Sweeney Todd have delighted our audiences time and again.
Tickets are $250, with all proceeds supporting The Encore's mission to bring exceptional musical theatre to our community.
Rest assured, this evening is all about enjoyment! Your ticket purchase is your contribution, and we will not be soliciting further donations at the event.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
(734) 268-6200