Encore! Educational Theatre Company (in Hebrew, Hadran), established in Jerusalem in 2006, presents the classics of the musical stage as well as lesser-known and original works, in order to expose audiences to this repertoire and, in particular, encourage young people to be the theatre-going public of the future.
In its first few years of activity, Encore! has produced full stage productions of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera, The Mikado, and The Wizard of Oz (based on the MGM film); developed a concert program on the life of Al Jolson, entitled The Cantor’s Son, performed for audiences in Jerusalem, Netanya and Petach Tikva; presented a musical biography, Knights of Song, at the Bible Lands Museum; and presented concert versions of Trial by Jury, The Sorcerer, and H.M.S. Pinafore (the latter with the Israel Chamber Orchestra at the Tel-Aviv Museum of Art). Encore! has also organized a Youth Workshop to train teenagers in aspects of stagecraft, and produced an original chamber opera, The Keys to the City, marking the 90th anniversary of the Turkish “surrender” of Jerusalem to the British at Hanukah.
In the current season, Encore! has presented another Gilbert & Sullivan opera (Ruddigore), and will present the Broadway classic, Carousel as well as new projects in musical theatre and drama. In doing so, Encore! intends to develop as a significant cultural asset by and for the local community and visitors from abroad.