About us
At Encore Travel Alliance our mission is to transform every journey into an extraordinary experience that enriches both travelers and the communities we live in. We design meaningful travel experiences that foster cultural exchange, authentic connection, and shared understanding.
Each journey with ETA directly supports the arts. Through our “Journeys that give more” initiative, we fund scholarships, support cultural institutions and individual artists, making every journey a pathway to giving.
Encore Travel Alliance, ETA, is a 501c3 Non-Profit corporation. A portion of every tour is tax deductible. We also accept direct donations to our Scholarship Fund. Learn more and Donate today.
Carly Lee
Executive Director and Co-Founder
In 1996, George Harter founded Musical Theater Heritage with the support of his wife, Sharon Harter. Together, they created more than a theater—they built an experience centered on deepening audiences’ understanding and appreciation of musical theater.
Each year, George wrote and developed original productions that brought the history of the art form to life. A defining part of all the MTH productions became his pre-show talks, which offered context, storytelling, and insight—giving audiences a deeper connection to what they were about to see. For many, these moments became an essential part of the experience itself.
Growing up in that environment, Carly was immersed in both the creative and operational sides of the arts. She became involved with Musical Theater Heritage early on, and as the organization expanded, so did her role. She helped build the administrative and financial foundation that would support its growth and guide it through periods of change, including the challenges of the pandemic.
George Harter
Programs Director and Co-Founder
After George stepped away from the organization in 2018 to focus on further developing “A Night on the Town Tours”, Carly continued her work with Musical Theater Heritage. Following the shutdown, she returned as Managing Director, leading the reopening and helping shape a stronger, more resilient organization—one that continues to serve its community in meaningful ways.
Over time, George and Carly recognized that the same philosophy that shaped their work in the theater—the idea that understanding and connection deepen the experience—could extend beyond a single stage.
Now, as they work together again, they are building on that shared legacy: creating opportunities for people to experience the performing arts in new places, new contexts, and to provide financial support to the artists and organizations that inspire it all.
From Local Radio Show to International Tours
George Harter always wanted to be on the radio. As a boy in rural West Virginia listening to the Grand Ole Opry, he dreamed of talking to people through the ether. His first job was at KCUR-FM in Kansas City in 1976. In 1980 he switched to KXTR – the commercial classical station- and launched “A Night on the Town” a three-hour program of vintage Broadway and classic movie scores. He provided stories and commentary between the music, a radio style that – long ago – went out of fashion. And, nobody was playing film music on the radio back then. Even so, “A Night on the Town” became Kansas City’s number one radio program…although, only between 9 PM & Midnight on Saturday nights. He was affable with a passion for playing the music no one else was celebrating.
In 1997 George created a version of “A Night on the Town” for national syndication, and within a year on the WFMT Fine Arts Network in Chicago, the program was carried by 130 stations nationwide. 17 years had passed; not quite an overnight sensation! With a national audience now, George invited listeners to join him & wife Sharon to New York City for the latest Broadway shows and dinners at iconic restaurants like Sardi’s and Tavern on the Green. Of course, George put everyone up at the famous Algonquin Hotel. With Sharon’s laughter & George’s New York stories, the “A Night on the Town” New York & Broadway theater trips became so popular that when George retired from radio in 2018 he kept the trips going and they continue to this day, expanding to London and Portugal.
Encore Travel Alliance Scholarship Fund
The Encore Travel Alliance Scholarship Fund was created to help the next generation find their place in the arts community. By supporting students with a passion for the arts, the fund continues George’s mission—ensuring that young people not only discover their passion, but also have the opportunity to pursue it.
“The most rewarding thing about being on the radio all those years is hearing from theater professionals who tell me that as a kid, the radio show “A Night on The Town” gave them a sense of belonging. Maybe they didn’t quite fit-in at school, or were painfully shy, but alone in their room on a Saturday night, they discovered the music & stories of Broadway, and felt that it somehow belonged to them. Musical Theater gave them the community they needed. They tell me that the radio show “A Night on The Town” is why they decided to make the theater & performing their life’s work.”
~ George Harter
Broadway Almanac
The Broadway Almanac is a video podcast that continues the work George began on his radio show. Through this YouTube channel, he shares his knowledge and perspectives on the history of Broadway musicals, offering informative and engaging content for anyone interested in the evolution of musical theater.
Always first class!
Cathy Liem
Your trips are educational, fun and you always have a nice group of people.
The trip was planned perfectly, not a stone left unturned! I look forward to next year.
Your knowledge, humor, low-key handling of every situation and amazing kindness were priceless.
Many thanks for providing such a fantastic theater trip for us. It was amazing and far outweighed my expectations. I have never had such fantastic seats for any Broadway show. The Cornell Club was so beautiful and so special. You are a wealth of theater information which makes it even more entertaining for all of us.