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WHARTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

750 E. Shaw Ln
East Lansing,


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The 2023 SUTTON FOSTER AWARDS Will Be Hosted At The Fisher Theatre On May 21


by A.A. Cristi - April 12, 2023

Wharton Center for Performing Arts presents the 11th annual Sutton Foster Awards. The awards program is a state-wide educational initiative celebrating Michigan high school musical theatre and is a flagship educational initiative of Wharton Center. ...

ALTON BROWN LIVE: BEYOND THE EATS – THE HOLIDAY VARIANT to Tour 25 North American Cities


by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 01, 2022

Television personality, author, and Food Network and Netflix star Alton Brown announced Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats - The Holiday Variant tour is visiting more than 25 North American cities in 2022 during the holiday season....

Eric Olmscheid Appointed Executive Director of MSU's Wharton Center


by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2022

Eric Olmscheid has been selected to serve as executive director of Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Olmscheid currently serves as director of programming at Des Moines Performing Arts and will assume his new role at Wharton Center on June 22, 2022....

Past Shows

Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar
6/13 - 6/18/2023


Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air ...

Wicked
Wicked
5/10 - 5/28/2023


So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED , the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz ... but from a ...

National Geographic Live: View From Above with NASA Astronaut Terry Virts


Step back—about 220 miles from Earth—and experience our planet from a new perspective. Gain a deeper understanding of our planet’s beauty, climate, and place in ...

Cross That River: Sensory-Friendly Performance


“This sure ain’t a tale you gonna read about in them dime-store Westerns.”—Allan Harris The unsettled West of the 1860s provides a new life and ...

Cross That River


“This sure ain’t a tale you gonna read about in them dime-store Westerns.”—Allan Harris The unsettled West of the 1860s provides a new life and ...

New York Philharmonic String Quartet


The New York Philharmonic String Quartet comprises four Principal musicians from one of the country’s greatest orchestras: New York Philharmonic Concertmaster Frank Huang, Principal Associate ...

Cyrille Aimée


Back by demand! Improvisation is not just a technique for Grammy® nominated artist Cyrille Aimée; it’s a way of life. This lifestyle is one that not ...

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy


Master musicians—and husband-wife duo—Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy command the stage with raw energy and passion that combines their traditional Celtic heritage with a new ...

Imani Winds


Celebrating over 20 years of music making, the Grammy® nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and the evolution of the wind quintet through dynamic ...

The Boy Who Grew Flowers


Adapted from the picture book by Mara McEwin and choreographed by Emily Bunning,  The Boy Who Grew Flowers  is the story of a young boy, ...

Black Violin


After two sold-out performances at Wharton Center, Black Violin is back by demand. The Black Violin Experience Tour  showcases the two-time Grammy nominated duo Black ...

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: Sensory-Friendly Performance


Master musicians—and husband-wife duo—Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy command the stage with raw energy and passion that combines their traditional Celtic heritage with a new ...

National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales


Celebrated National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry has spent nearly four decades exploring and documenting Earth’s oceans. For his latest project, he turns his ...

Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River


Founder and Artistic Director Alonzo King Composer: Jason Moran Vocalist: Lisa Fisher “astonishing originality”— The New York Times Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Alonzo King ...

Jazz At Lincoln Center Presents Songs We Love


Dedicated to inspiring and growing jazz audiences everywhere,  Songs We Love  is a journey through the first 50 years of vocal jazz. Under the musical ...

The Okee Dokee Brothers: Sensory-Friendly Performance


Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander have built a plaid-shirted national following with their Grammy Award® winning folk music that celebrates everyday explorers, young and old. But ...

The Okee Dokee Brothers


Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander have built a plaid-shirted national following with their Grammy Award® winning folk music that celebrates everyday explorers, young and old. But ...

Detroit '67


Playwright: Dominique Morisseau Produced by Detroit Public Theatre “[a] poetic play of fire-fueled dreams” — Star Tribune “mind blowing!” — The Huffington Post In 1967 ...

Detroit '67


Playwright: Dominique Morisseau Produced by Detroit Public Theatre “[a] poetic play of fire-fueled dreams” — Star Tribune “mind blowing!” — The Huffington Post In 1967 ...

Of Equal Place: Isotopes in Motion


Of Equal Place: Isotopes in Motion will present an exhilarating performance that combines dance, video, and physics while featuring professional dancers and guest performances by ...

Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story


Book, Music and Lyrics by Stephen DolginoffDirected by Bert GoldsteinA Wharton Center Theatre Production A brilliant, unforgettable musicalSends chills down the spine. Intoxicating. Talkin Broadway ...

Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story


Book, Music and Lyrics by Stephen DolginoffDirected by Bert GoldsteinA Wharton Center Theatre Production A brilliant, unforgettable musicalSends chills down the spine. Intoxicating. Talkin Broadway ...

Kenny Barron Trio & Sean Jones Quartet


A National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, Kenny Barron has an unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies and infectious ...

Act One: Dino Light


Recommended for ages 6-11 In this original storyline, a famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away ...

Jonathan Biss Plays Beethoven


Two breathtaking, all-Beethoven programs of solo piano treasures with American piano phenomenon Jonathan Biss. A true virtuoso, Biss is widely hailed for his deeply felt ...

Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas Tour


Martina McBride is a multiple Grammy nominated country icon, whose incomparable vocals have kept her at the top of the charts garnering six No. 1 ...

Disney's Aladdin
Disney's Aladdin
12/4 - 12/15/2019


Discover a whole new world at Disneys Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, ...

Imani Winds


Beautifulstark, aggressive, ethereal, playful, thoughtful Houston Culture MapOver the course of their 20+ year career, Imani Winds has discovered what audiences value most from their ...

Imani Winds


Beautifulstark, aggressive, ethereal, playful, thoughtful Houston Culture MapOver the course of their 20+ year career, Imani Winds has discovered what audiences value most from their ...

Jungle Book


From the creators of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea comes a new theatrical adaptation of Rudyard Kiplings Jungle Book, re-imagining the classic stories through ...

PILOBOLUS: COME TO YOUR SENSES.


Part dance, part acrobatics, part Cirque du Soleil, the internationally-renowned dance company Pilobolus clearly stands out from other dance companies. The dancers mind-blowing athleticism, combined ...

KEIKO MATSUI
KEIKO MATSUI
10/25


Keiko Matsui is appreciated not just as an artist but as a humanitarian. She dedicates every song she writes to causes that move her NPR ...

EMERSON STRING QUARTET


with musicians like this there must be some hope for humanity. The Times (London)The Emerson String Quartet stands on its own in the history of ...

BLACK VIOLIN
BLACK VIOLIN
10/16


Their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation. NPR To most people, jazz, hip-hop, funk, and classical are musical genres. But to ...

DR. FOX AND THE IMPOSSIBLE CURE FOR DEATH


Follow a precocious 13 year-old girl and her overly-imaginative father as they search a storybook world for a cure to a brain tumor in this ...

COME FROM AWAY
COME FROM AWAY
9/10 - 9/15/2019


Broadways Come From Away is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics Pick takes you into the heart of ...

Junie B. Jones


Recommended for ages 5-11Hurray, hurray! Junie B. Jones is graduating from kindergarten and ready for first grade at last! But getting used to new friends, ...

Miss Saigon
Miss Saigon
3/12 - 3/17/2019


A DYNAMITE BROADWAY REVIVAL. The New YorkerExperience the acclaimed new production of the legendary musical Miss Saigon, from the creators of Les Misrables. In the ...

Anastasia
Anastasia
1/15 - 1/20/2019


Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical Anastasia is on a journey to Mid-Michigan at last! From the Tony Award® winning ...

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas


“Mannheim Steamroller RULES Christmas!” –Business Week Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy® Award winner Chip Davis has ...

Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof
12/4 - 12/9/2018


“AN ENTIRELY FRESH, FUNNY AND GORGEOUS NEW PRODUCTION. A REASON FOR CELEBRATION!” –New York Magazine Audiences across North America are toasting a new production of ...

Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist (SFP December 9)


Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers: Rosie Revere has big dreams; Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture; and Ada Twist’s curiosity ...

Soweto Gospel Choir


“Sheer jubilation ... the rhythm of life.” –Herald Sun, Melbourne “... absolutely thrilling singers ... dazzling music.” –Billboard Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational ...

Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life


“It’s all fun and games till the banjos come out.” –Martin Short “The good thing about traveling with Marty is that he can fit in ...

The Dustbowl Revival


“Dustbowl Revival’s upbeat, old-school, all- american sonic safaris exemplify everything shows should be: hot, spontaneous, engaging and, best of all, a pleasure to hear.” –LA ...

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra


Semyon Bychkov, Music Director And Chief Conductor Alisa Weilerstein, Cello For over a century, the Czech Philharmonic has represented the pinnacle of Czech cultural achievement. ...

Momix: Opus Cactus


“…with its wit, beauty and sheer physical daring, it typifi es Momix at its inspired best.” –Newsday If Salvador Dali and Leonardo da Vinci joined ...

Renee Fleming


One of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming returns to captivate us with her sumptuous voice, unsurpassed artistry, ...

Andrew Llloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES


Love Never Dies is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to one of the most successful musicals of all time—The Phantom of the Opera. Ten years ...

Love Never Dies
Love Never Dies
10/9 - 10/14/2018


Love Never Dies is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to one of the most successful musicals of all time—The Phantom of the Opera. Ten years ...

School of Rock
School of Rock
9/18 - 9/23/2018


https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/school-of-rock...

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater


One of the world’s favorite dance companies, Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater grew from a 1958 New York performance and rejuvenated American dance – celebrating ...

Brian Regan


A regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Regan made history on September 26, 2015 with the live Comedy Central broadcast of Brian Regan: ...

Ta-Nehisi Coates


Over the last few years, Ta-Nehisi Coates has established himself as one of America’s finest intellectuals, a writer whose essays are so powerful and rigorously ...

Pete the Cat


Pete the Cat never loses his cool. Jimmy Biddle never strays from his routine. That is until the groovy blue cat moves in with the ...

Inlet Dance Theatre: Among the Darkest Shadows


Wharton Center has commissioned a new dance and theatre piece with Inlet Dance Theatre of Cleveland and playwright Jose? Cruz Gonzalez. Among the Darkest Shadows ...

PAW Patrol LIVE!
PAW Patrol LIVE!
2/7 - 2/8/2017


PAW Patrol is on a roll with the first-ever live tour! It's the day of the Super Adventure Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and ...

Sheryl Wudunn


The first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize, Sheryl WuDunn has journeyed from banking to journalism and book writing, pulling together critical insights. Selected ...

A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder


Getting away with murder can be so much fun...and there’s no better proof than the knock-’em-dead hit show that’s earned unanimous raves and won the ...

Valentijn Dhaenens: Bigmouth


Worldwide sensation, Bigmouth, explores the manipulative power of words. Speeches throughout history have attempted to exhort masses to rebellion or to war; to raise the ...

Twyla Tharp Dance


Fiftieth Anniversary. John Zorn provides the show’s vibrant introductory Fanfare, followed by Preludes and Fugues. Radiating with Tharp’s generous spirit and humanity, the dance is ...

Cameron Mackintosh’s Spectacular New Production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera


Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, The Phantom of the ...

Chess- A Staged Concert
Chess- A Staged Concert
3/27 - 3/28/2015


From the composers of Mamma Mia! and ABBA fame, and the lyricist of The Lion King and Jesus Christ Superstar The two greatest chess masters ...

Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group
1/16 - 1/18/2015


Experience the Phenomenon – Blue Man Group returns to Wharton Center! Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts ...

Annie
Annie
12/16 - 12/21/2014


Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns! Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, this production of Annie will be a brand-new incarnation of ...

David Sedaris


David Sedaris, the celebrated NPR humorist and bestselling author of Naked, invites you to an evening of captivating conversation and social satire. With sardonic and ...

Videos


I'm Not Rappaport in Michigan I'm Not Rappaport
The Encore Musical Theatre Company (4/11 - 4/21)

COMEDY Tracker
PHOTOS VIDEOS
Sondheim on Sondheim in Michigan Sondheim on Sondheim
Farmers Alley Theatre (4/25 - 5/12) Tracker
Phantom Of the Opera in Michigan Phantom Of the Opera
Trenton Village Theatre (4/12 - 4/21) Tracker
The Curious Case of The Watson Intelligence in Michigan The Curious Case of The Watson Intelligence
The Inspired Acting Company (4/5 - 4/21) Tracker
The Antichrist Cometh in Michigan The Antichrist Cometh
The Purple Rose Theatre Company (3/22 - 5/25)

NEW COMEDY Tracker
Mamma Mia! in Michigan Mamma Mia!
Fisher Theatre (4/23 - 4/28)
Tribute: Classic Rock 2.0 in Michigan Tribute: Classic Rock 2.0
The Encore Musical Theatre Company (5/2 - 5/5)
RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES in Michigan RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES
Miller Auditorium (5/14 - 5/14)
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! in Michigan Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
The Encore Musical Theatre Company (6/6 - 6/30)
Les Misérables in Michigan Les Misérables
Wharton Center (10/8 - 10/13)
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