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Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Upcoming Shows

World Ballet Company Presents: Swan Lake

Sep 27

World Ballet Company Presents: Swan Lake comes to Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall on September 27, 2026, featuring a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's iconic score....



Back to the Main Page | Browse Local Theatres

Review: A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER at Avon Players


by Emily Schenk - June 02, 2026

A production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is only as strong as its many moving parts, and this cast delivered them with delicious precision. The women of the show were far more than romantic interests orbiting Monty’s schemes—they were a dazzling constellation all their own. Hosan...

Review: HAMILTON at The Fisher Theatre


by Emily Schenk - May 05, 2026

Hamilton is the room where it happens—a history remix that’s not throwing away its shot at dazzling you with rhyme, rhythm, and revolution. Founding fathers trade powdered wigs for mic drops as ambition rises faster than the tempo, and duels come with both pistols and punchlines. This production...

Review: THE LION KING at Broadway Grand Rapids


by Brian Hilbrand - April 21, 2026

The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 25 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America...

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Stagecrafters


by Emily Schenk - April 18, 2026

Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a poor milkman in Anatevka, and his five daughters who choose love over arranged marriages, challenging Tevye’s beliefs about faith and family....

Review: LUCKY STIFF at University Of Michigan Flint Theatre


by Emily Schenk - March 28, 2026

Lucky Stiff is a musical comedy that felt like the perfect combination of Weekend at Bernie’s mixed with the play Noises Off. It was funny, zany, and completely unpredictable....

Review: THE OUTSIDERS at The Fisher Theatre


by Emily Schenk - March 07, 2026

Do you want to see a show with some of the most exciting and breathtaking stage combat you’ve ever seen? Do you want to see a cast perform some of the most buttery smooth vocals currently on tour? Then I implore you to get tickets for The Outsiders performing at the Fisher Theatre through March 15...

Review: DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE at Fox Theatre


by Emily Schenk - March 02, 2026

it’s hard for me to pick a favorite performance of the night, but if I had to pick one that stands out, it was when Brandon Armstrong and Britt Stewart danced to Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce. Every season, I see these two get criminally overlooked on the show! Brandon Armstrong is a ...

Review: DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES at Van Andel Arena


by Brian Hilbrand - February 06, 2026

True to the show's name, we hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a ride for some “Road Trip Adventures”.  Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy invite the audience to embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations....

Review: HELL'S KITCHEN at Fisher Theatre


by Emily Schenk - December 18, 2025

The national touring cast of Hell‘s Kitchen arrives at The Fisher Theatre. Hell’s Kitchen features pop hits from Grammy Award-winning Alicia Keys. Hell‘s Kitchen is a story of a young girl growing up in Manhattan trying to chase her dreams, find love, and navigate the city....

Review: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET at The Fox Theatre


by Emily Schenk - December 17, 2025

Doris Walker, played by Ellie Baker, was the star of the show, and in more ways than one, her angelic voice and quick wit really played into the fast-talking talking powerful female, Macy’s exact executive, her child, and charisma was matched only by The Man and Red himself. Kris Kringle brought j...

Past Shows

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon

Jun 19 – Jun 22, 2025

The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.”...

Hamilton

Hamilton

May 21 – Jun 1, 2025

A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation.Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander...

CHICAGO

CHICAGO

Apr 8 – Apr 13, 2025

CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song...

Two Trains Running

Mar 22

Experience The Acting Company's production of August Wilson's Two Trains Running, which explores community and identity during the civil rights movement. Set in the 1960s,...

Life of Pi

Life of Pi

Mar 11 – Mar 16, 2025

A THEATRICAL EVENT UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE!Winner of three Tony Awards® and the Olivier Award for Best Play, the Broadway and West End sensation LIFE OF PI is...

MJ

MJ

Feb 11 – Feb 16, 2025

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to East Lansing as MJ, the multi-Tony Award®...

Shucked

Shucked

Jan 21 – Jan 26, 2025

Shucked is the Tony Award®–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award winner...

Wild Hope: With Photographer Ami Vitale

Jan 14

Join photographer Ami Vitale for an engaging exploration of our connection with the natural world in Wild Hope. On January 14, 2025, Vitale will share...

Sugar and Booze

Dec 3

Ana Gasteyer, known for her iconic runs on Saturday Night Live and her Broadway performances, takes the stage for a unique holiday celebration in Sugar...

Mandy Patinkin In Concert: BEING ALIVE

Oct 22

Mandy Patinkin takes the stage in a special concert event at the Wharton Center, featuring Adam Ben-David on piano. This performance, titled BEING ALIVE, showcases...

Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Oct 8 – Oct 13, 2024

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and...

Les Misérables

Les Misérables

Oct 8 – Oct 13, 2024

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and...

Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar

Jun 13 – Jun 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

May 10 – May 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 different angle....

Cross That River

Cross That River

Apr 28

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

New York Philharmonic String Quartet

New York Philharmonic String Quartet

Apr 6

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

Cyrille Aimée

Mar 30

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 only...

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

Mar 26

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

Imani Winds

Mar 25

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

The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Mar 4

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, Rink Bowagon,...

Black Violin

Black Violin

Feb 28

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 Violin, brought...

National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales

National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales

Feb 26

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

Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River

Feb 23

Founder and Artistic Director Alonzo KingComposer: Jason MoranVocalist: Lisa Fisher“astonishing originality”—The New York TimesCelebrating the 40th Anniversary of Alonzo King LINES Ballet! Gorgeous and impeccable...

The Okee Dokee Brothers

The Okee Dokee Brothers

Feb 18

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

Detroit '67

Feb 17

Playwright: Dominique MorisseauProduced by Detroit Public Theatre“[a] poetic play of fire-fueled dreams” —Star Tribune“mind blowing!” —The Huffington PostIn 1967 Detroit, Motown music is getting the...

Detroit '67

Detroit '67

Feb 16

Playwright: Dominique MorisseauProduced by Detroit Public Theatre“[a] poetic play of fire-fueled dreams” —Star Tribune“mind blowing!” —The Huffington PostIn 1967 Detroit, Motown music is getting the...

Of Equal Place: Isotopes in Motion

Of Equal Place: Isotopes in Motion

Mar 21

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

Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story

Feb 12 – Feb 16, 2020

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

Kenny Barron Trio & Sean Jones Quartet

Jan 30

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

Act One: Dino Light

Jan 25

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

Jonathan Biss Plays Beethoven

Jan 8 – Jan 10, 2020

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...

Disney's Aladdin

Disney's Aladdin

Dec 4 – Dec 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

Imani Winds

Nov 8

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

Jungle Book

Nov 2

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.

PILOBOLUS: COME TO YOUR SENSES.

Oct 30

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

Oct 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

EMERSON STRING QUARTET

Oct 18

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

Oct 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

DR. FOX AND THE IMPOSSIBLE CURE FOR DEATH

Sep 21 – Sep 22, 2019

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

Sep 10 – Sep 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

Junie B. Jones

Apr 27

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,...

I and You

I and You

Mar 22 – Mar 24, 2019

A play by Lauren GundersonDirected by Bert GoldsteinA Wharton Center Theatre ProductionOne afternoon, Anthony arrives unexpectedly at classmate Carolines door bearing a beat-up copy of...

Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

Mar 12 – Mar 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

Jan 15 – Jan 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 Christmas

Dec 21

“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

Dec 4 – Dec 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...

Soweto Gospel Choir

Soweto Gospel Choir

Nov 18

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

The Dustbowl Revival

The Dustbowl Revival

Nov 1

“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

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Oct 30

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

Momix: Opus Cactus

Oct 21

“…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

Renee Fleming

Oct 16

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

Andrew Llloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES

Oct 9 – Oct 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...

Love Never Dies

Love Never Dies

Oct 9 – Oct 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

Sep 18 – Sep 23, 2018

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

Hockey--The Musical!

Hockey--The Musical!

Aug 24 – Aug 26, 2017

Noted author, columnist, and playwright Mitch Albom again takes us into the world of musical comedy with his irresistible farce Hockey - The Musical! Now...

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Apr 18

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...

Rocktopia Live

Rocktopia Live

Apr 9

ROCKTOPIA LIVE is a revolutionary performance celebrating the fusion of classical music with classic rock. The live concert features five world-class vocalists, five top notch...

Brian Regan

Brian Regan

Apr 6

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

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Apr 3

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

Feb 25

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

Inlet Dance Theatre: Among the Darkest Shadows

Feb 16 – Feb 19, 2017

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!

Feb 7 – Feb 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

Sheryl Wudunn

Jan 23

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

A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder

Dec 13 – Sep 18, 2016

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...

Young Playwrights Festival

Young Playwrights Festival

May 15

Wharton Center for Performing Arts and the MSU Department of Theatre are happy to announce the 20th Annual Young Playwrights Festival. The Young Playwrights Festival...

Re-Entry: A Staged Reading

Re-Entry: A Staged Reading

Feb 26 – Feb 27, 2016

How do you go from battlefields to summer barbecues? What price does a family pay when husbands, wives, sons and daughters go off to war?...

Valentijn Dhaenens: Bigmouth

Valentijn Dhaenens: Bigmouth

Jan 15

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...

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing

Nov 10 – Nov 15, 2015

Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live musical experience, with spine-tingling music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. This worldwide smash hit features the hit songs “Hungry...

Twyla Tharp Dance

Twyla Tharp Dance

Nov 3

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...

An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth

An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth

Oct 25

Emmy and Tony Award® winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth comes to Wharton Center – for the very first time – for what promises to...

Jersey Boys

Jersey Boys

Oct 13 – Oct 18, 2015

Back by popular demand! Jersey Boys is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Four Seasons:...

Lang Lang

Lang Lang

Sep 28

A prodigy who made his Beijing Concert Hall debut at age 13, Lang Lang became an overnight sensation at age 17 when he stepped in...

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella

Sep 22 – Sep 27, 2015

With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and...

Ernie - The Play

Ernie - The Play

Aug 19 – Aug 22, 2015

“Looong gone,” but never forgotten! Mitch Albom’s hit play, Ernie, brings Detroit’s beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell to the stage. Ernie is about...

Chess- A Staged Concert

Chess- A Staged Concert

Mar 27 – Mar 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...

Long Lost Stories

Long Lost Stories

Feb 21

In the corner of a forbidden attic sits a longforgotten trunk filled with mysteries and magical stories lost to the world for many years. Join...

Pippin

Pippin

Jan 27 – Feb 1, 2015

Join us for this magical, unforgettable production The New York Times declared Astonishing! A Pippin for the 21st Century. Pippin is back on Broadway for...

Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group

Jan 16 – Jan 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

Dec 16 – Dec 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

Oct 26

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...

Once

Once

Oct 14 – Oct 19, 2014

FIVE STARS! TRANSPORTING! Once is the sweetest and most romantic show on Broadway. It speaks volumes about the power of music and connection. –Daily News...

Videos


FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in Michigan FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
The Encore Musical Theatre Company (6/04-7/19) PHOTOS VIDEOS
Oliver! in Michigan Oliver!
The Berman Center for Performing Arts (7/17-7/26)
SIX in Michigan SIX
Cobb Great Hall (12/01-12/06)
Hallelujah Disco in Michigan Hallelujah Disco
The PLAT (11/06-11/07)
Annie in Michigan Annie
Unity Theatre Company & KCC Lifelong Learning (6/26-6/28)
West Side Story in Michigan West Side Story
Corson Auditorium (8/06-8/09)
SIX (Boleyn Tour) in Michigan SIX (Boleyn Tour)
Wharton Center [Cobb Great Hall] (12/01-12/06)
Blood at the Root in Michigan Blood at the Root
The Hilberry Gateway (3/06-4/03)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by The United European Ballet Company in Michigan Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by The United European Ballet Company
Frauenthal Center (11/06-11/06)
Nate Bargatze in Michigan Nate Bargatze
Nate Bargatze (8/14-8/14)