Prepare to be enchanted, entertained, and inspired as Wharton Center for Performing Arts unveils a mesmerizing lineup of events this season. From mind-boggling magic shows to enchanting ballets, and from raucous musical comedies to heartwarming mariachi celebrations, there is something for everyone. Dive into a world where magic defies logic, music transcends boundaries, and dance tells stories that touch the soul. With stellar performances like Bill Blagg's magic, the World Ballet Company's Nutcracker, and the Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México, the Wharton Center promises an experience filled with wonder and joy.

A Whirlwind of Magic, Music, and Dance: Wharton Center's Unforgettable Season

The Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing, MI, is set to host an extraordinary array of performances from January to February 2025. This eclectic lineup features the hilarious musical comedy 'Shucked,' the genre-blending ensemble Time For Three, the acrobatic enchantment of MOMIX's 'Alice,' and the iconic MJ musical, among others. Each show offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing the talents of award-winning artists and performers, while celebrating diverse musical and theatrical traditions. Get ready for a season of unforgettable entertainment that promises to captivate audiences with its creativity and charm.

Unveiling East Lansing's Artistic Wonders: From Musical Gems to Acrobatic Marvels

The Wharton Center for Performing Arts is set to offer an exciting lineup of events, showcasing a rich tapestry of music, dance, and theater. From the classically-infused sounds of Time For Three to the acrobatic wonders of Momix: Alice, and the captivating musical journey of MJ, these performances promise to engage and inspire audiences. With additional offerings like Brandon Woody's Upendo and the mesmerizing storytelling of Life of Pi, the season ahead at Wharton Center is a celebration of artistic diversity and innovation.

Diverse Artistic Experiences at Wharton Center: A Journey Through Music, Dance, and Theatre

There is no other band like the vintage-chic pop orchestra Pink Martini. With the combined power of a dozen musicians and fronted by the dynamic vocalist China Forbes, the vintage-chic ensemble joins humor with incredible artistry for a rollicking mix of vintage jazz, Parisian cafe music, cabaret, Brazilian samba, and old-fashioned pop The Washington Post called “rich, hugely approachable, utterly cosmopolitan yet utterly unpretentious ... it seems to speak to just about everybody.”

Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Witness spellbinding feats rooted in more than 2,000 years of history. These masters of agility and grace display their artful athleticism, pushing the limits of human ability, and defying gravity with their amazing acts of contortion and control. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. With a legacy of superb talent and rigorous training, The Peking Acrobats deliver all of the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival!

The Peking Acrobats

Experience the groundbreaking artistry of Sphinx Virtuosi, an extension of Detroit’s own, globally-renowned Sphinx Organization, committed to amplifying Black and Latinx voices in classical music. The self-conducted chamber orchestra delivers a pioneering evening titled American Form/s, a musical tapestry spotlighting the many sounds of American classical music and composers of color. Vibrant, varied, and storied, take a journey through classically-framed infusions of soul, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and elements of rag.

Sphinx Virtuosi

Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy–giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains "otherwise engaged," the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. 

EPSG:4326

9 to 5, The Musical

Michigan State University

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to East Lansing in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singularmoves andsignature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. It’s thrilling sold out crowds on Broadway, in cities across North America, and in London’s West End...and now MJ is startin’ somethin’ in Michigan.

Experience the magic of Michael Jackson like never before at the MJ Wharton Center for Performing Arts! From February 11th to 16th, 2025, the Cobb Great Hall will be alive with the spirit of one of the greatest entertainers of all time through the multiple Tony Award-winning musical, MJ. This extraordinary show, centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, showcases Michael Jackson's unique artistry, his signature moves, and his unparalleled sound.

Crafted by the creative minds of Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ offers audiences a rare glimpse into the creative genius that propelled Michael Jackson to legendary status. Having thrilled sold-out crowds on Broadway, across North America, and in London’s West End, MJ is now set to captivate Michigan with its electrifying performances.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at $49 for subscribers. Performances are scheduled from February 11th through February 16th, 2025, with evening shows at 7:30 PM from Tuesday to Friday, a matinee and evening performance on Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM respectively, and closing with two shows on Sunday at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Each performance promises to be a thrilling experience, running approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.

MJ is recommended for ages 8 and up, due to theatrical haze, fog, and a significant amount of strobing effects. Accessibility services such as Sign Language Interpretation, Audio Description, and Open Captioning are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy this spectacular production.

Don't miss your chance to witness the musical phenomenon that is MJ at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Secure your tickets today and prepare to be mesmerized by the extraordinary legacy of Michael Jackson.

Brandon Woody started his musical journey at the age of seven. Since then, Woody has gone on to become an international artist, performing with his band Upendo, curating projects for major museums, film scoring, collaborating with international brands, and performing at major venues and institutions around the globe. Woody uses music as a tool for healing, genuine connection, and celebrating community.

Club 750 Music: Brandon Woody's Upendo

Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, MOMIX sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation “Alice,” inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice in Wonderland.  Join this dazzling company on a mind-bending adventure as Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises. Filled with visual splendor and stunning creative choreography, Alice reveals that nothing in MOMIX’s world is as it seems.

Momix: Alice

This self-proclaimed “classically trained garage band” of strings and vocals is a popular Grammy and Emmy-winning ensemble that resonates with ensembles globally. Their captivating sound merges classical, pop, Americana, and singer-songwriter styles in their Wharton Center debut.

Time For Three

**Shucked at Wharton Center for Performing Arts**

**Dates:** January 21 - 26, 2025  
**Location:** Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Get ready to indulge in a night of laughter and unforgettable melodies with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, "Shucked." Described by The Wall Street Journal as "flat-out hilarious," this show promises an evening filled with humor that even economists can't resist. With a stellar creative team including Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Book), Grammy Award-winning songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Score), and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, "Shucked" is a corn-fed, American musical that's sure to satisfy your appetite for great theater.

**Performance Schedule:**  
- January 21, Tuesday: 7:30 PM  
- January 22, Wednesday: 7:30 PM  
- January 23, Thursday: 7:30 PM  
- January 24, Friday: 7:30 PM  
- January 25, Saturday: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM  
- January 26, Sunday: 1:00 PM & 6:30 PM  

**Ticket Information:**  
- On Sale Now  
- Tickets from $35 with Subscription  
- View Seating Map for detailed seat selection  

**Special Accessibility Performances:**  
- Sign Language Interpretation & Audio Description available for the first Sunday matinee upon request.  
- Open Captioning available on the first Thursday and Friday evening performances.

**Engagement Events:**  
- After Chats: Join conversations with artists inside the theatre immediately following the first Thursday Broadway performance. Please note, specific artist or company member’s participation cannot be guaranteed.

**Age and Content Warnings:**  
Recommended for ages 10 and up. The show contains adult themes, moments of adult language, and a harvest of corny innuendo.

For more information on tickets, accessibility services, and additional event details, visit the Wharton Center for Performing Arts official site or follow the event on social media.

Don't miss this "corn-bred" American musical that's harvesting laughs and heartwarming moments. Secure your tickets today and prepare for an evening of top-tier entertainment!

Shucked

Gabriel Kahane is a musician and storyteller, whose work has been called a “one man cultural Cuisinart” by The New York Times. Kahane has also been hailed as “one of the finest songwriters of the day” by The New Yorker. A frequent collaborator across a range of musical communities, Gabriel has worked with an array of artists including Paul Simon, Sufjan Stevens, Andrew Bird, Phoebe Bridgers, Caroline Shaw, and Chris Thile.

Club 750 Music: Gabriel Kahane

¡Viva el mariachi! Celebrate the holidays with A Mariachi Christmas featuring Mariachi Herencia de México. The two-time Latin GRAMMY-nominated band performs Mexican and American Christmas favorites, including the group’s reimagined holiday hits like "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", "Winter Wonderland", and many more. Filled with music and holiday cheer, this colorful celebration of holiday traditions is perfect for the whole family.

Mariachi Herencia De México: A Mariachi Christmas

Called “an uproarious homage to Christmas albums of old” by Billboard and “the magical love child of Astrud Gilberto and Lucille Ball—an unexpectedly perfect combination” by BUST Magazine, Sugar and Booze was released to rave reviews. The LA Times says “Gasteyer puts her considerable vocal chops to work here to marvelous effect on this ebullient big-band jazz effort.”

Ana Gasteyer - Sugar & Booze

World Ballet Company presents Nutcracker LIVE on stage and features a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers gathered to bring the most beloved holiday tradition to life.

World Ballet Company Presents The Nutcracker

With non-stop magical fun, Family Magic will entertain and engage audiences of all ages. Bill Blagg’s unique blend of comedy, audience participation, and mind-bending magic will keep you on the edge of your seat eagerly anticipating what’s coming next. Prepare to be amazed as ordinary objects come to life while others vanish in the blink of an eye, and you could even be chosen to float in mid-air.

Family Magic With Bill Blagg

Experience a night of uproarious improvisational comedy where the personalities of our newest students come together like a puzzle. Each performance offers a unique blend of classic and innovative improv games. Using audience suggestions, they’ll craft hilarious scenes while fostering new friendships and a culture of inclusivity.

MSU UnScripted

Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high-definition on a giant screen, while the Lansing Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’s unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets™ In Concert

The captivating fusion of science and art, Of Equal Place: Isotopes in Motion, returns to Wharton Center. This dynamic multimedia experience transcends boundaries, intertwining the realms of nuclear physics and dance in partnership with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) and Dance Exchange.

Of Equal Place: Isotopes In Motion

STOMP" class="css-u850" data-mark-multiple="true">STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!”

STOMP

Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts

A member of the game-changing, genre-blurring Los Angeles collective, West Coast Get Down, pianist Cameron Graves is taking the modern jazz scene by storm. Known as the Planetary Prince, Graves’ style and sound were described by La Weeklyas, “...the best elements of Weather Report, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Austin Peralta and Flying Lotus.”

Club 750 Music: Cameron Graves

Before he was an Emmy-winning TV star, Mandy Patinkin was already a Tony®-winning Broadway legend. Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive with Adam Ben-David on piano, presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song.

Mandy Patinkin In Concert: Being Alive

There are some orchestras that leave you awe-inspired after hearing, with an almost transcendent feeling long after the last notes are played. That is the London Philharmonic. Heard by millions on the soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings and widely celebrated as one of the world’s greatest orchestras since its founding, the London Philharmonic is truly exhilarating to hear live.

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Join the original ‘Brad Majors’-BARRY BOSTWICK-for a screening of the original, unedited movie with a live shadow cast and audience participation! Included in the experience is a memorabilia display with artifacts and an actual costume from the movie, a costume contest, and more!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Experience the epic saga of love, redemption, and revolution with "Les Misérables" at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. This acclaimed production, presented by Cameron Mackintosh, brings to life the timeless masterpiece by Boublil and Schönberg, capturing hearts with its powerful storytelling and unforgettable score. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 19th century France, "Les Misérables" tells a compelling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a testament to the enduring human spirit.

**Dates & Times:**
- October 8 - 13, 2024
- Performance times vary by date:
  - October 8 / Tuesday: 7:30 PM
  - October 9 / Wednesday: 7:30 PM
  - October 10 / Thursday: 7:30 PM
  - October 11 / Friday: 7:30 PM
  - October 12 / Saturday: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  - October 13 / Sunday: 1:00 PM & 6:30 PM

**Location:**
Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center for Performing Arts

**Ticket Information:**
- Tickets are on sale now, starting at $41 with subscription options available.
- For seating map and to purchase tickets, visit the Wharton Center's official website.

**Special Features:**
- The production boasts a magnificent score, including classics like "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Bring Him Home," "One Day More," and many more.
- Accessibility services such as Sign Language Interpretation, Audio Description, and Open Captioning are available upon request for specific performances.

**Engagement Events:**
- After Chats: Engage in conversations with artists inside the theatre immediately following the first Thursday Broadway performance. (Note: Specific artist or company member’s participation is not guaranteed.)

**Age and Content Warnings:**
- Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Special Effects include ground fog, live gunfire, haze, and strobe light.

Don't miss this "reborn dream of a production" (Daily Telegraph) that has taken the world by storm. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable theatrical experience at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Les Misérables

This lively courtroom drama is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, where a Tennessee teacher was convicted for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in a high school science class. As the trial unfolds, the courtroom becomes the stage for ideological conflict and debate about the fine line between church and state.

Inherit The Wind

Ualbany Performing Arts Center

When Grammy-winning singer Dee Dee Bridgewater and Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap take the stage, an incomparable experience awaits. With a vast repertoire spanning the greatest periods and genres in music, the duo craft masterful performances of songbook standards.

Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap

P\A is a protest performance that draws inspiration from the theme of women's suffrage. A second-line tribute to a woman’s right to her body P\A will challenge the artists and audience to confront their preconceived notions of gender roles and expectations, inviting them to reflect on the historical struggles of women in their fight to be unapologetically authentic in a world that demands they be seen and not heard.

Presented by MSU College of Arts and Letters’ Department of Theatre and MSUFCU Institute for Arts & Creativity at Wharton Center.

In Pieces

Join us at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts for a heartwarming theatrical event that brings the beloved children's television series to life like never before! "Bluey’s Big Play" is set to captivate audiences on May 28 and 29, 2024, at the prestigious Cobb Great Hall. This brand-new theatrical adaptation features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and new music by the show's composer, Joff Bush. 

Dive into the world of Bluey, Bingo, and their family in a glorious celebration that The Guardian praises as "everything you love about the show." When Dad seeks a bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans. Witness their cleverness and fun-filled games as they attempt to get Dad off that bean bag. 

"Bluey’s Big Play" is not just a play; it's an experience. With brilliantly crafted puppets and a story that brings the Heelers to life, this is your chance to see Bluey as never before. Presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co., this event promises to be a memorable experience for fans of all ages.

The performance runs for approximately 50 minutes without an intermission, making it a perfect family outing. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $27. Don't miss this unique opportunity to join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you. Buy your tickets today for "Bluey’s Big Play" and be part of the magic at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Bluey’s Big Play

Experience the global sensation that's captivating audiences worldwide! "SIX: The Musical" is set to take the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, located in the prestigious Cobb Great Hall. This electrifying performance will run from May 14 to May 19, 2024, offering a unique blend of history and pop culture as it transforms the tales of the six wives of Henry VIII into a powerful celebration of 21st-century girl power.

Winner of 23 awards in the 2021-

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts as we present "MasterWorks 5: Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3" featuring the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. This season finale, set to take place on May 10, 2024, at the prestigious Cobb Great Hall, promises to be a night of exquisite music and outstanding performances.

The concert will open with a piece by the LSO Composer-In-Residence, followed by a captivating Piano Concerto showcasing the talents of the Gilmore Young Artist. The highlight of the evening will be Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 3 in A minor, a masterpiece that combines the sonorous and romantic elements of Rachmaninoff's style with a unique expressive palette. This symphony, known for its emotional depth and diverse orchestral colors, is presented in a compact three-movement format, echoing the success of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerti.

Under the baton of Director Timothy Muffitt, and featuring performances by the Gilmore Young Artist Winner on piano, the evening's program also includes W.A. Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467, alongside the much-anticipated Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44.

Event Details:
- Date: May 10, 2024
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center for Performing Arts
- Ticket Prices: Starting at $30, with special rates for students and youth from $15
- Availability: Tickets on sale now

Don't miss this spectacular close to our 94th season, a celebration of musical innovation and the enduring legacy of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Buy your tickets today and experience the power and beauty of live orchestral music!

MasterWorks 5: Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts as we celebrate the iconic music of Star Wars with "The Music of Star Wars: May the Fourth Be With You" event. This special performance, featuring the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, will take place on May 4, 2024, at the prestigious Cobb Great Hall.

Date and Time:
- May 4, 2024
- Event starts at 7:30 PM

Location:
- Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center for Performing Arts

About the Event:
"May the Force be with you" as the Lansing Symphony Orchestra takes you on an epic journey through the musical galaxy of Star Wars. Experience the thrilling music that has become synonymous with the Star Wars saga, composed by the legendary John Williams and Michael Giacchino. This concert will feature selections from various Star Wars films, bringing to life the themes that represent beloved characters and capture the excitement of their adventures.

Ticket Information:
- Tickets are on sale now, starting from $30.

Don't miss this opportunity to relive your favorite movie moments through the powerful and moving scores that have defined Star Wars. Directed by Timothy Muffitt, this performance promises to be a memorable night for fans of all ages.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit the Wharton Center for Performing Arts website. May the Fourth be with you!

The Music of Star Wars: May the Fourth Be With You

Join us at the prestigious Cobb Great Hall on May 2, 2024, for an unforgettable evening with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as they present "Mozart and the Seasons." Under the baton of the newly appointed Music Director Jader Bignamini, the orchestra will embark on a musical journey inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. The concert will feature the tango-infused "Four Seasons of Buenos Aires" by Astor Piazzolla, arranged by Desyatnikov, with a stellar performance by the DSO's newly appointed Concertmaster Robyn Bollinger. Additionally, the evening will include Michael Abels' innovative work, which blends Vivaldi's classic with modern elements, and culminate in Mozart’s brilliant and beloved "Symphony No. 41 in C Major, Jupiter," a masterpiece hailed as one of the top ten symphonies of all time.

The concert starts at 7:30 PM, promising an approximate run time of 90 minutes, including an intermission. This event is recommended for ages 5 and up, ensuring a family-friendly experience. Enhance your evening with an "Insight Preview" 45 minutes before the performance, where topic experts will provide unique insights into the night's repertoire.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at $25, with special pricing available for MSU students at $19 with APID. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Wharton Center website.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

For this engaging performance, Grammy-nominated PUBLIQuartet thoughtfully ponders “What is American?” through a musical kaleidoscope of composers and diverse genres that make up America’s rich musical history. The program includes works by Vijay Iyer and Rhiannon Giddens; the music of Ornette Coleman, Fats Waller, Tina Turner, Betty Davis, Alice Coltrane, and Ida Cox; and a reimagination of Dvořák’s American Quartet, in which the composer’s original melodies meet PUBLIQuartet’s blues, jazz, and rock-inflected stylings.

Publiquartet: What Is American

The MSU Symphony Orchestra shares the stage with Choral Union, State Singers, and University Chorale to perform a panoramic program depicting different aspects of the sea. Ralph Vaughan Williams used text from poems by Walt Whitman including “The Waves” and “On the Beach at Night, Alone” for his magnificent A Sea Symphony (Symphony No. 1). The final ripple of the program presents beauty and wonder with Benjamin Britten’s Four Sea Interludes. Octavio Más-Arocas and Sally Yu, conductors. Generously sponsored by Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., and Thomas V. O’Halloran, Ph.D.

Symphony Orchestra And Msu Choirs: Songs Of The Sea

Sing, dance, and learn along with 123 Andrés: the Latin Grammy-winning husband and wife duo, Andrés and Christina. Their catchy bilingual songs and lively performance will entertain the entire family.

123 Andrés

Featuring guest composer John Mackey and clarinetist Julian Bliss. The program includes Boom Goes the Dynamite by Paul Dooley, Divine Mischief: Concerto for Clarinet by John Mackey, and Symphony No. 4 by David Maslanka. Kevin L. Sedatole, conductor.

Wind Symphony

The program includes Symphonic Dances, Mvt. I by Yosuke Fukuda, Shut Out by MSU student Tyler Mazone, Ye Banks and Braes ‘O’ Bonnie Doon by Percy Grainger, American Variations by Jerry Bilik, and In Living Color by Katahj Copley. Arris Golden, conductor.

Concert Band And Campus Band

Presenting a musical journey through the magical and wonderous works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute Overture and Ottorino Respighi’s Belkis, Regina dé Saba. The concert program will also include the winning work from the annual Jere Hutcheson Composition Competition.

Concert Orchestra: Fairytales And Legends

Best known for her stunning vocal approach in blues and jazz, Grammy-winning singer Catherine Russell has toured the world, performing and recording with the likes of David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, and Wynton Marsalis. Her repertoire features a selection of gems from the 1920s through the present, with vital interpretations bursting with soul and humor. Featuring an eclectic song selection, sparkling acoustic swing, and incredible vocals, Catherine Russell has joined the ranks of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular Songs.

Catherine Russell

The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening is a fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater. Join this group of late nineteenth century German students as they navigate self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in an electrifying celebration of youth and rebellion.

Spring Awakening

Experience the electrifying enchantment of "Moulin Rouge The Musical" at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, set to dazzle audiences from April 2 to April 14, 2024, at the prestigious Cobb Great Hall. This theatrical masterpiece, a winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, brings Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film to life on stage in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with a book by Tony Award winner John Logan, music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine, and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, "Moulin Rouge The Musical" is a celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and above all, Love.

Set in a world of splendor and romance, where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows, the musical invites you to enter a realm of eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur, and glory. It's more than a musical; it's a state of mind that promises to leave you mesmerized by its spectacular storytelling and breathtaking performances.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from $45. Special pricing is available for MSU students at $29 with APID. The performance is recommended for ages 12 and up, featuring an atmosphere filled with haze and fog, strobe lights, confetti cannons, and a prop gun, ensuring a truly immersive experience. The run time is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.

Accessibility services such as Sign Language Interpretation & Audio Description and Open Captioning are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy this spectacular show. Engage further with the production by joining the after chats, conversations with artists inside the theatre immediately following the first Thursday Broadway performance.

Don't miss your chance to witness the splendor of "Moulin Rouge The Musical" at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Secure your tickets now and prepare to be transported to a world where love conquers all.

Moulin Rouge The Musical

In the 20 years since the global musical sensation’s debut, Celtic Woman has emerged as both a formidable musical presence and a genuine cultural phenomenon. The group's albums and DVD releases have been consistent multi-platinum best-sellers and its concert tours continue to touch the hearts of a devoted audience that spans the globe. Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective, Celtic Woman introduces some of Ireland's most talented singers and musicians to the world stage.

Celtic Woman

1930s New York City in the midst of the depression, struggling cab drivers are deciding whether to unionize. The union leader, Lefty, may hold the answer but he is nowhere to be found as we witness the heart-wrenching tales of these workers. Originally produced on Broadway under the auspices of the Group Theatre, which championed realistic acting and contained some of the most influential acting teachers of the last century.

Waiting For Lefty

Ludwig van Beethoven's influence was far-reaching and ushered in a movement of music that was picked up and further developed by composers like Wagner and Strauss. Betthoven's one and only Violin Concerto has become an audience and performer favorite, filled with delicate melodies and stunning poignance. This concert opens with a premiere by Los Angeles-based composer Sarah Gibson, which the League of American Orchestras commissioned with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The concert scampersto an exciting finish with Richard Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, a lively, comic work about the conflict between stern forces of repression and the irrepressible spirit of freedom.

Masterworks 4: Beethoven Violin Concerto

Join us at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts for an unforgettable evening with "Small Island Big Song" on March 21, 2024, at the Cobb Great Hall. This unique event starts at 7:30 PM and promises to be a transcendent musical journey that combines song, spoken word, and cinematic visuals. Tickets are on sale now, starting from $25, with special pricing for MSU students at $19 with APID.

"Small Island Big Song" is an inspiring multimedia event where First Nation artists from across the Pacific and Indian Oceans unite to blend traditions and create music celebrating our interconnectedness. Featuring beautiful cinematography and incredible music, this performance is described by Billboard Asia, Japan as "one coherent, jaw-dropping piece." The artists, renowned musicians from 16 island nations, share a message of unity, showcasing that the ocean does not divide their homes—it connects them. Expect irresistible oceanic grooves and soulful island ballads that sing for the seas.

This event is recommended for ages 5 and up, ensuring it's a family-friendly experience. Additionally, engage with related events leading up to the performance, including a Pacific Island food menu at The Edge At Akers on March 18, 2024, and a climate discussion panel on March 19, 2024, featuring notable experts and activists. On the day of the performance, attendees can enjoy an Insight Preview at 6:45pm for unique insights into the performance, and a Student Organization Fair from 6:30-7:30pm to learn more about MSU's impact on campus.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Wharton Center's official site or contact Ben English at ben.english@whartoncenter.com. Don't miss this breathtakingly beautiful sound made by those who sing for the seas.

Small Island Big Song

Join us for TEDxMSU's 10th Annual Conference: APEX, an extraordinary event that transcends the conventional boundaries of dialogue and discovery. This year, we invite you to "Reach Higher, Think Deeper," as we unveil a mosaic of groundbreaking ideas and performances at Michigan State University. This Year we will be hosting 8 speakers from diverse disciplines share their visions through TED-like talks. As attendees, you'll be part of an inspiring community session that stimulates learning and curiosity. Each talk is designed to spark deep conversations and connections, fostering an environment where every idea has the potential to ignite change. So, come with an open mind and leave with a heart full of inspiration. Secure your ticket to be a part of an unforgettable pursuit of knowledge and empowerment.

APEX

Get ready to rock with the one and only John Mellencamp, Live and in Person, at Wharton Center. Mellencamp has been a force in the music industry for decades, and his live performances are nothing short of electric. With a string of hits that have become anthems, this is a show you won't want to miss.

John Mellencamp

A celebratory concert program honors legendary MSU Band Director (1927–1967) Leonard Falcone. The program includes Symphonic Concert March (arr. Nicholas Falcone) by Giouse Bonelli, Prelude to Act I from La Traviata and La Forza del Destino (arr. Leonard Falcone) by Giuseppe Verdi, Torino (arr. Leonard Falcone) by Emilio Rivela, Alba Sentimentale (arr. Leonard Falcone) by Roberto Fasoli, and Scossa Elettrica by Giacomo Puccini. Kevin L. Sedatole and MSU Alumni guests, conductors. Generously sponsored by Merritt Lutz.

Honoring Leonard Falcone’s 125th Birthday

Author, teacher, arts enthusiast, and LGBTQ+ advocate Chasten Buttigieg will discuss his background in theatre and the impact that allyship and representation can have on young lives.

Can We Talk? With Chasten Buttigieg

Superstar violinist Ray Chen has it all: charisma for days, a deep musical sense, and incredible virtuosity. His recital with pianist Julio Elizalde puts his talents on full display with a program including the grandest in the violin repertory, Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 7 (“Eroica”), Bach’s cheerful, high-spirited Partita No. 3 for solo violin, Giuseppe Tartini’s fiendishly demanding Devil’s Trill Sonata, Dvořák’s romantic Slavonic Dance No. 2, a special arrangement of Chick Corea’s Spain, and more.

Ray Chen

The annual Honors Concert will feature the winners of the annual competition performing as soloists with the Symphony Orchestra. In addition to the solo works determined after the competition, the program will include Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, a tale of love and fierce rivalries between two teenage street gangs in New York City. Octavio Más-Arocas, conductor.

Symphony Orchestra: Honors Concert And West Side Story

The program includes Selections from the Danserye (arr. Patrick Dunnigan) by Tielman Susato, Spanish Dances (Book 1) by Luis Serrano Alarcón, Red Cape Tango by Michael Daugherty, and Wedding Dance (transcr. Herbert N. Johnston) by Jacques Press. David Thornton, conductor.

Symphony Band

Join us at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts for an electrifying performance by Step Afrika on March 9, 2024, at the prestigious Cobb Great Hall. This unique event starts at 7:30 PM and promises an unforgettable night showcasing the vibrant and dynamic art form of stepping.

Step Afrika, renowned for its high-energy performances, blends percussive dance styles rooted in African American fraternities and sororities, traditional dances from West and Southern Africa, and contemporary dance and art forms into a compelling artistic experience. The ensemble's performance will not only highlight the traditional aspects of stepping but also explore its evolution through a suite of traditional South African dances, offering a rich, cultural tapestry that is both visually and musically exciting.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at $25, with special pricing available for MSU students at $19 with APID. This performance is recommended for ages 5 and up, making it a perfect cultural outing for the whole family. 

Don't miss the chance to engage more deeply with the art and artists through After Chats, a post-performance conversation inside the theatre. Please note that while we strive to provide the most enriching experience, the participation of any specific artist or company member cannot be guaranteed.

For more information, seating maps, and to purchase your tickets, visit the Wharton Center's official site. Prepare to have your heart pounding with the rhythm and soul of Step Afrika's performance!

Step Afrika!

Adapted from the award-winning children’s book by Joseph Belisle, this true story features the character of Faith, a nine-year-old girl who is full of dread and “what ifs” when her cat, Wilhelmina, goes missing. Faith learns about the futility of worry and develops coping skills through music, movement, and the assistance of some friendly puppets. Highlighting the power of diversity and ability, What If Wilhelmina is an innovative, multi-sensory, and interactive performance for audiences that are neurodiverse and neurotypical.

What If Wilhelmina

Miami’s sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah. It’s 2023, and we find Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from a new (much) younger sex-crazed lover. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue allows audiences to relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends.

Golden Girls

Inspired by Aesop’s famous fable, this is a beautiful wintery tale about a boy who learns that “nobody believes a liar, even when they’re telling the truth.” From Tutti Frutti Productions and York Theatre Royal comes a gifted ensemble of actors and musicians, performing and singing live as they embody all the delightful characters, including hilarious sheep—and perhaps a wolf or two. Set in a village of knitters with fingers flicking and needles clicking, every new jumper tells a tale here! Ultimately, Silas finds a place for himself (and his imagination) in his warm, woolly community.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Featuring the winner of the 2nd Annual Concert Orchestra Concerto Competition, this concert also includes music from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and Astor Piazzolla’s sumptuous orchestral work, Tangazo. Additional works include Into Light by Marilyn Shrude and Bernstein’s Mambo. Katherine Kilburn and Sally Yu, conductors.

Concert Orchestra: Latin Dances And Love Stories

They were a band that transcended musical tastes because their music transcended genres. With Classical Mystery Tour, you can witness the timelessness of The Beatles' music live with four supremely talented musicians accompanied by a full orchestra. The costumes, the vocals, and the musicianship--it's all there. One night only. Don't miss out.

The Music Of The Beatles Featuring Classical Mystery Tour

Native & African American vocalist, songwriter, composer, and educator Martha Redbone is known for her unique gumbo of folk, blues, and gospel. Her sound is inspired by her childhood in Harlan County, Kentucky, infused with the eclectic grit of pre-gentrified Brooklyn. Inheriting the powerful vocal range of her gospel-singing African American father and the resilient spirit of her mother’s Southeastern Cherokee/Choctaw culture, Redbone broadens the boundaries of American Roots music. With songs and storytelling that share her life experience as a Native and Black woman, and a mother in the new millennium, Redbone gives voice to issues of social justice, bridging traditions from past to present, connecting cultures, and celebrating the human spirit.

Martha Redbone Roots Project

Jim Brickman will wow the crowd with his uplifting HITS LIVE! IN CONCERT. The Grammy Nominated Songwriter gets up close and personal in this intimate setting with his hit songs “Love of My Life”, “Angel Eyes”, “The Gift “ & “Valentine”. Brickman warms the heart, as his sweet sounds and stories bring family and friends together.

Jim Brickman

The program includes Resound by Nicole Piunno, Be Thou My Vision by Travis J. Cross, Sarabande and Polka (arr. John P. Paynter) by Malcolm Arnold, From the Delta by William Grant Still, and Fairest of the Fair by John Philip Sousa. Arris Golden, conductor.

A group of friends meet for an unorthodox college reunion at the lake house where they spent a weekend retreat back in 2008. Summoned by the one member of the group they left behind, they go to the depths of the earth to find Stevie and bring them home. But what is home? And how far can you travel in time without walking out again? Stevie and the Real World is a comedic play with puppets that remembers when "the real world" was just a show on MTV.

Stevie And The Real World

Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this love letter to the theatre is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Funny Girl

Igor Stravinsky’s collaboration with Russian impresario Sergei Diaghilev was among the most powerful and fructuous unions of the 20th century. This concert will include one of the ballet scores Stravinsky wrote for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. The musical prowess of Petrushka, a trickster puppet, reaffirmed Stravinsky as one of the most important composers of the 20th century. Octavio Más-Arocas and Sally Yu, conductors.

Symphony Orchestra: Puppets And Fireflies

The MSU Wind Symphony shares the stage with the St. Olaf Band, a prestigious symphonic band established in 1891 from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. The MSU Wind Symphony is conducted by Kevin L. Sedatole and the St. Olaf Band is conducted by MSU Alumnus Henry Dorn.

Wind Symphony And St. Olaf College Band

Cello icon Yo-Yo Ma, Grammy-winning pianist Emanuel Ax, and violin wonder Leonidas Kavakos return by demand for an intimate all-Beethoven performance. Emanuel Ax is known for his “thoughtful, lyrical, lustrous” pianism (The Washington Post), “strong on bravura, [and] ravishing in finesse” (The Guardian). Leonidas Kavakos, “a spectacular artist” (Philadelphia Inquirer), lauded for his matchless technique and artistry. Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most prolific artists in the world, brilliantly collaborating across several genres. Ma’s “performances are wonderfully eloquent and sophisticated” (Los Angeles Times), marked with “beautifully calibrated dynamic detailing” (Chicago Classical Review). Last performing to a sold-out crowd at Wharton Center; don’t miss the return of this “super trio,” sure to be a highlight of the season.

Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, & Yo-yo Ma

The program includes Fanfare and Allegro by Clifton Williams, Fervent Is My Longing/Fugue in G Minor (transcr. Lucien Caillet) by J.S. Bach, Lacedaemon (world premiere) by Ethan Kaminsky (MSU Composition Contest winner), and Folk Festival (transcr. Donald Hunsberger) by Dmitri Shostakovich. David Thornton, conductor.

Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.

Mamma Mia!

The concert opens with W.A. Mozart's spirited and buoyant Symphony No. 35 "Haffner." Then hear Lansing Symphony's Principal Trumpet, Neil Mueller, perform the world premiere of David Biedenbender's new Trumpet Concerto. The concert closes with a piece by French compsoer Georges Bizet that was not discovered and perfomed until nearly eighty years after it was written. Bizet's Symphony No. 1 in C major is his only symphony and showcases his lyrical and expressive quailities while maintaining a Mozartian lightheartedness and levity.

Masterworks 3: Mozart And Bizet

Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, you will have visions of sugarplums dancing in your head as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. With an original music score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and new sets, scenery, and storylines, this ultimate holiday gift for the entire family is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Feel the joy of the season with your favorite holiday tunes and traditional carols. The afternoon features Broadway Star and Michigan Native, Teri Hansen, singing classics and popular music.  Bring your friends and family to be a part of this community tradition.

Holiday Pops Featuring Teri Hansen, Vocalist

Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season with a cappella sensation Voctave. These 11 incredible singers are internationally known for their incredible harmonies, and will leave you feeling merry and bright as they perform holiday favorites from their chart-topping albums.

Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas

More than 300 members from MSU’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs bring the joy and spirit of the season to life in this holiday music tradition. A concert for the entire family, a variety of holiday favorites are included, from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah, to Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and audience singalong. Jonathan Reed, Sandra Snow, and Octavio Más-Arocas, conductors.

Holiday Cheer With Msu Symphony Orchestra And Choirs

Alto saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins burst onto the music scene in 2020 with the release of his debut album, Omega, which went on to be named the Best New Jazz Release of 2020 by The New York Times, the Best Debut Jazz album by NPR, and a nomination for an NAACP Image Award.

Immanuel Wilkins Quartet

Featuring Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, this program includes Valerie Coleman’s powerful tribute to freedom and unity, Umoja Anthem of Unity, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s delightful Petite Suite de Concert. Katherine Kilburn and Sally Yu, conductors.

Concert Orchestra: Anthem Of Unity

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world?

Hairspray

The program includes Divertimento for Band by Vincent Persichetti, Waves (world premiere) by Jordyn Davis, Let Evening Come by Donald Grantham, and Flying Jewels by James David. David Thornton, conductor.

Symphony Band 2023

Learning on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard destined for greatness, Harry leaves for wizarding school for the first time in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™. This concert presents the first movie of the unforgettable series while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ enchanting score. Join us for an evening of music and magic.

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone™

Wild ‘N Out is a comedy special with a special guest performance by Tay B.

Wild ‘n Out

The program includes Sea Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Daydream by Timothy Mahr, Serenade by Derek Bourgeois, Old Scottish Melody by Charles Wiley and Suite Divertimento by Jay Gilbert. Arris Golden, conductor.

Concert Band And Campus Band 2023

Brit Floyd returns to the stage in 2023 to perform a brand-new production celebrating 50 years of the ground-breaking and iconic musical masterpiece The Dark Side of the Moon. The show will feature classic tracks from the album such as Time, Money, Us and Them, and The Great Gig in the Sky.

Brit Floyd

Acclaimed as one of Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies, Much Ado About Nothing delivers witty tongue-lashings and fast-paced farce. As the diabolical Don Gianna devises a scheme to shatter the wedding of young lovers Claudio and Hero, the friends of Beatrice and Benedick conspire to trick them into admitting their much-denied love for one another. Shakespeare shapes the light-hearted deceptions with cleverness and charm while keeping the laughter coming.

Much Ado About Nothing

Carmina Burana is one of the most iconic pieces of classical music borrowed extensively by Hollywood and Madison Avenue because of its power, effectiveness, and evocative qualities. Carl Orff set ancient musing of love, nature, and decandence in a modern musical setting to be performed by large orchestral forces, choirs, and soloists. This thrilling concert opens with the joyous and uplifting Umoja Anthem of Unity, a new work by living composer Valerie Coleman.

Masterworks 2: Carmina Burana

In a fusion of original pop, jazz, soul, and classic love songs, singer-songwriter, and cellist Gabriel Royal’s incomparable voice cuts through the haze. Performing on piano and cello, Royal’s engaging style is the ultimate in entertainment—balancing heartfelt moments of vulnerability with his signature sense of humor and timing.

Gabriel Royal

An annual tradition for the Green and White faithful since 1971, Spartan Spectacular offers an exciting musical experience for the entire family. The unique program features a surround-sound performance by the Spartan Marching Band and highlights its twirlers, color guard, and drumline. Additional performances by the MSU Symphony Band, Jazz Nonet I, and other top ensembles from the College of Music make it clear why this concert is called spectacular. Generously sponsored by the MSU Federal Credit Union.

Spartan Spectacular

Celebrating the work of guest composer Gabriela Ortiz, this concert will feature her powerful Concierto Voltaje with timpani solo performance by MSU Professor of Percussion Gwendolyn Dease. This rhythmic concert also includes Symphony No. 2 (Sinfonía India) by Carlos Chávez, Sensemayá, for Orchestra by Silvestre Revueltas, and MSU Professor of Composition Ricardo Lorenz’s Todo Terreno, commissioned and premiered in 2022 by the LA Philharmonic. Octavio Más-Arocas and Sally Yu, conductors. Generously sponsored by Dr. Charles Gliozzo in memory of Marjorie Gliozzo.

Symphony Orchestra: The Power Of Rhythm

What will you do to go home again? Lisa Peterson’s adaptation of The Odyssey brings new life to this ancient epic. Four young women trapped in the limbo of a refugee camp retell Odysseus’ adventures as they struggle with their own search for a home. A production based on the revelatory new translation by Emily Wilson, its bold theatricality brings new humor and grace to a story we all think we know.

The Acting Company: Odyssey

The concert features guest composer Gabriela Ortiz and MSU cellist Suren Bagratuni. The MSU Wind Symphony will perform Kauyumari by Gabriela Ortiz, Tramonto by Luis Serrano Alarcón, Sinfonietta for Concert Band by Ingolf Dahl, and Danza Final (arr. David John) by Alberto Ginastera. The MSU Symphony Band will perform Pacific Celebration Suite: I. Parade by Roger Nixon, Mare Tranquillitatis by Roger Zare, and Variants on a Medieval Tune by Norman Dello Joio. Kevin L. Sedatole and David Thornton, conductors.

Wind Symphony And Symphony Band

Marine Band Director Col. Jason Fettig has programmed musical selections in the style of the band’s 17th director John Philip Sousa, who initiated the concert tour tradition in 1891. Concertgoers can expect a mix of works including traditional band repertoire, Sousa marches, contemporary compositions, vocal and instrumental solos and a patriotic salute to the Armed Forces.

“the President’s Own” U.s. Marine Band

An audience favorite! David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers, a master of satire, and one of today’s most observant writers. The author of the previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and a regular National Public Radio contributor, he returns to Wharton Center with select readings from new and unpublished works.

An Evening With David Sedaris

This program features Brahms’s light-hearted and boisterous nod to academia, Academic Festival Overture, the lyrical and reflective Nocturne by composer and MSU Associate Professor of Composition Zhou Tian, and Sibelius’s mystical and epic tone poem En Saga. Katherine Kilburn and Sally Yu, conductors.

Concert Orchestra: Mystical Lyricism

Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. You will howl with laughter as Dixie demonstrates the many alternative uses for the iconic plastic kitchen staple. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation, empowerment, and homespun wisdom, Dixie’s Tupperware Party leaves your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party

Enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating 100 years of Disney through the lens of jazz. “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “He’s a Tramp,” “Everybody Wants to be a Cat,” and “The Bare Necessities” are just a few of the iconic songs which will be celebrated as we look back on the impact of jazz on 100 years of Disney magic!

When You Wish Upon A Star

Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father, Flippy, is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series, adapted by the same team that brought you the DOG MAN: The Musical.

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical

An enchanting story for all ages, with a wonderful dose of humor, relish the majesty of classical ballet and the promise of “happily ever after.”

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

11 - 16 Mar, 2025

Life of Pi

Mar 22, 2025

The Acting Company: August Wilson’s Two Trains Running

Mar 25, 2025

Jazz At Lincoln Center: New Orleans Songbook

1 - 6 Apr, 2025

Decision Height

Apr 3, 2025

Club 750 Music: Tatiana Eva Marie

Feb 27, 2025

Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes

Feb 25, 2025

The Peking Acrobats

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