Celebrating 40 Years of Performing Arts

EAST LANSING, MI.—Wharton Center announces the 2022-2023 season, marking a special time in the Center’s history: we have been bringing our community together for 40 years. The world was a different place when Wharton Center opened in 1982, and we are all witness to how much has changed in just the last two years. What has remained—and perhaps become even more evident—is arts' vital role in our lives. 

“We are thrilled to be back and celebrating such a major milestone anniversary,” says Executive Director Mike Brand. “For 40 years, we have engaged, educated, and uplifted each other by experiencing the performing arts. It’s my final season at Wharton Center, and I’m proud to continue the tradition of engaging some of the most remarkable performers available. Four Broadway musicals are making their Wharton Center debut this season, along with the return of WICKED and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Soweto Gospel Choir makes their return as well; alongside the debut of one of the finest musical ensembles in the world, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra with violinist Nicola Benedetti; Tony Award® winner Brian Stokes Mitchell; Alonzo King LINES Ballet; The Second City, and a new National Geographic Live series. It’s an incredible season which I know our audiences will love!”

The Broadway at Wharton Center Series, supported by MSU Federal Credit Union, begins in December with PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL. Based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories, starring Broadway superstar and Tony Award^® nominee Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and rising star Olivia Valli as the charming and charismatic Vivian Ward; January 2023 brings the music of Alanis Morissette in JAGGED LITTLE PILL. Some shows you see, this show you feel! Speaking of amazing music, Tina Turner is one of the best-selling artists of all time. Her voice is undeniable, her fire is unstoppable, and her triumph is unlike any other. TINA — THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL arrives at Wharton Center in April; then, in June, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR returns, celebrating its 50^th Anniversary with a mesmerizing new production that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. Add to the mix a special event with BLUE MAN GROUP and an extended run of the Broadway sensation WICKED. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships … until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

Wharton Center’s 40^th Anniversary Season also includes Sensory-Friendly Performances (SFPs). These events provide supportive and welcoming environments for families with children with Autism Sensory Disorders and other sensory sensitivities. Audiences will also be able to engage in popular Insight Previews and After Chats for many of this year’s performances.

The entire season can be found at whartonseason.com. By subscribing to a series package, patrons receive priority seating ahead of the public, special subscriber discounts, seating flexibility, and more.

Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date.