Always on cue

A darkened room, a hushed crowd, a world of wonder and escape before your eyes. There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a live performance. Wharton Center for Performing Arts has been presenting MSU and mid-Michigan with world-class Broadway, theater and music productions for 40 years.

Named for Dr. Clifton R. Wharton Jr., who served as president of MSU from 1970-1978, and his wife, Dolores, the facility’s creation took flight thanks to the Whartons’ passion for the arts and an enthusiastically supported fundraising campaign.

Today, Executive Director Eric Olmscheid keeps that passion alive and looks forward to continuing to connect with audiences. “There’s a commonality of the human spirit that is engaged through the arts,” he said. “That allows our audiences to connect with each other and themselves.”

In addition to hosting some of the world’s elite touring companies and performers from Broadway and beyond, Wharton Center works to make the performing arts accessible to all. Programs and initiatives include Arts Within Reach, which provides arts experiences to underserved populations, the annual Young Playwrights Festival and sensory-friendly shows. “Wharton Center is magic,” said Public Relations Manager Bob Hoffman. “And we want to bring that magic to everyone.”