Wharton Center’s upcoming performing arts season provides diverse entertainment options

Broadway shows at Michigan State University’s Wharton Center are flashy and popular. So popular, in fact, that they underwrite the rest of the events presented there.

The 2025-26 Broadway season at Wharton was announced in March. The rest, referred to as the 2025-26 performing arts season, was released April 23. It is a buffet of entertainment featuring The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with violin superstar Ray Chen, the afro fusion band, Mokoomba, the children’s show, “Hare and Tortoise” and even an original Wharton-produced musical.

Each of Wharton’s performance venues – Cobb Great Hall, Jackson Lounge and Pasant Theater – will be used during the performing arts season. There are 31 scheduled events and the tickets are often cheaper than the Broadway series.

The performing arts season is separated into seven groups: variety, Broadway cabaret, comedy, classical, global, jazz, and Act One family.

Here are some highlights.

• Cirque Kalabante’s Afrique in Cirque: (Jan. 23, 2026) A Montreal-based gymnastics and acrobatic ensemble with high energy and live music. They are similar to Cirque du Soliel but with an African slant.

• Sally: A Solo Play: (Feb. 19-21, 2026) An exciting new venture, “Sally” is a locally written play (Sandra Seaton) produced by Wharton Center and acted and directed by New York Broadway talent. Something new and fresh.

• Mokoomba: (Oct. 9) This is a hot Afro fusion band from Zimbabwe. The six-piece group sings in a variety of languages with sizzling rhythms.

• Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: (Feb. 10, 2026) Trumpet player Wynton Marsalis has created a band that plays traditional big band jazz plus current arrangements. They have played Wharton several times before, but they are always stunning.

• Vienna Boys Choir: (Nov. 30) Christmas is when this cherubic boys choir travels to the U.S. Always a pleasure to hear these light voices blend so perfectly. This will be a treat for the entire family.

• The Simon & Garfunkel Story: (March 22, 2026) Almost a Broadway show, this is a full theatrical show that shows the life and story of this ’60s famous folk/rock duo. Be prepared to enjoy all your old favorites.

• Avatar – The Last Airbender in Concert: (Oct. 7) The animated Avatar series wowed TV watchers with its lush music.  Now you will see the series with a live orchestra performing the music.

• Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: (Jan. 26, 2026) This season the London Philharmonic concert was an unexpected hit at Wharton. Next season they are presenting another great London orchestra with one of the hottest young violinists, Ray Chen.

Also, don’t miss the four comedy shows, and three-show cabaret series, mostly taking place at the intimate Club 750 (Jackson Lounge).

For full details on all 31 shows, go to whartoncenter.com.

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This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Wharton Center’s 2025-26 performing arts season released