Bob Hoffman, the public relations manager for Wharton Center, said the students of MSU have a variety of tastes, so the venue makes sure to provide for many audiences.

“There’s a lot of students who love classical musicals; there are large contingents of them,” he said. “Other students will like more of the dancing. We run the gamut. So as far as students who enjoy our dance (performances) to our musicals to concerts, there’s a ton of them.”

Hoffman said the diverse tastes of the students is a characteristic of the university.

“(Students) come from all over the country and from different backgrounds,” he said. “Some come from a small town and didn’t have access to big performances. So when they discover the Wharton Center, it’s a whole new world for them.”

“Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It” highlights the lineup for the month of January. On the 24th, William Shatner will give a performance showcasing his humor, storytelling, and even a few musical selections. A $150 VIP ticket includes a meet and greet and photo with Shatner. Otherwise, ticket prices range from $38-$153.

January also will feature “Billy Elliot: The Musical” from Jan. 15-20. The musical, which won 10 Tony Awards in 2009, is about a boy named Billy who discovers a passion in dancing.

The month of February opens up with a showing of “Monty Python’s SPAMALOT.” According to Hoffman, the production won the Tony Award for Best Musical of 2005. “SPAMALOT” is similar to a play adaptation of “Monty Python and The Holy Grail.”

The Blue Man Group performs from Feb. 22-24. The “multinational entertainment show using digital media and theatrical staging,” according to Hoffman, is one of the most renowned and successful productions in theater today.

From April 9-11, “Green Day’s American Idiot” will visit Wharton Center. The musical, based on Green Day’s multiplatinum album, is about three lifelong friends who choose between their dreams and suburbia. The performance features the hit songs from the album, such as “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends.”

Packaging sophomore Brittany Mammo said she would consider going to a show with friends.
“I think it’s fun,” she said. “It’s a good time (when going out) with friends, and a safe way of going out with friends as well.”

Criminal justice senior Jeffrey Moore, who said he probably will attend a show next semester, said students should take advantage of what Wharton Center has to offer.

“When it comes to Michigan State, you want to experience the most you can, so why not try to get all the culture you can?” he said.