Wharton Center Manager of Public Relations Bob Hoffman said that bringing in shows like "Wicked" is getting fans talking. Coming back from a season that was heavily influenced by COVID-19, Hoffman said that ticket sales are likely to grow with the pandemic becoming less of a concern to the audience.

“I think it's gonna come back strong," Hoffman said. "I think people are ready to be back in that theater … We're so happy that things are coming back to a new normal. We've got great shows, great attractions and great patrons, and I think that is a winning combination."

While season tickets have been available for a while, Hoffman said many students are interested in the individual tickets because they can pick and choose what shows they want to attend.

Hoffman also said that some shows this season will be special to the MSU community. The center is hosting "Of Equal Place: Isotopes in Motion", a dance event that is partnering with the rare isotope beam center on campus. Hoffman believes that this unique pairing will cause worldwide press from both the science and arts communities.

Hoffman said that audience members are excited to see the season's headliner, Tony-Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, who is a part of Wharton's effort to bring real stars to East Lansing.

"What's great about (the Wharton Center) is that we have everything," Hoffman said. "Whatever your interests, you can find it at the Wharton Center. Some people absolutely love classical music. Other people love Broadway and other people just love dance, so it's a smorgasbord."

Hoffman explained that the staff doesn't pit shows against each other for popularity, but sees all the sales as a success of the Wharton.

“It's not a competition of which show sells the most," Hoffman said. "It's the fact that Wharton Center is able to draw the best in performing arts and Broadway and bring it right here to East Lansing. That is really incredible … A lot of communities throughout the United States don't have that."

The Wharton's student-rated ticket price offers many performances to be viewed for $29, which encourages students to visit and see a high-class show.

“We understand that it's challenging sometimes to be a college-age student, and you might not necessarily be able to afford to come to see a Broadway show," Hoffman said. "But we're making that affordable for most people ... I think that's important to us. Our mission is about sharing the arts with everyone.”

Hoffman said that Wharton Students, a student marketing organization, is to thank for the ability to see shows in "our backyard" for low prices. 20 years ago, he said, the Wharton wasn't regularly attempting to reach students, a habit that has been changed by the organization.

Students can also find individual tickets at the College Nights that the Wharton Center Students host. These nights offer student ticket prices at their lowest, as well as raffles and activities for students to participate in. This year's College Nights include Tiempo Libre, a Grammy-nominated Cuban music group, "Beetlejuice" and "Jagged Little Pill".