It's the most wonderful time of the year for theatre fans as the Wharton Center reveals the lineup for its 2026/27 Broadway Season, and it's a good one! With chances to catch fresh-from-New York hits, including The Outsiders, BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical, alongside the welcome return of classics like Phantom and The Lion King, there's more than enough magic for all types of theatre goers!

Beetlejuice
September 18 - 20, 2026
Get ready to experience the afterlife like never before as Beetlejuice invites you to step into a world where the supernatural meets the hilarious. Based on Tim Burton's iconic film, Beetlejuice brings his chaos and madness to the stage, where you'll witness larger-than-life sandworms, ghostly apparitions, and jaw-dropping transformations. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the original movie or a newcomer to the Beetlejuice universe, prepare for a theatrical journey that's bound to leave you screaming... with laughter!
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The Notebook
October 27 - November 1, 2026
This brand-new musical made its Broadway debut in 2024, and now it's coming to you on tour! It's been sixteen years since Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams first set screens alight as Allie and Noah in The Notebook, but romance fans are in for a song-and-dance treat when this beloved story comes to Cobb Great Hall this fall. Featuring music and lyrics from American singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. Fall in love with Nicholas Sparks' tear-jerking tale all over again!
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SIX
December 1 - 6, 2026
Henry VIII's six wives are stepping out from the big man's shadow to take their turn in the spotlight in this epically good new musical! Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX is a celebration of girl power - from the 16th Century to today - and debuted on the West End in 2018 to fantastic reviews. With an infectious songbook and costumes to make Gaga or Queen Bey jealous, this outstanding show pushes the boundaries of musical theatre! Much like Hamilton, Six injects its historical story with modern-day attitudes and modern-day music, serving up a dizzying whirl of pop and comedy, and an all-female cast. Don't miss it!
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Hell's Kitchen
January 19 - 24, 2027
The Diary of Alicia Keys? almost! This inspirational musical is on a brand-new North American tour. Created by playwright and Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz and scored by Alicia Keys, Hell's Kitchen is largely drawn from the award-winning singer's story, based on Keys' life growing up in the Bronx. Maleah Joi Moon won the 2024 Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role, with Kecia Lewis winning Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
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BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical
February 23 - 28, 2027
Boop-oop-a-doop! Cultural icon Betty Boop is finally going on a nationwide tour starting in fall 2026! Created by a starry team of Tony and Grammy-winning talent, including direction from Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) and music from David Foster, this exciting new musical sees the beguiling 30's cartoon come to life in her own fully staged story. With a contemporary score that blends golden-age Broadway jazz with today's musical theatre sound, it balances old-school swing with modern storytelling, finally giving Betty the legacy she deserves!
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The Lion King
April 8 - 25, 2026
Roaring into East Lansing next spring! Disney presents a musical that brings the much-loved 1994 animated film to life with breathtaking spirit and power, inviting you to explore the African Serengeti and join the wide-eyed cub Simba on the adventure of a lifetime as he grows up and accepts his destiny as the King of the Pride Lands. In addition to the beloved songs penned by Sir Elton John and Tim Rice (such as the soaring 'Circle of Life') this phenomenal adaptation has original songs and explodes with joyous, captivating music that soundtrack the rich mythology and moving drama expertly.
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The Outsiders
June 22 - 27, 2027
Winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Best New Musical! Based on S.E. Hilton's 1967 novel and Francis Ford Coppola's era-defining motion picture, this coming-of-age tale follows a gang of young greasers as they cling to survival. With an Americana and roots-inspired music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival, a book by the award-winning Adam Rapp, and direction from Danya Taymor, discover this fan favorite musical as it continues its first-ever national tour. Raw and touching, The Outsiders is a moving story brimming with emotional energy that reminds us of the power of hope, the struggle for identity and belonging, and how it motivates the boys in their violent world.
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The Phantom of the Opera
August 25 - September 5, 2027
In 1986, Andrew Lloyd Webber unveiled his latest masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, an electrifying rock musical inspired by Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel. This mesmerizing tale of supernatural romance has captivated audiences and become a cultural phenomenon. As Broadway's longest-running show, this iconic production continues to break records, with an estimated 140 million viewers worldwide.
Experience the magic of Phantom as it enters a new era with a refreshed production set to enthrall audiences across America. Don't miss your chance to witness this legendary show as it closes the season on this exciting new tour!
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