Arts and Culture
Wharton Center
I Love Lucy Live on Stage: Feb. 13-15
I Love Lucy Live on Stageis the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in TV history. It pays homage to America’s favorite foursome—Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel.
The setup: It’s 1952 and you’re a member of the studio audience awaiting the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I Love Lucy episodes. Imagine stepping back in time onto the Desilu Playhouse soundstage, where a charming host entertains and enlightens you about the behind-the-scenes filming process, the 1950s hi-fidelity technology and this new thing called television.
Don’t miss the side-splitting antics of that crazy redhead in the Ricardos’ New York apartment, and the chance to thrill to the Cuban sounds of “The Ricky Ricardo Orchestra” at the famed Tropicana.
The Phantom of the Opera: April 1-12
Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of The Phantom of the Opera is on a new North American tour. Mackintosh’s take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success is being hailed by critics as bigger and better than ever before.
The production boasts many exciting special effects, including the show’s legendary chandelier, new scenic and lighting designs, new staging and fresh choreography. The beloved story and thrilling score—with songs such as Music of the Night, All I Ask of You and Masquerade—will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.
Online:whartoncenter.com/events
Arts & Culture
Conversation Domes: Now-May 24
Detroit-based artist Jessica Frelinghuysen has constructed domes that invite visitors to listen in on pre-recorded thoughts and conversations. The artist has a long-standing interest in conversation spaces. From cell-phone miscommunication to strange, silent negotiations for more elbow room, she seeks out awkward social situations. In bringing attention to social interactions and modes of communication, Frelinghuysen disarms visitors in hopes of encouraging their discovery, realization and conversation.
The Genres: Landscape Featuring Trevor Paglen: March 27-Sept. 13
Social scientist, artist, writer and provocateur Trevor Paglen has been exploring the secret activities of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies, which he calls the black world, for the past eight years. His large- format prints evoke the early 20th-century landscape photographs of the western United States. His work blurs the lines between science, contemporary art and journalism.
Experience Grand Music on Intimate Scale in Renovated Fairchild Theatre
The Fairchild Theatre, inside the historic MSU Auditorium, has been renovated to create a state-of-the-art venue for music and theater performances.
Enjoy intimate proximity to performers in an elegant performance hall that seats 400 concertgoers in just 15 rows.
Performances from world-renowned faculty artists and guests offer patrons a unique experience with some of the world’s greatest chamber music in the Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series and the Stanley and Selma Hollander Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival. Future offerings include:
West Circle Series
March 16, 7:30 p.m. Maurice Ravel, Man of Mystery
Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival
April 6 – 12, Check times online. Features works by Schubert, Dvo?ák, Fauré, Bach, and the screening of a silent movie accompanied by piano and strings.
Fairchild Theatre is also home to College of Music Faculty Artist Recital Series, choral music, opera, jazz, and more.
Online: msu.edu
Enjoy live performances online at: new.livestream.com/musicmsu
