Sutton Foster Performed at Wharton Center
The Broadway star collaborated with Michigan students for a special showcase in East Lansing.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Broadway performer Sutton Foster recently took the stage at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. She was joined by a group of high school choir members and collegiate tap dancers selected from schools across Michigan.
Why it matters
This collaborative performance highlights the ongoing commitment of the Wharton Center to fostering youth talent through the annual Sutton Foster Awards. The event provides students with the unique opportunity to learn from and perform alongside a professional Broadway artist.
The Wharton Center has hosted the annual Sutton Foster Awards since 2018. During the recent performance, Foster sang selections from major musicals including Violet, Anything Goes, and The Music Man.
The players
Sutton Foster
She is a renowned Broadway performer who is well-known for her roles in shows like Anything Goes and The Music Man.
Wharton Center
Located in East Lansing, it is a prominent performing arts venue that regularly hosts professional productions and educational programs.
Ben English
He is the project manager who coordinated the performers and hired the director for the recent production.
Phil Johnson
He is a choir director who led the rehearsal sessions for the participating Michigan students.
The details
Under the coordination of Ben English, student performers spent time preparing for the event at Holt United Methodist Church. Phil Johnson served as the director for the student choir, helping the participants rehearse before their appearance on the main stage.
Timeline
Students rehearsed at Holt United Methodist Church on Friday night.
The performance took place on October 5, 2026.
Sutton Foster performed in Shrek: The Musical between 2008 and 2010.
The Wharton Center has hosted the Sutton Foster Awards since 2018.
Industry Dynamics
The collaboration reflects a broader trend of regional performing arts centers bridging the gap between student education and professional Broadway standards. By integrating youth performers into high-profile shows, the Wharton Center reinforces its role as a hub for talent development in Michigan.
Fans in East Lansing can engage with these educational opportunities by monitoring future audition calls for the annual awards program. The performance provides local families and students with an accessible way to experience Broadway-caliber artistry in their own community.
The takeaway
This event demonstrates how established professionals can meaningfully support the next generation of performers through hands-on collaboration. Students interested in professional theater should look for similar outreach programs that emphasize mentorship and public performance.
Further reading
Explore more local arts education initiatives on the Children’s Theater page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The State News.
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