EAST LANSING, Oct. 11, 2009 (AP): Michigan State University is celebrating the opening of the Wharton Center for Performing Arts after an $18.5 million expansion and renovation.

Officials at the East Lansing school hold a ribbon cutting at noon Sunday, followed by an open house until 4 p.m.

Michigan State says the open house includes self-guided tours, with staff and volunteers available to answer questions.

There also will be dance demonstrations by artist-in-residence Happendance at the Rehearsal Studio and short acting performances by Doug Berky at the Pasant Theatre.

The center now has a four-story glass and brick facade and enlarged front lobby, box office and gift shop. It also has two new multipurpose spaces for programs.

On the Net: http://www.whartoncenter.com