WHEELING — The Wheeling Symphony is puttin’ on the Ritz!

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 2025-26 season with Prohibition, a 1920s inspired performance featuring hits from the era, three award-winning guest artists, and countless references to the Jazz Age.

The concert marks the beginning of the Capitol Series, sponsored by WesBanco, and the Pops series, sponsored by WVU Medicine. Prohibition is presented by Felton CPA, with additional support provided by Kevin and Niki Stingle and Carenbauer’s Distributing Corporation.

“Our first performance of the Capitol Series will be an exciting one,” WSO Music Director John Devlin said. “For decades, the glamour of the 1920s has captured the imagination of so many, inspiring everything from The Great Gatsby to Chicago to Boardwalk Empire. I cannot wait to channel that feeling of extravagance and fun into our performance on Sept. 20.”

Maestro John Devlin

The program consists of the best-known music associated with the 1920s, such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “La Vie en Rose,” “We’re in the Money” and “Mack the Knife.” The WSO will be joined by guest artists John Riesen, Alyson Cambridge, and Sarah Uriarte Berry, who bring a wide variety of experience from the Metropolitan Opera Hall to the Broadway stage.

In addition to the performance, the WSO will host a Speakeasy in the Alley fundraiser prior to the performance. Taking place in the alley next to the Capitol Theatre, the fundraiser will begin at 5 p.m. and feature live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and Prohibition-inspired cocktails made with Sugar Pappy’s moonshine. Tickets for the Speakeasy cost $125.

“The Speakeasy fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind event,” WSO Interim Executive Director Sumner Riddick said. “The event will take place tucked away from Main Street through an arched alley beside the Capitol Theatre with amazing views of the Ohio River and historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge. Guests are required to give a “Speakeasy” password provided only to ticket holders to enter the party. Dancers from Megan Campell’s Studio MC will perform 1920s Era dances, there will be live jazz, and of course plenty of delicious food and drinks. It will be a night to remember!”

Tickets for the Prohibition concert start at $22. Tickets for the Speakeasy are available for $125. Tickets to both events can be purchased at wheelingsymphony.com.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the WSO box office, located at 1025 Main St., Suite 811, Wheeling or by calling 304-232-6191.

Photo: Publicity Set-ups of ALYSON CAMBRIDGE in On Site Opera production of Gershwin’s BLUE MONDAY

Eric Einhorn, stage director/On Site Opera Artistic Director/FoundeR

photo shoot: Friday, January 11, 2013; 6:00 PM at The Cotton Club, 656 125th Street, NY, NY. Photograph: © 2012 Richard Termine
PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine

John Riesen

Sarah Uriarte Berry