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The Capitol Theatre will be "the room where it happens" on Feb. 16 when the star of the "Hamilton" musical, Renée Elise Goldsberry, will take the stage with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.
The Tony Award-winner will perform a wide variety of genres, from folk to Broadway, taking audience members on a journey through her entire musical life during the show.
Goldsberry's musical history spans multiple starring roles in Broadway shows, including "The Lion King," "Rent" and “Hamilton." Goldsberry is best known for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in "Hamilton," which earned her a Tony, Grammy and Drama Desk award.
When WSO Music Director John Devlin first heard Goldsberry's voice in the "Hamilton" cast recording, he was immediately taken with her talents.
"My wife, Camille, and I would listen to that album on every car ride we took, memorizing the
words and being mesmerized by the magic of the compositions and interpretations of
that transcendent original cast," recalled Devlin. "To have her join us in Wheeling is a very special moment for the WSO."
WSO executive director Sonja Thoms teased a "very lively show" next Friday at 7:30 p.m. She added the event is the perfect opportunity to extend Valentine's Day festivities.
"It's really an honor to welcome her here to play with the orchestra," said Thoms. "It will be a night where you can just sit back and relax with your friends, family, partner or spouse."
To get big names like Goldberry and Sutton Foster, who performed during the WSO's Opening Night Concert and Celebration, at the Capitol Theatre is what the WSO "wants to do more of," described Thoms.
"We want to bring that artistic talent to Wheeling, and once that talent sees the beautiful theater and the energy of our audiences, those artists are delighted that they came," remarked Thoms. "We’ve been hearing great feedback from these artists' visits from the performers and audiences."
Goldsberry's visit to Wheeling was made possible through assistance from sponsors the Wheeling Symphony Auxillary, Wesbanco, Felton & Felton CPA and Marylou Goodman.
Wesbanco Market President David Klick explained the organization supports the WSO because the symphony "brings the arts and entertainment to the area." He described the symphony as "one of the best assets of the city," and what separates Wheeling from other communities.
"It's obvious for us to be the premier sponsor for this organization that not only gives so many people in the county something to do but brings so many people from outside the area just to see a little bit of what Wheeling is about," explained Klick.
The WSO has also partnered with the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce for the concert. The chamber will host its Business After Hours prior to the concert in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom. Beginning at 5 p.m., members and non-members can mingle in the ballroom while enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
"It's our pleasure to once again partner with the Wheeling Symphony to host Business After
Hours," said Wheeling Chamber Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard. "The WSO is not
only a cultural touchstone for the Wheeling area but an important hub for our business
community. I hope all our members will join us for food and fellowship, followed by an
outstanding musical performance."
Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Membership and Marketing Coordinator Brooke Anderson noted that the Business After Hours held in conjunction with the WSO concert is always one of the best-selling Business After-Hours each year.
"People get excited because there’s so much going on at the Capitol," explained Anderson. "To have the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra as one of our partners is amazing because we’re both working towards the goal of seeing Wheeling succeed and grow."
Tickets for Renée Elise Goldsberry start at $14 and can be purchased at wheelingsymphony.com or by calling 304-232-6191.