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For almost 100 years, memories have been made by millions at Wheeling's legendary Capitol Theatre (formerly Capitol Music Hall). The stage has been home to legendary performances by the world's most renowned and iconic artists, while also remaining accessible to the Wheeling community. The Capitol Theatre is truly - Wheeling's Legendary Stage.
Designed by architect Charles W. Bates, the $1,000,000 Capitol Theatre opened on Thanksgiving, November 29, 1928 with four performances and tickets costing sixty cents. The opening night featured grand performances of stage and screen.
Guests entered under a copper marquee with a large electric and neon sign. The auditorium was complete with finest furnishings, 3,000 seats, and a $50,000 Marr & Colton custom organ. Complete with a grand proscenium arch which is part of the 44 foot wide stage had beautiful plaster figures.
Opening just prior to the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the foundation planned to carry eight more stories because an eight-story hotel was planned some 18 months before the construction began. The decision was made to not build the hotel after the theatre was completed.
As the program came on the air, "Ladies and Gentlemen, since 1933 the WWVA Jamboree has touched the hearts of millions." The WWVA Jamboree USA, the second longest running country music radio broadcast in the country, made it's first performance at the Capitol Theatre in April 1933 to a live audience.
After many moves through the years, the legendary program returned to the Capitol in 1969 where it remained until 2006. Over the years, millions came from across the country to see the sold out performances with the legends of country music such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, The Oak Ridge Boys, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap, and many more. The elders who made the program famous would often return including Doc & Chickie Williams, Roy Scott, Crazy Elmer, and more.
The 50,000-watt AM radio broadcast of the WWVA Jamboree brought the Capitol into the homes of millions.
While the Capitol Theatre is famously associated with its connection to country music, the theatre has a tremendous history with other genres and performances as well.
The legendary performances of different genres at the Capitol would make memories for a new generation of fans. Rock performances in the 1970s including Billy Joel, AC/DC, Rush, Bob Seger, Styx, Cheap Trick, Kansas, and many more. R&B performances such as Ray Charles and B.B. King. Comedians including George Carlin, Jay Leno, and Sam Kinison.
The Wheeling Symphony Society was also at the Capitol from October 6, 1929 until October 26, 1930 and moved because it was thought moving pictures would detract from total symphony enjoyment. The Wheeling Symphony moved their concerts back to the Capitol in 1961, where they remain today.
The musicians of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra have contributed to the vibrant culture of the Capitol Theatre and the Wheeling community. Guests artists have included Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Itzhak Perlman, Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, Eleanor Steber, and more. Under the direction of Maestro John Devlin, the Wheeling Symphony continues be a source of inspiration of the Wheeling community.
As the Capitol turned 80 years old on November 29, 2008, the legendary stage was dark. It had been announced in December 2005 that the theatre may soon close. "We're all very concerned about the future of the Capitol Music Hall." said G. Randolph Worls, present of the Oglebay Foundation, in a December 22nd Wheeling News-Register article. "There is every indication that they have not made any decision about next year."
The closing of the Capitol Music Hall was confirmed on January 7, 2006.
The fate of the historic theatre remained uncertain throughout 2007. However, in 2008 community support around the reopening of the theatre began to swell. Wheeling Heritage Area Corporation led a study to understand the theatre’s economic impact.
It was announced on February 5, 2009 that the Wheeling Convention and Vistiors Bureau had purchased the landmark and the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, who also operates WesBanco Arena, would operate the legendary the theatre. Additionally, the theatre would return to it’s original name – Capitol Theatre.
Over the coming months, restorations would be made to prepare the Capitol Theatre’s reopening. In September 2009, over 144 local citizens would volunteer their time to clean, paint, and do other tasks to revitalize the theatre.
On Wednesday, September 23, 2009, the theatre reopened with fans lining the streets for a free performance. The performance featured West Virginia Commissioner of Culture and History Randall Reid Smith, Jamboree Legend Slim LeHart, Rapper James "Slick" Watts, the Fabulous Bender Boys, the Toni Zeakes Dancers, the Wheeling Symphony Brass Ensemble, and other special guests.
Since reopening, The Capitol Theatre has returned to a regional destination. With memorable performances from a diverse range of artists, attending a performance Wheeling’s legendary Capitol Theatre is a destination for many.
Country performers returned to the legendary stage including new and legendary artists such as Luke Bryan, Willie Nelson, and Old Crow Medicine Show. Rock performances from artists like John Mellencamp, REO Speedwagon, The Avett Brothers, and Brian Adams. Comedians including Jerry Seinfeld, Nate Bargatze, Ron White, and Brian Regan. Christian artists such as Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Crowder, MercyMe, Zach Williams, and Newsboys. The finest Broadway touring productions including Jersey Boys, Chicago, Rent, and more. Family performances including Blippi, Sesame Street, and Baby Shark. Legends of Rock Roll & Doo Wop including Chubby Checker, Peter Noone, Gary Lewis, Jay and the Americans, Bobby Rydell, and more.
Wheeling's legendary stage remains today - touching the hearts of millions.