More than 2,000 free tickets were handed out Wednesday for the first production to be held at the Capitol Theatre in three years.
The Sept. 23 variety-type program, featuring local performers, is being billed as "A New Beginning - Re-Opening A Treasure."
Denny Magruder, executive director of WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre, said organizers hope to turn the re-opening into a community activity.
"It's a nostalgic event to open an historic venue," Magruder said.
He said tickets are free and most of the entertainers are donating their time to help the theatre be returned to the public.
Scheduled to perform are Roger Horde of the former Jamboree USA staff band, a Wheeling Symphony ensemble, The Toni Zeakes Dancers, longtime country music singer Slim Lehart, rapper James "Slick" Watts, Doo-Wop group The Townsmen, rock music performer Robbie Parsons, light rock band the Cadillacs and mentalist Craig Karges.
Tom Miller, former house announcer for Jamboree USA, will return as master of ceremonies.
"Many of the performers have spent a lot of time on that stage, and they are looking forward to coming back," Magruder said.
"We are having a very formal dress rehearsal on the first night," Magruder said. "It will give us a chance to monitor our new ticketing system, general traffic flow through the theatre and other operational procedures."
The theater's first paid production will be Sept. 25, when the Wheeling Symphony takes the stage for one of its nine scheduled performances at the Capitol.
"I can say we have four Broadway shows booked in between November and April," Magruder said. "The Toni Zeakes Dancers and the Linsly Extravaganza also will return to the Capitol, and there are eight or 10 other projects in the works."
He said the re-opening show is being presented by the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corp. and the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority.
