Spotlight and Slapshots: A Theatre & Comedy Guide for the Wheeling Nailers

Spotlight and Slapshots: A Theatre & Comedy Guide for the Wheeling Nailers

Wheeling, West Virginia is often associated with hard-hitting hockey thanks to the Wheeling Nailers, one of the ECHL’s most storied franchises. But when the final buzzer sounds and the puck is tucked away, this Ohio Valley city transforms into a surprisingly rich hub for live entertainment. From historic theatres to visiting Broadway productions and touring comedians, Wheeling offers fans of the arts just as much excitement as fans of hockey. Whether you're visiting for a game or a longtime local, this is your comprehensive guide to the best musicals and comedy in Nailers country.

Theatre Venues in Wheeling, WV

Capitol Theatre

Built: 1928
Capacity: Approx. 2,500 seats
As the largest theatre in West Virginia, the Capitol Theatre has been the heart of Wheeling’s performing arts scene for nearly a century. Opened in 1928 as a vaudeville house, it’s now a majestic home for Broadway tours, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, and national comedy acts.

Towngate Theatre

Built: Late 19th century (converted in 1969)
Capacity: Approx. 165 seats
This intimate venue located in Wheeling’s Centre Market District is managed by the Oglebay Institute and specializes in local and regional theatre. Originally a church, the space was transformed into a black-box theatre and continues to host small-scale plays, poetry readings, and acting workshops.

Victoria Theater

Built: 1904
Capacity: Approx. 800 seats
The Victoria Theater holds the title of West Virginia’s oldest operating theatre. Its cozy charm has welcomed everything from vaudeville acts to bluegrass concerts, and it remains a treasured space for live entertainment in the city.

Must-See Musicals Touring Near Wheeling

Dear Evan Hansen Tickets

Premiering in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen explores themes of anxiety, grief, and the need to belong. With music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson, it features emotional ballads like “You Will Be Found” and “Waving Through a Window.” The show won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score.

Beetlejuice - The Musical Tickets

Adapted from Tim Burton’s 1988 cult film, Beetlejuice made its Broadway debut in 2019. Known for its wild visuals and irreverent humor, the show features songs like “Dead Mom” and “Say My Name.” It earned eight Tony nominations and became a fan-favorite for its blend of ghoulish comedy and heartfelt storytelling.

Wicked Tickets

With its 2003 Broadway debut, Wicked became a cultural touchstone by telling the untold story of the witches of Oz. Featuring powerful anthems like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good,” this Stephen Schwartz-penned show won three Tony Awards and a Grammy. Its stunning set design and emotional narrative have captivated audiences for two decades.

Six The Musical Tickets

Six brings the six wives of Henry VIII to life as modern pop divas in a concert-style retelling of their histories. This musical began at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 and hit Broadway in 2020. Featuring songs like “Ex-Wives” and “Haus of Holbein,” the show won two Tony Awards and redefines girl power in the theatre.

The Lion King Tickets

Disney’s The Lion King premiered on Broadway in 1997 and quickly became one of the most financially successful musicals ever. With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show includes classics like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.” It has won six Tony Awards and is praised for its dazzling puppetry and set design.

&Juliet Tickets

Premiering in 2019 in London and landing on Broadway in 2022, &Juliet imagines what would happen if Shakespeare’s heroine didn’t die at the end. Fueled by Max Martin’s chart-topping hits like “Roar” and “Since U Been Gone,” the show won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design. It’s an energetic, empowering alternative take on a literary classic.

Chicago - The Musical Tickets

The razzle-dazzle of Chicago has been captivating audiences since its 1996 Broadway revival. Originally written in 1975 by Kander and Ebb, this jazz-age story of fame and murder includes hits like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango.” It won six Tony Awards and remains the longest-running American musical on Broadway.

Mamma Mia Tickets

This sunny, ABBA-filled musical opened on Broadway in 2001 and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. Set on a Greek island, Mamma Mia tells a story of love, identity, and family through beloved tracks like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Though it didn’t win Tonys, it’s one of the most commercially successful jukebox musicals ever.

Back to the Future - The Musical Tickets

First launched on the West End in 2021 and opening on Broadway in 2023, Back to the Future takes the beloved film to the stage with dazzling effects and new songs alongside favorites like “The Power of Love.” Written by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Hairspray Tickets

A colorful adaptation of John Waters' 1988 film, Hairspray launched on Broadway in 2002 with a message of inclusion and equality. Its upbeat score includes “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” The show won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

MJ - The Musical Tickets

MJ - The Musical opened on Broadway in 2022 and chronicles Michael Jackson’s creative journey during his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring hits like “Billie Jean” and “Smooth Criminal,” the show offers both musical nostalgia and insight into Jackson’s genius. It won four Tony Awards, including Best Actor in a Musical.

Comedians Bringing the Laughter to Wheeling

Taylor Tomlinson Tickets

Taylor Tomlinson blends mental health commentary with sharp millennial wit. With Netflix specials like Look at You and Quarter-Life Crisis, she’s become a leading voice in stand-up. Her jokes about dating, therapy, and anxiety strike a perfect balance of personal and hilarious. Tomlinson’s relatable style has led her to headline nationwide tours.

Jim Gaffigan Tickets

Known for his clean humor and love of food, Jim Gaffigan has long been a staple of the American comedy scene. Specials like Mr. Universe and Beyond the Pale showcase his family-friendly material and deadpan delivery. He’s received multiple Grammy nominations and performed at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden.

Matt Rife Tickets

Matt Rife's comedic rise was fueled by viral crowd work clips and social media savvy. His style combines charm, vulnerability, and improvisational brilliance, often centered around dating misadventures and self-deprecation. Rife gained attention on MTV’s Wild 'N Out and now sells out theaters across the country.

Sebastian Maniscalco Tickets

With exaggerated expressions and Italian-American storytelling, Sebastian Maniscalco has carved out a unique lane in comedy. His Netflix specials and national tours sell out arenas like Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. Maniscalco often mines his material from everyday awkwardness and cultural clashes.

TicketSmarter Discount for Wheeling Nailers Fans

As a special treat for fans of the Wheeling Nailers, TicketSmarter is offering an exclusive 5% discount on all ticket purchases for the shows listed in this guide. Just use promo code NAILERS5 at checkout. Whether you're jamming to MJ - The Musical or laughing with Matt Rife, TicketSmarter helps you score the best seats for less.

In the same way the Wheeling Nailers ignite WesBanco Arena with intensity and excitement, the city’s theatre and comedy venues bring energy and culture to fans year-round. From the powerful vocals of Wicked to the hilarious rants of Sebastian Maniscalco, Wheeling proves that great entertainment is never far from the ice.