Saturday is the BIG day!!! :) Want to go down first thing in the morning (in 28 degree weather lol) and see if the load-in trucks have arrived from Winston-Salem NC. Also will be at the theater a half-hour before the doors open, want to be the first one in the door. Have also confirmed with the theater that they’ll have the on-stage cash bar selling drinks and a pre-show with the cast and crew up there as well. Hope to take LOTS of pictures. Any questions that you have before the show let me know and I’ll get answers.
'ONCE' to be Robinson Grand's first traveling Broadway production in Clarksburg, WV
CLARKSBURG — The traveling Broadway musical “ONCE” will grace the stage of the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center Saturday, making it the first production of its kind in the renovated theater.
“We couldn’t be more honored, to be honest. ... We couldn’t be more excited to bring a performance of this caliber to the community. ... It’s been something we wanted to do since we opened,” said Emily Moore, sales and marketing manager.
“ONCE” has won eight Tony and Grammy awards, including the Tony for Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.
“ONCE” is described as a love story about “finding what inspires you and being open to it.” Sometimes people go through hard knocks in life, but “ONCE” is about finding passion and being brave enough to take hold of it.
Moore said Saturday’s performance will be a dream come true.
“Personally, I love Broadway, and it’s one of my biggest dreams realized that we can have something of this caliber here. ... I’m so excited to see it myself,” she said.
Robinson Grand Executive Director Ryan Tolley said “ONCE” is the first step in the venue’s large-scale theatrical plans, with a goal of expanding upon them in the future.
“There’s a lot of people involved. Once utilizes all the sets from the original production,” Tolley said.
Three 18-wheelers will be transporting all the equipment for the musical, an indication of how big it really is. The talent — which will include 12 to 15 actors, plus over 50 people behind the stage — the scene and set design are all of impeccable caliber, Tolley said.
For more than six months, Robinson Grand officials have been looking for an opportunity to put on a play like this, looking at shows that would be feasible as far as stage size, financially, technically and logistically, as well as shows that would speak to the audience, Tolley said.
“‘ONCE’ being on the road and packaged to theaters this size made it work for us. ... The team is excited to see it,” he said.
Without the help of the Cultural Foundation of Harrison County and the Barbara B. Highland Fund providing a grant for the show, bringing the production would not have been possible, Tolley added.
In addition, he said, the performance has attracted the attention of The New York Times, which is sending a reporter to not only see how the production of “ONCE” plays out at the venue, but also to discuss the building’s restoration and renovation, as well as how it is able to preserve and program the facility.
“(It’s) probably the largest theatrical show to happen in the region,” he said.
Tolley encouraged anyone with an interest in theatrical productions to come to Saturday’s show, because it’s “close to home, and as far as bang for your buck goes, it’s one of the best things to (witness) in the region.”
“Hear great music, a great story and experience a great event at the Robinson Grand,” he said.
“ONCE” will begin 7 p.m. Saturday, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $40 and increase depending on seating. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.therobinsongrand.com or call 855-773-6283.
Updated On: 10/31/19 at 08:11 PM
