Rodney Carrington braves the cold weather in West Virginia for a hot show

By Dave Parsons

In a week that saw record low temperatures of -10 in Wheeling, West Virginia, it was heart-warming to see a nice crowd file into the historic Capitol Theater on January 23, 2025. The venue played host to a night of laughter featuring the comedic talents of Rodney Carrington with opening act Matt Taylor. The event, which has become sort of a mid-January tradition at the venue, showcased the enduring appeal of stand-up comedy.

As Carrington’s career is measured in decades and not years at this point, there was an older mix of ages and backgrounds filling the seats, some who have been there for his whole career.  The Capitol Theatre, even at its 2,500+ seating capacity, is still a grand setting for comedy as the state-of-the-art sound system lets every joke be heard clearly, and not bounce endlessly as it does with comedy shows at arenas. 

Matt Taylor, known for his relatable humor and engaging storytelling, was the perfect warm up act for Carrington.  He delved into everyday scenarios, and presented it with a fresh perspective. His anecdotes ranged from the quirks of modern technology, to family life to why women like hugs from tall guys.  He delivered each in a polished set that gave him a genuine connection to the audience.

Rodney Carrington, a seasoned comedian, actor, and singer, has built a reputation for his unique blend of stand-up comedy and musical performances.  His opening remarks immediately established a rapport with the audience, showcasing his trademark Southern charm and quick wit.

Carrington’s 90-minute set was about 60 minutes of rapid-fire comedy, followed by 30 minutes or so of his trademark ornery musical interludes.  His material covered a broad spectrum of topics, from the humorous aspects of everyday life to more risqué subjects, all delivered with a playful irreverence that is distinctly his own. 

A highlight of Carrington’s performance was his rendition of some of his well-known comedic songs. Accompanying himself on guitar, his subject matter was varied and frequently bawdy, while the audience responded enthusiastically, singing along with every word.  As is tradition with his faithful, Carrington, and Taylor, were in the lobby signing autographs and posing for selfies with those who joined the line.  That is getting more and more rare anymore.

As the audience departed into the snowy, bitter cold Wheeling night, they did so having been warmed up with laughter and joy that made it worth the effort to get there to see it.