The concert will feature melodies from hit shows such as “Wicked,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “West Side Story,” “The Music Man,” and more.

Des Moines-based vocalist Gina Gedler will be joining the Fort Dodge Area Symphony for the afternoon.

Gedler has been a prominent fixture in the Des Moines music and theater scene. She has performed in more than 20 roles at the Des Moines Playhouse, including “Into the Woods,” “Chicago,” “Guys and Dolls,” and more.

She has also appeared in productions at the Stagewest, the Urbandale Community Theater and Colorado Springs Little Red Barn Theater.

“We are all excited to hear Gina help bring our show to life,” said Brown.

Gedler is equally versed across genres. She can be singing something soft and jazzy and then break into an upbeat number from the ’70s. She performs as a lead vocalist with the Ballyhoo Foxtrot Combo and the Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra and regularly appears as a featured guest vocalist with bands throughout central Iowa.

This is Barlage’s 10th concert season with the symphony. He is all about breaking the fourth wall with the audience members as a way to connect with them more.

“We have the three walls that are more behind the symphony and then there is the fourth wall that separates the symphony players from the audience and his mission is to really break down that fourth wall and make the audience feel like they are part of the symphony,” Brown said.

Between each performance Barlage also likes to give a backstory and explain the pieces to the audience, which helps prepare the audience for certain things they might want to listen for and helps them feel more connection to the performers.

“He is fantastic,” said Brown. “He is a joy to watch and really feels the music when conducting.”

“Best of Broadway” will begin at 3 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium, 800 N. 32nd St.

Single tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the concert or at Rieman Music in Fort Dodge, 3593 Fifth Ave S. Adult admission is $15 and students are admitted free. Each concert is about 90 minutes long with a reception following.

“I think there is a perception that symphony music is not for everyone, which is not true at all,” said Brown. “I believe that if you come to this concert, you will realize that it is something everyone can enjoy as we perform hit melodies as well as ones that are not as well known. We hope you will join us for our third concert of our 75th season as we welcome everyone.”

The final concert for the 75th season will be on April 6, called “Pictures at an Exhibition.” This will also have a pre-concert and will feature winners of the 58th annual Young Artist Competition.

To learn more about the upcoming concerts, visit fdsymphony.org.