The Pocahontas County Drama Workshop is back in action and excited to present their upcoming production of Deera’s Country Funeral, a heartfelt and humorous play by acclaimed playwright and educator Ned Dougherty. The performances are scheduled for Friday, September 12, and Saturday, September 13, both at 7:00 PM, with a special matinee show on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 PM.
Directed by experienced writer, actor, and director Eric Fritzius, this unique play is packed with humor, poignancy, and thought-provoking themes of destiny, community, and the true measure of a life well lived. Recently featured at the prestigious Appalachian Plays and Playwrights Festival, hosted by the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, Deera’s Country Funeral is sure to delight and engage the local audience.
The story follows Ray Sally, a farmer preparing to hold a funeral—not for a person, but for his loyal and now-unusable tractor, Deera. Over the years, Deera has been a cherished member of the community in Gauley County, taking on roles as Santa’s sleigh in Christmas parades, a chariot for the Little Miss Pioneer Brigade, and even a life-saver during a historic flood. But now, her parts are no longer replaceable, and her retirement feels inevitable. As Ray grapples with saying goodbye to Deera, questions linger about whether it’s really the machine approaching the end—or if it’s Ray himself confronting his own mortality.
The talented cast brings the poignant, community-centered story to life. Craig Goheen stars as Ray Sally, while Jeff Marcum plays John, the local undertaker tasked with arranging Deera’s unconventional send-off. Rachel Comacho takes the role of Mary, John’s wife—an opinionated town hairdresser and gossip with an unexpected connection to the spirit world. Jack Herold plays Cole, their son, a teenager torn between his love for Gauley County and his yearning to escape its confines. Maggie Abbott shines as Carolina, a traveling storyteller with her own emotional struggles, brought in to deliver Deera’s eulogy. Lastly, Vivian Helmick portrays Corva, the Guardian Angel of Gauley County, who faces her own challenge: ensuring the funeral goes smoothly, or risking a demotion in heaven’s ranks.
Mark your calendars for September 12, September 13, and September 14 to experience this heartfelt community production. With its blend of laughter, loss, and the bonds we share, Deera’s Country Funeral promises to be an unforgettable performance. Don’t miss it!
