For 25 years of performances, the Pocahontas County Opera House has been more than a venue. It’s been an integral part of Marlinton’s cultural heartbeat. Neighbors, musicians, actors, and artists from near and far have gathered here to share music, theatre, and the joy of community. This season, the Opera House continues that tradition with performances that promise to inspire, surprise, and connect, reminding us why local arts matter.
“Last year marked one of our most attended seasons, and we’re hoping to maintain that momentum through this season,” shares Marketing Director Ryan Krocheck. “Between the board members and the staff, we have a great, well-oiled machine. While we still rely heavily on volunteers, having a strong board and small staff allows us focus on both performances and community programs.”
Seasons That Move You
The Opera House is known for its wide range of performances, from bluegrass and old-time to international acts. “Some of the best performances come from artists I’ve never heard of, or from those who have traveled from another country to perform for us,” Krocheck explains. One highlight this season is Miramar, performing Nov. 8. The trio specializes in Cuban boleros – a genre born in the late 1800s and shaped through collaborations between Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Mexican musicians. “Much like old-time music that is common in the area, when you listen to this, it takes you back or makes time feel as if it’s standing still.”
A season’s performance series, usually running August to May, features 12 to 15 shows across genres. Annual favorites like the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys (taking the Opera House stage August 30 at 7 p.m.) and the Bing Brothers with Jake Krack (April 11, 2026) keep tradition alive, while fresh acts broaden horizons. “We have a programming committee led by one of our board members,” Krocheck adds. “Typically, we send out notices about upcoming meetings to let the public know their input is welcome. The first meeting is usually a brainstorming session to identify artists we would like to see at the Opera House.”
During the pandemic, the Opera House launched The Story Sessions, a series of solo performances and interviews captured in video, audio, and podcast form. “This has been one of our most effective ways of helping preserve the rich history of our region and the community surrounding the Opera House,” Krocheck shares. The series continues to be available online, giving audiences everywhere a chance to connect with the stories and songs that define Pocahontas County.
Spotlight on Deera’s Country Funeral
This September, the Pocahontas Drama Workshop brings Deera’s Country Funeralto the stage. Written by award-winning Green Bank playwright Ned Dougherty and directed by Eric Fritzius, the play runs Sept. 12 and 13 at 7:00 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. on September 14.
“Audiences can expect the unexpected with Deera’s Country Funeral,” says Fritzius. “You might think a funeral for a tractor or a vaping guardian angel are unexpected elements, but I can assure you there are bigger surprises than that. I daresay, some elements have never been seen on a stage in the history of theatre. It’s a big claim, I know, but there’s not another play on earth that depicts what Deera does in Act 2 Scene 2.”
The play follows Ray Sally, a farmer staging a funeral for his beloved tractor, Deera, once a hero of the town during a historic flood. As Ray prepares to let go, the story unfolds into a funny and tender meditation on mortality, belonging, and the meaning of a life well lived. Recently featured at the Appalachian Plays and Playwrights Festival at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, this is the play’s first full production.
On stage, Craig Goheen brings Ray Sally to life, Jeff Marcum plays John, the undertaker overseeing the unusual funeral, and Rachel Comacho portrays Mary, John’s wife and town gossip with a link to the spirit world. Jack Herold plays their son Cole, a teenager torn between staying in Gauley County and his love for the place. Maggie Abbott is Carolina, a traveling storyteller delivering Deera’s eulogy while carrying her own grief. Vivian Helmick rounds out the ensemble as Corva, Gauley County’s Guardian Angel.
“DEERA is a special play to me because it has a lot to say about learning to come to terms with death,” Fritzius reflects. “It also speaks to resisting unwanted destiny, small town secrets, storytelling as a natural resource, and the love of family, whether the family members happen to be human or tractor.”
“Local and regional theatre are important because local theatre is often where new works find their start. In DEERA’S case, this will be its first full production after an extensive development process, with two previous staged readings at the Opera House and one staged reading with the Barter Theatre in Abingdon,” Fritzius shares. “It’s been a pleasure working with our cast of area actors to bring the characters and the story to full life.”
More Than a Stage
Beyond performances, the Opera House is a hub for the community. It hosts square dances, children’s theatre camps, weddings, conferences, and even celebrations of life.
“The Opera House does a great job of supporting the local arts and community scene by providing a space where people can connect with each other and performers,” Krocheck explains. “Often, we serve as the catch-all for many community events. One of our main goals is to involve youth, so we host school performances and bring in the Missoula Children’s Theatre camp to produce a children’s play every year. Many children have their first performance on the Opera House stage. It’s wonderful to see these children grow up, especially those who continue developing their skills in the performing arts.”
A Place to Belong
The Pocahontas County Opera House shows offer more than entertainment; they create a sense of belonging. “We want everyone to feel welcome in our community and leave inspired after visiting the opera house,” Ryan shares. From $10 tickets (free for anyone under 17) to intermission snacks provided by local groups, the atmosphere is rooted in connection and generosity.
Upgrades in sound, lighting, and space are on the horizon, but the mission remains the same. “The mission of the Pocahontas Opera House Foundation is to be the cultural heart of the community,” Krocheck explains. “Our goals are to preserve and perpetuate the Opera House as a cultural center for county residents and as an attraction for visitors to Pocahontas County, and to enhance the quality of life through community arts, historical heritage, education, recreation, and cultural programming.”
For more information, visit pocahontasoperahouse.org, call 304-799-6645, or send a letter to P.O. Box 282, Marlinton, WV 24954.
Better yet, step inside on show night. The Opera House doesn’t just present art; it preserves a spirit of connection and stands as a driving force at the beating heart of the community.
