Melissia-Dawn Hopson

Mitch Vance as "The Narrator", 2021 After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 season, The Aracoma Story Inc. debuted its new historical drama, Coal , in 2021—the 100th anniversary of the miners’ march on Blair Mountain. While audiences who attended loved it, many in the community were still cautious about returning to public events and hadn’t yet seen the production. Recognizing this, TAS decided to give Coal the proper re-debut it deserves in 2023. Directed and written by board member Joyce Robertson, the production brings Appalachian coal-mining history to life in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and unforgettable. Coal is a heartwarming two-act drama inspired by true events, delving into the lives of coal miners and their families during a pivotal era. The story follows Laurel Coleman, a coal miner’s daughter, whose world is forever changed when she encounters amysterious stranger amid the intensifying fight for workers’ rights. Audiences will conn...

If you grew up in a coal town, or have family who did, you know that life in a coal camp wasn’t just hard work. It was community, struggle, dreams, and stories passed from one generation to the next. The historical drama Coal , written by Joyce Robertson and produced by The Aracoma Story Inc., brings these moments to life with accuracy, heart, and a respect for the lived experience of Appalachian miners and their families. Here are ten ways the play gets it right. 1.  The Weight of Illiteracy Coal captures the essence of the King Coal era by highlighting the burdens carried by its characters. Audiences will resonate with John Mahone's illiteracy, a stark reminder of how vulnerable individuals were to exploitation during that time. In a time when reading and education were gateways to empowerment, John finds himself at the mercy of powerful coal companies who take advantage of his inability to decipher their complex contracts and agreements. As the story unfolds, we learn that John...

 The Aracoma Story, Inc. presents Always Patsy Cline is a musical tribute to the country music singer of the same name. The show follows Patsy's successful career and her friendship with a Texas housewife named Louise Seger. Patsy's story is told through Louise's memories of the singer as she takes a journey down memory lane. As Louise reminisces, Patsy is brought to life through her classic songs such as "Walkin' After Midnight", "Crazy", "I Fall To Pieces" and more. We also explore Patty’s personal struggles and hardships, including her marriages and her untimely death. Always Patsy Cline paints a vivid portrait of an iconic woman and brings to life one of country music's most memorable voices. Chapmanville Regional High School, Chapmanville, WV Mar 10-12, 17-19, & 24-26, 2023 CAST & CREATIVES Production Creatives Melissa Frye-  Director Melissa is over the moon to once again be directing “Always…Patsy Cline” for The Aracoma S...

     Harlene Frye is going to marry her childhood sweetheart this weekend . . . assuming the typical Frye family hijinks don’t derail the wedding! Harlene and Attie’s future together is threatened when the bride-to-be’s awful ex-flame shows up with information she doesn’t want her fiancé finding out. And Harlene’s not the only Frye keeping secrets: Sammy Jo refuses to tell her family she’s moving even though all her bags are already packed. As if that isn’t enough, Dewey can’t figure out why people keep on asking him to give his sister away and busybody Ozella Meeks has somehow ended up as the wedding coordinator. Will the Fryes be able to get Harlene down the aisle in one piece? A bighearted comedy about family—Southern-style. Logan Country Club, Chapmanville, WV Feb 3-5. 10-12, & 14, 2022 CAST & CREATIVES Production Creatives Melissa Frye-  Director Melissa is thrilled to once again be directing a show at Logan Country Club! Dinner and a comedy! What could ...