upcoming

Grave Matters and Untimely Departures

What:

      Friends of the Fortuna Cemetery District presents the annual production of “Grave Matters & Untimely Departures” on Sunday, October 30, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fortuna’s Sunrise Cemetery (above Newburg Park).

      With nine new stories, this year’s “Grave Matters” includes a 1928 Fortuna High School football player’s tragic final game, a night watchman’s deadly encounter, a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, a demented wanderer’s mishap, and a special Halloween salute by “The Babes” of Humboldt Light Opera Company.

      Directed by Carol Escobar, the cast includes some of the area’s finest actors—and Don Brown. Tickets for “Grave Matters” are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce (14th & Main Streets) and the Depot Museum in Rohner Park, or on October 30 in the Newburg Park parking lot.

      The first tour begins at 2 p.m. and the final tour will leave at 6 p.m.  Each tour runs approximately 50 minutes and will take place rain or shine. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.  Parking is available at Newburg Park where shuttles will transport patrons to and from the Cemetery beginning at 1:30 p.m.  No vehicles are allowed in the Cemetery during the performance.

      “We are bringing to life untold stories of the little-known residents in Sunrise Cemetery,” said producer Erin Dunn. “Guests will first be greeted by Mary Rohner—played by Depot Museum Curator and Grave Matters producer Alex Service—before setting out on a trail of intrigue. Two of our stories actually changed the course of history in Fortuna.”

      Producer Ross Rowley, whose great uncle Ned Spesert is being portrayed in this year’s production, added “I never thought our scurrilous family secret would come to light in this fashion.  Good thing everyone on that side of the family is dead…and buried next to him.”

When/where: