OKOLONA,Miss. (WTVA)-- The idea behind the event: raising money for scholarships.
This was a play called "Dearly Departed," inspired by the hit movie" Kingdom Come."
The plot features a comical, sometimes serious look at a family that loses a loved one and faces the trials and tribulations of planning a funeral.
There were no big name actors and actresses here, just residents who wanted to help raise money for a good cause.
"It's an outstanding play; it's for the community. We always try to do something for the community of Okolona," cast member Derek Gillespie said.
"I'm from Okolona and I know how it was growing up not having anything to do,"cast member Sherrod Bowen said. "So I would like to give back to kids out here something to do and show them that we're all more capable than just being from around here."
The turnout was very positive as they came to see what was an entertaining event.
The money raised will be used for a program called Dollars for Scholars.
It's a program that gives money to students who are looking to make a difference by enrolling in college.
"Today is a fundraiser for our Dollars for Scholars. All proceeds go to the Dollars for Scholars to keep a child in school." said Denise Crape, a volunteer for the Dollars for Scholars program.
"It was important for us to do this even because these kids they're worth it for one."said Dollars for Scholars executive director John Standfield. "We put 27 in school this year and looking to put more in next year. Endeavors like this will ensure that this gets done and with this incredible turnout, we're looking at over 250 people coming, to a first-time play in over ten years."
Those on the stage were either community leaders or from a group called Team First Start.
"It's best when you try to put back into the community. You've got kids coming up [who are] trying to go through school. And when they get out, we try to help them do better around town," cast member Cato McGaughy said.
"It's a fresh start. And we're trying to do something better here in Okolona to better our city and to better our kids and everything. I'm glad everybody came out," said Danny Buchanan, a cast member and a member of Team First Start.
Organizers say they plan to continue with more plays to bring more cultural diversity to the town.
