A poignant tribute to be part of Presby Players’ Christmas Show

This year’s annual Christmas production by the Presby Players Community Theater group will be a mix of holiday music and poetry, but it will also have special meaning for its members. Director Jeffrey Stocker announced it will be dedicated to Patrick Warnshuis, who recently passed away at the age of 95.

“Patrick was not only a board member and active in the theater, but also a good friend to all,” Stocker said. “His most appraised and remembered performance was John McCutcheon’s Christmas in the Trenches, which tells the story of the 1914 Christmas truce between the British and German lines on the Western Front during WWI.”

Warnshuis was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, in which he served for 20 years, including as a prisoner of war in Korea, an experience he pulled from to imbue his performances with emotion. In addition to performing Christmas in the Trenches to remember Warnshuis, the cast of 15 will sing traditional Christmas carols and contemporary songs, as well as dramatic holiday poetry readings. Music Director Sandy Stalter will be on the piano to accompany a variety of solos and group numbers.

“Add this event to your holiday list and come celebrate the season with us,” Stocker said. “We’d love for you to join us for this special show.”

Performances will take place at Marsh Hall (60 Sussex Street, Port Jervis) at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, December 15 and 16, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. Tickets are available at the door: $15 for general admission; $10 for student admission.