'Christmas Memories,' an evening of poetry by the Presby Players

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — Before TV and smartphones, a traditional Christmas would have families gather around the tree to listen to poetry and short stories.
In the tradition of Christmas long ago, the Presby Players will present "Christmas Memories," an evening of poems to celebrate the season, this weekend at Marsh Hall on Sussex Street in Port Jervis.
“Why poetry? Poetry engages the brain and takes your thinking process ‘outside the box,'" says the director, Jeffrey Stocker. "It stretches the imagination."
The actors range in age from 9 to 88. The setting is a living room decorated for Christmas.
“This will be my 38th year of directing a Christmas show," Stocker said. "Last year the actors read poetry from the early 1890s to 1904. This year, the poetry is a mix of modern and traditional; mostly contemporary in nature with religious and non-religious themes.”
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11.
Tickets are $10 tickets and available at the door one hour prior to the show.