New theater collaboration plans ‘Sorry, Wrong Number'

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — The Presby Players and the American Readers Theatres have formed an on-going collaboration to produce stage performances in the tri-state area. Both groups will also continue to operate independently. Their first production, the murder-mystery “Sorry, Wrong Number” is scheduled for March, 13, 14, and 15 in Marsh Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis, N.Y., the home of Presby Players. Presby Players, the oldest continuously operating theatre in the area, was founded in 1960 by Donald Marsh, then choir director of the church, to provide quality theatre to the tri-state area. In the last forty-eight years over 77 dramas, musicals, and concerts have been produced. Titles of plays directed by Mr. Marsh are displayed on the wall in Marsh Hall. Since Mr. Marsh’s retirement in 2001 the Presby Players Board has presented productions by various directors, most notably the multi-talented Bill Thomas, who directed the fall musicals. The American Readers Theatre was founded in 1992 by New York professional director Jeffrey Stocker to promote literacy through the performing arts. It expanded to the tri-state area in 2002, performing dramatic readings and music and dance programs at various Pike County venues and at the prestigious National Arts Club in New York City, of which Stocker serves on the board of governors. Presby Players has recently presented the ART readings of “Our Town” and “Forevermore: An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe.” Jeffrey Stocker continues his work in New York City, having over one hundred New York theatrical credits. Last month he directed Tony Award-winning actress Frances Sternhagen in “Mr. Williams and Miss Woods.” In March he will be directing Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson in “The Cocktail Hour.” Meanwhile, he will stay busy with ART and the Presby Players collaboration. For more information call the church at 845-856-1231.