'Romantic Notions' is a musical celebration of love

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, The Presby Players will present “Romantic Notions," an evening of love songs to celebrate the holiday where sweethearts take center stage, at Marsh Hall in Port Jervis, N.Y.
Members of Orange County’s longest-running community theater group will be performing a variety of love songs, with emphasis on music composed by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and others included in the Great American Songbook, which embraces some of the most enduring melodies created for Broadway and Hollywood.
Directed by Jeffrey Stocker with musical direction by Sandy Salter, the cast of 28 began rehearsals just after the New Year.
One of the cast members is David Swinehart, a cellist and retired string teacher at the Delaware Valley School District. This will be his first time in a Presby Players musical, for which his solo will be “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off," written by George and Ira Gershwin.
“It’s a fun piece of music,” said Swinehart.
He said most people don’t get a chance to hear him sing, :so this is probably a departure from what most people will connect with me.”
Sally Hendee, who is retired from the medical field, will also be performing in a Presby Players musical for the first time.
“It’s been a great experience," she said. "I feel very excited participating in it. Sandy is an excellent musical director, and I've always wanted to work with Jeffrey.”
Stocker promises an evening of enjoyable musical entertainment that is "family friendly and makes a great date night or day to celebrate your Valentine.”
Tickets are $10 at the door, which opens an hour before showtime, at Marsh Hall, 60 Sussex St., in Port Jervis. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9 and 10 and at 3 p.m. on Feb. 11.