Presby Players to present movie monologue & trivia event

On May 17 and 18, audiences will have an opportunity to enjoy an evening of movie monologues and test their motion picture knowledge with a trivia challenge. The Presby Players community theater will present “Reel People” — an evening of monologues drawn from the film industry’s hidden treasures and blockbuster favorites.

“This is our second time doing movie monologues,” said Artistic Director Jeffrey Stocker. “Last year was a huge success so we’re excited to bring it back with all new material. The actors will cover both comedies and dramas that will span an emotional range from frightening to funny.”

The cast of 13 comes from Stocker’s adult acting classes. Marlene VanHouten chose her monologue from “Misery.” She explained, “I like to do dichotomous monologues. It helps show that you can do more than just one genre. With my other monologue coming from “Hello Dolly,” I think you’ll see quite a difference in the performances.

Tom Park decided on “Moonstruck” and “Joe Versus the Volcano.” He said, “I learned they were both screenplays written by playwright Patrick John Shanley who also wrote the screenplay for “Doubt,” which has a couple of nice monologues I’ve done in the past.”

Monologues from other movie greats include “Hidden Figures,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “The King’s Speech,” and more. (Stocker says adults interested in joining Presby’s acting classes can email studio-90-lexs@prodigy.net.)

A fun trivia challenge during intermission will test the audience’s knowledge of cinema. It all begins at 7 p.m. on May 17 and May 18 at Marsh Hall, 60 Sussex St., Port Jervis. Admission is $15 at the door; $10 for students.