Holiday Radio Theatre Brings Local Talent Together in Port Jervis

In mid December the MLR Holy Church and Cultural Center hosted two staged radio theatre productions, concluding a three night run on December 14. The program included Thankful at Christmas, a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, and Miracle on 34th Street. Performances were presented at 28 East Main Street and were framed to showcase local acting talent while providing family friendly entertainment for the community.

The compact festival offered an accessible way for neighbors to gather around familiar seasonal stories reimagined for the stage. Organizers encouraged family attendance, and the evening presentations drew audiences who came to support performers from the city and nearby communities. For many attendees the shows provided not only holiday cheer but also a rare opportunity for intergenerational connection in a small city where few large cultural venues exist.

Beyond immediate enjoyment, the productions illustrated the broader public health and social value of local arts. Community arts events contribute to mental health by reducing isolation and creating shared experiences, especially during winter months when risks of loneliness and seasonal mood changes increase. Local leaders and health providers seeking to improve community wellbeing can view arts programming as a preventive investment that complements clinical services.

The shows also highlighted structural issues around cultural access and equity in Orange County. While small scale theater can energize downtown businesses, sustained impact requires attention to affordability, transportation, and inclusive casting and outreach so that the benefits reach residents across income levels and neighborhoods. Public funding decisions and municipal support for community arts centers will shape whether such events remain occasional or become a reliable part of civic life.

As the run closed on December 14, local performers and volunteer crews demonstrated the capacity and appetite for community driven cultural work. Expanding support for neighborhood stages, ensuring venues are accessible, and integrating arts into public health planning could help Port Jervis and surrounding towns build a more equitable cultural landscape that strengthens social ties and local recovery during the year ahead.