At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Okay. I’ve done it again. I’ve told you all about a movie I just loved, thought was important, hoped you would love it too, told you it was coming this week, and then…well…you know…it’s not coming in this week. I told you how great Doubt is and thought I would have it for you but as so often happens in this truly crazy business, I didn’t have it after all. So, along with the much lauded Slumdog Millionaire, we are bringing you Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

So you’re probably saying to yourself – what? What? We have gone from this super intellectual treatise on the church in the Sixties to a movie about a Mall Cop? Is that even legal? All right. I have to say there is nothing intellectual about Mall Cop. So, if your life is spent in pursuit of intellectual fare, this is a disappointing turn of events. (Although please try to remember, that Slumdog Millionaire is a super art film , not a run-of-the-mill film.)

On the other hand, if you would like to just kick back, chow down on some popcorn and try really really hard not to think about the world as it presently is, then Paul Blart: Mall Cop is the movie for you! (And…uh…me, too.) First off, it needs to be said that Kevin James is an adorable actor. Although I only saw it once or twice, I thought The King of Queens was well done and that James played his part with just the right amount of feeling.. He brings that same persona to Mall Cop. Paul Blart is kind and decent and takes his work seriously. When the mall is put under lockdown because some bad, bad folks are trying to do evil deeds, Paul Blart sets out to save the innocent, including a hair-extension salesgirl he’s sweet on.

Because this movie is PG, you can bring the whole family. It doesn’t have the grossness or vulgarities of those labeled PG-13 or R. This is truly family fare. And, I have been told, that in some theaters, when Paul Blart brings his troubles to a rousing and positive conclusion, the entire movie theater cheers! Sounds like great fun, don’t you think?

Slumdog Millionaire continues to take the country by storm. Again, I warn you, there is a torture scene in the very beginning that may be disturbing to sensitive souls. But once that is done, the movie goes on to be completely entrancing, and you can only cheer for this young man who defies the odds and is able to climb out of the slums he was born into. It’s a thrilling film, so do come to see it. You have to know that any movie nominated for 10 Academy Awards is terrific. Give it a chance – I think you’ll like it.

Margie’s sister, Calista, is doing the costuming for Our Town (bless her noble heart) and she emailed me yesterday saying she needs some wigs. If any of you out there (and I’m so mad I didn’t keep the wig I never wore when I didn’t have a hair on my head) have a wig you could lend us that is of a longer style, we would be forever grateful. The problem is that Our Town takes place in a time when women did not have short hair, but many of the young actresses do have short hair. We need to be able to pin it back and then put a bun on top. So if you possibly could, and if you have an extra wig or two just hanging out at your house with nothing particular to do -- we would surely love to borrow it for about two weeks. Call me at my desk – 836-0176 if you can spare a hair.

So this winter marches on. Wow! It’s quite the little tyrant, isn’t it? I got caught in a white-out Friday early evening coming back from Clark Summit. That’s never happened to me before and it was really, really scary! The only things I could see were the tail lights of the car ahead of me. Boy, talk about there being no atheists in foxholes – I bet there were a lot of prayers being uttered in the conga line creeping toward T’town! As everyone knows, I love this town, and when I finally got back to the theater I was happier to be here than I ever have been in my entire life! As a means of travel, I don’t recommend driving in a white-out snow squall! Soooooo scary!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Wow, what a surprise to see the crowds that came out for our Local Hiking Trails presentation with Jeff Mitchell! Over 150 people filled the Dietrich’s Dwight R. Evans Memorial Theater to view slides and share information about hiking in this region. We are lucky to have so many beautiful trails and views in this area. About five to six hiking clubs were represented in the audience. In fact, Jeff Mitchell has formed a local hiking club that anyone is free to join called the Endless Mountains Hiking Club. For more information about this club or to receive information regarding hikes, email endlessmountainshikingclub@gmail.com . We would like to thank Jeff for donating his time and knowledge about hiking in Pennsylvania. Due to public interest, we hope to bring in more nature-related events to the Dietrich.

Tonight we will start another event with the first book discussion for our Wyoming County Reads project. Join us at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library to share your views on the great American play Our Town by Thornton Wilder. This discussion led by Bill Chapla and Julia Peterson will focus on “Daily Life in Our Town - Then & There vs. Here & Now”. Admission is free and refreshment will be provided. Next week on Wednesday, February 11th at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library, we will talk about “Love & Marriage: Dreams vs. Reality - Great Expectations”. For a complete schedule for Wyoming County Reads, visit www.dietrichtheater.com and click on ‘Cultural Events’. We hope you can join us for a couple discussions.

And in just one month, Our Town will come to life on the Dietrich stage for a five-day run. This is definitely a first for us! It’s great to bring live theatre to our area. Performance dates include Wednesday, March 4th at 7:30 pm, Thursday, March 5th at 7:30 pm, Friday, March 6th at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 pm, and Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved by calling the theater at (570)-996-1500.

In other news, we were delighted to hear that one of the Dietrich’s artists-in-residence, Steve Colley, was honored as a Hometown Hero by art student Jess Yagloski as part of the Tunkhannock Area Middle School’s American Hero Day Program. Jess has taken art classes at the Dietrich since she was little. According to Jess, “The encouragement that Steve always gives is a big part of my life as well as art. Without his help I wouldn’t be as talented an artist as I am today…” I don’t think a teacher could receive a better compliment! We agree - Steve is wonderful at working with students of all ages from nine to twelve year olds in his All About Painting workshop to teens and adults in is Pottery & Sculpture and Open Studio classes. We are definitely lucky to have such gifted artists and teachers at the Dietrich.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players for Middle and High School Students

Students will learn all about theater arts as they prepare to perform the comedy "Laugh-In". Students will also provide input for the show and learn choreography. No experience is required. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

January 5 to February 21- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructors: Carl Canedy & Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre

All About Drawing, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Thursdays, February 12, 19, 26, March 5 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9 -12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction, glazing techniques, and experience using potter's wheels.

Thursdays, March 12, 19, 26, March 5 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Decorative Painting

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Preregistration is required. For ages 16 and up

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. February 11, 18, 25. March 11, 18, 25. April 15, 22, 29.

Admission: $20 per class + cost of painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Explore and Create Fairy Tales, ages 5 -12

Go on a journey through magical lands, creative characters, and suprise endings! Write, draw, create and explore fairy tales from around the world based on the Everhart's special exhibit, Fairy Tale Art. Visit the exhibit with your family on April 4th.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Bus Trip: Saturday, April 4 from 12:30 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Sponsored by: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

"Peaks & Valleys" - Develop quilting skills with this variation on the classic log cabin pattern. Students will learn the use of color and value and explore creating variations in their designs.

Wednesdays through March 25 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller.

Jewelry Making: Art Clay Silver, for ages 16 and up

Have fun learning the basics of working with silver clay to create pieces of silver jewelry! Silver clay is made up of real silver particles, organic binder and water. After drying, the clay binder is burned off with a torch and what remains is 99.9% pure silver. Students will fabricate choice of rings, earring or pins!

Monday, March 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing, for ages 16 and up

Learn the basics of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Mondays, March 9 & 23 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60; materials will be provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Stained Glass

Learn the first steps of working with glass to create stained glass pieces. Students will learn to work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap and solder. Each student will leave with a finished item. All glass supplies and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, March 16 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $55

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Little People & Nature, for ages 3 to 5

Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach little ones about Porcupines & 'Possums, Owls, Black Bears, and more of nature's wonders. These classes are sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation.

Series 1 - Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Series 2 - Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:00 - 11:00 am.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko

Mehoopany All About Drawing, ages 5 -12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Wednesdays, February 11, 18, 25, March 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All About Pottery & Sculpture. ages 5 to 12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction), glazing techniques and experience using potter's wheels.

Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Crafts fro Kids, ages 8 and up

Join Instructor Sarah Sidorek in making these fun crafts at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. Preregistration is required. Call 570-996-1500.

Make It/Bake It Jewelry for Kids - Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Decoratively Paint a Frame - Thursday, March 26 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $5 per class.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Students will express themselves using different types of clay, paints, and drawing materials as they create their own masterpieces.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. Series 3 - March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 to 5

Young artists and their moms, dads, or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio: Painting, Drawing & Pottery - Nights

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and with the medium of their choice.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Series 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3. Series 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

Admission: $15/ class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio: Painting, Drawing, & Pottery - Days

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and with the medium of their choice.

Mondays from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $15/ class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Paint on Glass, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques as you create a patio candle holder for your home or to give as a gift. All materials are supplied. No experience is required.

Tuesday, March 31 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $12

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 and up

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand-building and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Preschool Art, ages 3 to 5

Preschool students will explore the arts as they work with a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage and more.

Thursdays from noon - 12:45. Series 2 - February 12, 19, 26, March 5. Series 3 - March 12, 19, 26, April 2.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Underground Railroad" - Go on an adventure and learn techniques of quilting and stories behind this Civil War period quilt. Use reproduction time period fabrics as you create this quilt out of four patches.

Wednesdays through March 25 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6.00/class

Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane, and Ingrid Rogler

Spanish for Adults, ages 16 and up

Students will learn basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary using a variety of teaching methods. Hispanic culture will also be explored. The class will be tailored to individuals' personal language learning goals.

Wednesdays, March 11 to April 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Writers' Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write towards a goal of publication. All genres and levels of writing are welcome.

Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Meetings are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

This class will teach and reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas)which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Attention will be given to breathing and alignment in postures. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor: Melissa Russo