At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a great weekend! I’d been so worried - - nothing new, I’m always worried when we open new movies - - because I just didn’t know how DaVinci would do here in Tunkhannock. But it did just fine! And with Over The Hedge playing opposite it, the theater was just hopping. The only slow time was Saturday afternoon when the weather was something close to perfect. The early warm days of spring always hurt us because everyone wants to be outside then. By mid-summer, when we’re all dying of the heat and begging for the air-conditioning to be turned up about ten notches, then we do fine, no matter how sunny. But these first weekends when we’re shaking off the cold gray winter it’s an entirely different story. But even with a glorious Saturday weather-wise, we had a wonderful weekend at the Dietrich.

I watched DaVinci on Friday night so that I could write about it and also so I could answer people who called asking me questions about it. Honestly? I can’t for the life of me figure out what all the fuss was about. It’s a long, complex, talky picture that is always respectful of its subject matter. It is a film about faith and a fictional attempt to cover up the bloodline of a married Jesus. Tom Hanks faith shines through the entire film and nowhere is it disrespectful in any way to Jesus being a divinity. Since we know almost nothing about Jesus from the time he was thirteen until he again appears as a teaching adult, it is not a wicked thing to speculate on his adult life in the meantime. And I have never, ever understood why we insist that Jesus, on earth fully human, would have been celibate. Human sexuality is so complex, so woven into our being, that how could you be “fully human” if that were not part of your cellular makeup? But that’s just my belief and certainly can be argued against. However, this film in no way makes light of Jesus or his teachings. It’s well done, if talky, and I highly recommend it.

Adults and kids were delighted with Over The Hedge. We could hear the laughter in the hallway and it sounded soooo good. It’s clever and full of fun for both kids and their grown-ups. It’s a perfect movie to bring the kiddies to on the upcoming holiday weekend. A brief respite from all those hot dogs and burgers.

So this was the first weekend we really got to try out our automated ticketing system. It worked so great! Here’s the biggest thing about getting your tix in advance. You don’t have to wait in line when you come in. How’s that for cool? If you buy your tickets on, say, Thursday, for the seven o’clock on Saturday, you just breeze past that line on Saturday night and head for concession. The ticket tearer will take the tickets before you go into the theater. You have your popcorn, your soda, and your choice of seats. Now, doesn’t that sound wonderful? (And you can’t do that with any other kind of tickets. If you have gift tickets you must stand in line for them to be exchanged. Only advanced tix give you that option.)

The other super thing about the new system was that when the one o’clock for Hedge sold out and there were still twenty or so folks in line, they could then choose which show they wanted to come back to and buy their tickets right then and there for the desired show. Now, is that convenient or what? Our next automated goal is to computerize the concession stand. That way we can stop doing the reams and reams of inventory we have had to do for the past year and let the computer take over. What a Godsend that will be!

Oh, and before I forget - - you can still buy your tickets at the door the way you always have. Someone called and asked if you HAVE to buy tickets in advance. No, no, no, no! You don’t. But you can, if you want. And we’re only doing this because we want to make it as easy for you as possible. Because you’re our favorite folks, that’s why.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Memorial Day is just a few days away! For me, that is when summer starts! I love to see all of the baseball and softball teams in the parade. There is such a comforting sense of familiarity to Memorial Day weekend that includes parades and picnics. Plus Hollywood associates Memorial Day weekend with the unofficial start of the summer blockbuster season. Lately though it has started a little earlier. Remember last year Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith opened in early May and kicked off the blockbuster season and this year it has started with the openings of The Da Vinci Code and Over the Hedge.
Last night, the Golden Days of Radio Players Group had its live performance that took us back to the years that you have heard your grandparents talk about, the group did a great job on The Philadelphia Story and The Mystery of the Steamtown Ghost. I enjoyed Michael Rudolf portrayal of Cary Grant character’s, C.K. Dexter Haven, in The Philadelphia Story. These performances were complete with music and sound effects and took you back to the 1940’s and the reign of the radio for dramatic entertainment. Director Valerie Paulus does a spectacular job researching each play and putting together the sound effects with sound technician Bob Kulow. We hope to start another Radio Players Group up next fall; there is always room for more participants.
In June, we will continue with some of our ongoing art classes in our Dorothy G. Sheldon Art Studio. Have you always wanted to try your hand at the potter’s wheel? Have you always wanted to learn how to draw or paint or use pastels? Amy and Steve Colley are our artists-in-residence and offer a full array of classes for adults and children. They team with Michaela Moore of All About Theatre to teach summer camps for children, including 2006 Space Odyssey, a Theater and Visual Arts Camp June 19-23. The kids don’t know how much they are learning as they explore art and theater activities. Registration is filling up fast, but some spaces are still available.
We would like for you to get to know us at the Dietrich. What are you waiting for? Check us out at www.dietrichtheater.com.
For movie schedules, please call 570-836-1022 and for live performance and class information, call 570-996-1500.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

2006: A Space Odyssey: Theater & Visual Arts Camp

Theater and visual arts combine to make an awesome space adventure! Learn all about outer space, aliens, planets, and intergalactic travel while creating stories, live theater, arts, crafts and so much more! For ages 5 -12.

Monday - Friday, June 19 - 23 from 10:00 am - noon.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Michaela Moore & Amy Colley

All About Drawing Camp, ages 8 -12.

Using the artwork in award winning children's books as examples, students will learn about basic concepts of drawing including Line, Shape, Texture, Value, Color and Space.

Monday - Friday, July 10 - 14 from 10:00 - 11:30 am.

Cost: $50 all materials provided.

Instructors: Amy & Steve Colley

Decorative Painting, ages 13 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm through August 31.

Cost: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration required.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Digital Arts Camp, ages 8 -12

Claymation, Robotics, and Special Effects.

Monday - Friday, June 26 - June 30 from 2:00 - 4:30 pm.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre

Everhart Ancient Art Explorations

Explore the art of ancient Greece and Rome, ancient Egypt, Cave Art, & Babylonian Art.

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24, 31. Ages 5 - 8: 10:00 - 11:00 am. Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Admission is free.

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Fantasy, Fairy Tales & Beasts: Theater & Visual Arts Camp

This camp is all about ancient gods, wonderful tales and fantastical beasts. Children enrolled will learn about all sorts of cultures and myths and use that knowledge to create wonderful dramatic and visual works of art!

Monday - Friday, August 7 - 11 from 10:00 am - noon.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Seascape Quilt" - This project is designed to challenge students to construct variations of the classic sailboat pattern and explore fabrics that create special effects.

Wednesdays, June 14 - July 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Acting Camp, ages 6 -11

A fun and creative introduction to all that acting is!

Monday - Friday, July 31 - August 4 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admission is $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre.

Move Over Mr. Spieberg: Digital Film Making Workshop

Learn how to create your own digital films using a digital camera and a computer. Using everything from clay actors to human ones, the class will shoot, edit, score and output several short films in the course of the week. For ages 13 to adult.

Monday - Friday, June 26 - June 30 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Series 3 - June 6, 13, 20, 27. Series 4 - July 11, 18, 25, August 1. Series 5 - August 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

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 3 - June 5, 12, 19, 26. Series 4 - July 10, 17, 24, 31. Series 5 - August 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Preschool Art - Summer

Preschool students will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc.

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Sail Away" - Our easy Just for Kids sailboat pattern will ensure a smooth sailing experience for young quilters.

Wednesdays, June 14 - July 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, Terri Keller, Mary Louise Dodge

Writers' Group

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

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

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

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

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructors: Melissa Russo & Mary Frances Giordano: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructors