At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So, this is the third time I have written my column today. My computer ate the first two. So now I’m at Margie’s computer and am going to try again. I am trying not to pick up my computer and throw it out the window into the alley. That would be childish, right? The sort of thing someone would do who isn’t a grown-up. Or something. Grrrrr.

Despite my computer acting badly, we had a really, really terrific weekend. Johnny Depp broke every record known to the movie business! He shook his eerie fist at Harry Potter, destroyed Spider Man’s web and laughed in the face of Shrek. One hundred thirty-two million dollars for the first three days! One hundred thirty-two million! It takes one’s breath away! We were so, so busy – and loving every minute of it.

Disney has to put this huge success right at the feet of Johnny Depp. He is a wonder as Capt. Jack Sparrow. He is licentious, kind, cowardly, brave, feminine, masculine, flirtations and simply, utterly, no-hold-barred- charming! He is a hoot to watch and he sparkles in every scene. I was trying to remember if I ever saw Depp in a film and didn’t like his performance. I couldn’t think of any, although my favorite is Finding Neverland, a truly far, far cry from Capt. Jack.

If you’re planning on coming to the Friday or Saturday night shows I suggest you either come early or take advantage of our advanced ticket sales. They work like a charm and it saves you from being disappointed and turned away.

I want to remind you about "Celebrate Our River Day" which we’re doing in conjunction with The Riverside Park Commission on Saturday, July 22, from 2:00 until 5:00. It’s a day to come and hang out at the park, get some good eats (Chris’s Western Beef will be there) and listen to some mighty fine music. The Bluestone Mountain Boys Bluegrass Band will be there along with John Williams and Al Purdy of Brother John and finally, Retro Rocket. There will be lots of fun things to do, but the main thing will be just to spend the day with the family, enjoy where we live, and hang out. You know, we all need to take time out sometimes and relax – - and what better place to do it than our wonderful Riverside Park?

I had a lovely surprise last night. I have a friend who was widowed within the past few months, and her heart shattered. Her marriage had been one of those rare ones – they’d been in love with each other for nearly thirty years, passionate lovers and friends. They were interested in every thing the other did, they sheltered each other, they protected each other, they were a unit.

When he died, part of her went with him. I think she entered hell, or as close to it as we know on this earth. (What is it Emily Dickinson said – Death is all we know of heaven, and all we need of hell?) I have seldom seen someone shatter quite so completely. I worried that she wouldn’t be able to find her way back.

It made me think of that ridiculous media term – "closure." I don’t know who thought that beauty up, but it’s so ridiculous. There is no closure for the death of someone we love. There is only accommodation. The mind and heart learn to live on a parallel plane, where the loved one is remembered, but separate – just enough so we can go on living.

But last night when I called to see how she was doing, her voice was strong, and she laughed a little. It was a wonderful thing to hear, and reminded me that no matter how grim today might seem, there is always the chance that tomorrow will be better. That may not seem like much, but it’s what we have. I’m sure she will have many, many dark days ahead, but now at least she knows there is some light, some warmth out there.

Sometimes all we can do is find a lifeline and hang on for dear life. After all, what choice do we have?

Welcome back, friend.

See you at he Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Ahoy from the Dietrich Theater! We love that our favorite scallywag, Captain Jack Sparrow, is back on the Dietrich’s big screen for the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Many of our patron’s have waited anxiously for this movie’s opening and we had a sellout for the midnight show. Our staff and one young theatergoer were dressed up like a pirate for the showing and most patrons agree that Johnny Depp does play the best onscreen pirate! This is a delightful movie for the family to see, so beat the heat, stop in for some fresh popcorn and take in this high seas sequel.

Last week, it was inspiring to catch a glimpse of the students taking part in the dance workshops led by Judy Weist of the Stage Door Dance Studio- it was a picture filled with beauty and laughter. It was great to see the kids learn to express themselves through dance. The older students were so focused on learning each dance step and in the younger age group (2 - 4 year olds), children would all huddle around Judy waiting for the next instruction. After the classes, Judy told us that she was most impressed by the fact that many of the participants went home and practiced the dance steps they learned during that day’s session.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few events the Dietrich has coming up at the end of July. On Saturday, July 29th, the Dietrich will be taking its third annual bus trip to the Everhart Museum, Nay Aug Park and Zoo. It’s a fun trip to a local attraction. Our tour group gets a private tour of the Everhart Museum before it opens on Saturday, we provide a box lunch for everyone attending from Heavenly Ham and then after lunch everyone has a couple of hours to explore the park, zoo, Nay Aug Gorge, and museum again before we return. The total cost of the day is $5.00 per person which includes lunch. You can’t beat that! The bus will leave the Dietrich at 9:30 am and return around 2:00 pm. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to sign up. Space is limited.

And even though the river has been a little unpredictable lately, we are still going ahead with Celebrate Our River Day on Saturday, July 22nd from 2:00 - 5:00 pm in Tunkhannock’s Riverside Park. Included in the day’s activities is live music featuring John Williams and Al Purdy of “Brother John”, Retro Rocket, and the Bluestone Mountain Boys Bluegrass group.

Environmental organizations will be on hand for you to learn more about the environment and what they do. There will be a kayak demo with David Buck of Endless Mountain Outfitters and food vendors including Chris’ Western Beef will be there. Endless Mountain Outfitters will also host a kayak trip that morning. For more information about this free event, contact the theater at 996-1500.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

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

Everhart Explorations

Students will learn about dinosaurs, birds, and Africa and art over those weeks.

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! For ages 5 -12.

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 through 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.

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 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 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 through 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.

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