At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I just have to tell you this! I’d had to run an errand late Friday and I didn’t know if I’d be back in time for the tree lighting. I was rushing back to town – probably going a little faster than I should have been –and was stopped dead in the traffic near Van Duzer’s gas station. Of course, I couldn’t see the tree yet, but as I inched closer (it was so glorious having all those people in town) I realized that the tree hadn’t been lit, but that there seemed to be something around it, aalthough I couldn’t make out what it could be. Slowly (very, very slowly) I moved up the street and then finally, as I got to Greenwood’s I could make out what I was seeing. Literally hundreds of people were gathered around our beautiful big old tree waiting for it to light. And not only were they in the lot by the tree, but they were three and four deep, spilling out into the road, on the other side of the street! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! I could barely breathe it was such an incredible sight!

I had to park up by the Laundromat, and then I ran down the street just in time to see the lights go on. Oh my, oh my. A great cheer went up and we stood there, awestruck. (And so, so happy that the lights actually stayed on.) And then, to top it all off, Tom St. Claire’s son proposed to his girlfriend right there, by the lighted tree, at the loveliest Christmas In Our Home Town celebration yet. What a night! I hope you all were there – it was a sight to behold.

Movies, movies, movies. For you grown-ups in the crowd, we are showing, for one week only, Casino Royale. Considered one of the best Bond movies ever made, we are bringing it for your adult viewing pleasure. The holidays are a time for family and kiddie movies, but every once in awhile we can slip in a film for the over toddler set. It’s considered to be one of the best of the Bonds so you can come and enjoy. Even I plan to see it and I’m one of those stubborn holdouts who believe Sean Connery is the ONLY Bond of consequence.

And then, we are opening Charlotte’s Web, which looks superb! It’s such a glorious children’s story – one I can never get through without crying – and this screen rendition appears to be beautiful. The voices are wondrous, the animation incredible and Dakota Fanning her usual fine young self. This is G rated, so all ages are welcome. Come and enjoy, enjoy.

Mark December 19th on your calendars. Don’t forget, now. Because that’s the day (and night) we’re showing “It’s A Wonderful Life.” As all of you know, this is my idea of the most perfect movie ever made. I don’t believe that it’s corny or dated, nor do I believe it is no longer relevant. If there is ever a time we need Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed and a silly old angel, it’s now. We need the goodness and the honesty and the real family values in that movie to be transplanted to today. We need to know that each one of us is sacred, created in God’s own image, and that we can make our mark with goodness, or we can just exist and then blow away like desert sand.

Wonderful Life is a movie about sacrifice, love and faith – values we sorely need in this world. Come see it, but come very, very early – especially at night. If you’re not here by 6 (bring a book or a friend) your chances of seeing the 7:00 are slim. We welcome you all and it’s the one night I wish our theater held thousands.

Finally, a small Christmas message about a four-legged pal named Sadie. She needs a forever home. She’s a lovely mid-sized dog who has known nothing but pain, starvation and abuse. She didn’t even have a name. She needs to be someone’s only girl – no cats please. She is loving and gentle and very, very happy. If, in January, you think you could give her a forever home, give me a call – 836-0176 and I’ll get you in touch with her foster parents. What a wondrous friend she’ll be!

In the meantime, you have a good week.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

The Dietrich’s Golden Days of Radio Players’ performance was magical. They performed before a full house. What I found to be so funny were the shameless product placements during the radio plays. In “The Scrap Collection” with Fibber McGee and Molly, they pulled out of the closet a can of Johnson’s Self Polishing Glo-Coat. I thought product placement was just something they did in movies today. Who knew! Look at the audience; it was interesting to see some people listening with their eyes closed to have that radio experience.

If you would like to enjoy a live radio play production, join us at Steamtown in early 2007 for their performances of “The Mystery of the Steamtown Ghost” and “Arsenic and Old Lace”.

After the radio play, Margie Young, the Dietrich’s Program Director, and I went into the Dorothy G. Sheldon Art Studio to check out Steve Colley’s Mosaic Design class. Students were making beautiful mosaic flowerpots and other items. I just love all the colors and shapes of tiles that can be used in mosaics. Some people broken ceramic tile and others used dishes. The possibilities with mosaics are endless. I can’t wait to see the final products!

Next Tuesday, please join us at the Dietrich for “It’s a Wonderful Life”. This classic film is fantastic on the big screen (I can’t say it enough.) It really makes you feel like you are in Bedford Falls. Show times are at 2 pm and 7 pm on Tuesday, December 19th­­. Admission is free, popcorn is free, and soda is free. Come early especially for the 7 pm show because seats fill up quickly. This year “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be in memory of Rose Miller and is also sponsored in part by the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church.

Holiday Camp is also just around the corner. In this three-day art camp (December 27 - 29 from 9:30 am-11 am), students make pottery, draw and paint as they learn about different artists. It’s a great creative outlet for kids who are ‘bored’ with vacation. Admission is $35 for three days of camp or $15 for one. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to register; there are only a few spaces available.

And if you are like me and have barely started your holiday shopping, Dietrich gift bags and tickets make the perfect gifts. A night out at the movies is great for families, couples, and kids.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players, for Middle & High School Students

Calling all actors, actresses, dancers and musicians, the Dietrich After School Players is now casting for its upcoming spring show, "Yee Haw! A Tribute to Hee Haw".

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. January 8 - March 24.

Cost: Free.

Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children's Theater

All About Drawing & Painting, ages 9-12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color, and value as students draw an paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Thursdays, February 8, 15, 22, March 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

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, January 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9-12

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

Thursdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Decorative Painting for Kids

Children ages 8 and up will learn decorative painting techniques as they paint a bird house.

Tuesday, March 20 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost:$12, materials provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Holiday Camp, ages 6 and up

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp. Enjoy one day of camp or explore the arts in all three classes. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

From 9:30 - 11:00 am, December 27 - Pottery, December 28 - Drawing, December 29 - Painting

Admission is $15 per class or $35 for all three classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Jewelry for Kids, ages 8 and up

Make It/Bake It - Create your own beads, bake and string them into a necklace that is uniquely yours.

Tuesday, March 13 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $7

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Little Artists, ages 2-1/2 to 4

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, March 2, 9, 16, 23 from 10:30 - 11:15 am

Cost: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley

Little People & Nature, ages 2 1/2 to 4

Join us as we learn about animals and nature in this four class series. Learn about: When Winter Comes - Where do some of the animals go in the winter? What animal can we still see? Children will learn the answers to these questions through songs, stories, puppets and crafts. Bunny Hop - What do wild bunnies eat? Where do they live? How do they hide? Learn why domestic rabbits don't make good pets for children and meet a rescued rabbit.Going Batty - What makes a bat a bat? Can you see bats in the winter? Dress like a bat, make a puppet, listen to a story, sing a song, and pretend to be a bat. Learn about the only flying mammal. Feeder Flutter - We've gone to the birds! Meet a live bird. Make a bird feeder to take home. Exploring the discovery stations, feathers, puppets, and stories.

Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10 -11 am.

Cost: $35, students to be accompanied by an adult.

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko, Endless Mountains Nature Center

Mixed Media, ages 5- 8

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists and create their own works using materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $35 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool students will explore the arts each week as they use a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc.

Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 from noon -12:45 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

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