At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So! Some snow, doncha think? Wow! Talk about being careful what you pray for! It was so wild and beautiful. I kept looking out my dining room window at what appeared to be the Russian Steppes (like I’d know a Russian Steppe if I fell in it). The snow was falling at incredible rates and blowing about as hard. It was magnificent! Mother Nature at her wildest.

But, there was that little problem about going to work. Although being stuck in South Auburn certainly wasn’t the misery (in fact it was totally cool) that those poor folks on the interstates had to deal with. That certainly would have taken the fun out of the snowfall!

Still, I think we sometimes forget that we live in northeast Pennsylvania, and our winter weather can be difficult at best. But seldom is it as wicked as the past week. A not so subtle reminder that we only rule this planet at mamma nature’s pleasure. And she can take over her leadership role at will.

Okay – this week we still have Bridge to Terabithia. It’s a wonderful film for kids and their folks. It is a grand story about two children who find friendship and an entire world of their imaginations. But it’s also a story of death, and pain, and understanding that although life sometimes ends for those we love, that we are charged with living our own lives to their fullest. It’s a seriously well done film.

Catch and Release stars the lovely Jennifer Garner and is a perfect date movie or “chick-flick,” as films that deal with emotions have come to be called. It’s the story of a young widow who must start her life over and finds love and laughter along the way. All reports on it are good and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I love films about women who overcome odds stacked against them.

On with our discussions of GWTW. For those of you who read this column on the internet, Wednesday, Feb. 21 the discussion (at the library) will be History as Portrayed in Novels and Films. Should be so interesting, because as we all know, even if we dearly love GWTW, the story is told from a distinctly southern point of view and if I were an African American I would wonder what on earth Margaret Mitchell was thinking! So, having Dr. Roth talk to us about novel history vs. real history should be fascinating.

And then the following Wednesday, the discussion is The Real Cost of War: Loss, Change, Survival. What an incredibly apropos discussion for our times. I so look forward to it. The great thing about an enduring novel is the broad humanities themes it strikes. Without that ability to connect universally a novel simply dies after a few years, never to be heard from again. But enduring novels, no matter how deeply flawed, tell stories we long for. In this story of Scarlett and Rhett, set in the background of a war-torn country, you have a journey that simply takes your breath away. They are unforgettable characters, fighting nearly impossible odds. Yet they not only survive, they grow and change and, in the end, triumph. As do we when we read. Ooooh. How much fun is it to read a good book and then get to talk about it with a roomful of people? So, so cool!

Add The History Boys and Notes on a Scandal to our film list for spring festival. We’re going to try an experiment this year. We’re going to turn the small theater over to art films for those two weeks, also. So, all in all, we’ll be bringing you eighteen films. How cool is that???

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a week! I can’t believe all of the snow we had. Even though we have all that white stuff on the ground, I feel like I should tell you a little bit about our Spring Film Festival. We will kick it off with our gala event on April 13th, which happens to be the sixth anniversary of the Dietrich reopening. Opening night we will play Volver a Spanish language comedy/drama starring Penelope Cruz and The Good German. We will have hors d’oeuvres and Epicurean Delight’s delicious desserts. Make your reservations for the gala now by calling 996-1500. Tickets are $30 per person and are already starting to sell. A tentative schedule of festival films is available on our website at www.dietrichtheater.com .

Tonight for our Wyoming County Reads - Gone with the Wind book discussion Dr. Laurence Roth of Susquehanna University will lead the discussion on “History as Portrayed in Novels and Film” at the Tunkhannock Public Library at 7 pm. It will be interesting to compare the events represented in GWTW to actual events.

Due to last Wednesday’s weather we have postponed our discussion on “The Heroine’s Journey in Literature and Movies” with Dr. Philip Mosley to Wednesday, March 21st at 7:00 pm at the Dietrich Theater. Admission to these discussions is free and refreshments will be provided. Wyoming County Reads has been sponsored by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

There is still time to sign up for our Easy Beading class with Esther Harmatz. On Monday, February 26th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm join us as we learn three basic beading techniques.
Students will learn basic loom beading, peyote, and beading on fabric. All materials and equipment will be supplied. Admission is $25. Then on Monday, March 12th from 6-9pm learn the first steps of working with glass to create stained glass pieces. Students will work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap and solder. Each student will leave with a finished item. Cal the Dietrich at 996-1500 for more information or to register for either of these classes.

In March, we are excited to have our All About Pottery & Sculpture workshop for students ages 9-12 on Thursdays, March 8 - March 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Students love this class. Steve Colley will teach students hand building techniques (coil and slab construction), glazing techniques and experience using potter’s wheels.

And don’t forget to reserve your Opening Night Film Festival Tickets early!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players, for Middle & High School Students - Filled

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". Student will learn the theater arts and perform for friends and family at the Dietrich. Call 996-1500 to register.

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm through 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 22, March 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

Beginning Conversational Spanish - Filled

Learn a second language as a family! This class will introduce you to everyday Spanish conversational phrases and vocabulary. We will be using games, role plays and fun exercises to practice speaking Spanish. This is a great class to get you started on learning a second language. For ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesdays, March 6 - 27 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Cost: $30 for adults, children 16 and under, free.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques whicle creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts.

Wednesdays from noon - 3 pm through March 28.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

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

Easy Beading - Three Basic Beading Techniques

Have fun learning three beading styles! Basic loom beading, peyote, and beads on fabric will be demonstrated. All materials and equipments will be supplied.

Monday, February 26 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $25, all materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

First Steps in 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 12 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $45, all materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Sara's Squares" - Learn the art of quilting while making an uncommon variation of the classic log cabin quilt. Students will learn quilting techniques and study vintage quilts.

Wednesdays through March 28 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller and Peggy Lane

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

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 2 -February 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $35 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing and Pottery

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

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 3 - March 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cost: $15 per class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting on Glass, age 16 to adult

Learn decorative painting techniques as you paint a glass picture frame.

Monday, March 5 at 7 pm.

Cost: $12, materials are provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

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

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 3 - March 5, 12, 19, 26.

Cost: $50 for all four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Snowballs" - Snips of cloth with a winter theme make up our one-of-a-kind snowball quilt. Learn quilting and design techniques - it's easy and cool!

Wednesday through March 28 from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller & Peggy Lane

Watercolor for Beginners - Color and Composition

Learn the basics of color and composition in watercolor painting.

Friday, March 30 from 7-9 pm and Saturday, March 31 from 10 am - 4 pm.

Admission is $60. Call 570-996-1500 for a materials list.

Instructor: Jan Henning

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

Young Writers' Group, ages 11-16

Come and learn about all forms of writing. Participants will share their own writings and learn to critique each other. Topics for discussion will depend on the interests of the group, but will include vocabulary of the writing professional and opportunities for publication.

Thursdays through March 1 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Admission is free.

Group Leader: Ann Vitale