At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So. To quote Jack Nicholson in “The Shining” – “I’m baaack!” And oh boy oh boy oh boy, does it feel good to be here! I can’t even tell you how much I missed this big old theater and my friends and the movies and, well, just the whole package that’s the Dietrich. It’s been a not so fun couple of weeks, but, in the sense that no nodes is good nodes (or something) I got the good news a couple weeks ago that my lymph nodes were clean – there had been no spread there even thought I’d been so dumb as to not keep up with my mammograms. So the next stop is the oncologist (shiver) and they tell me what they plan to do to me next. Gosh, wouldn’t it be nice if we could just shed these bodies of ours when they get ornery and get a new, updated one? Oh well. But anyway, so far, so good.

And thank you all so very, very much for all the cards and notes and phone calls and visits. I just felt cushioned with love and kindness. So even when I was feeling sorry for myself – totally soggy with self pity ( like a tea bag left steeping too long) – I had to draw the line on endless hours of pouting because everyone was being so wonderful to me. So, thank you a million times.

And let me tell you this – even though this is really, really scary, life does go on. You laugh and you get hungry and you go for little walks and you pet the cat and there are entire intervals when life is amazingly normal. Oh yeah. One more thing. For those of you who told me that I am a brave person and you would never be able to do this I want to put that notion to rest. I am not even a little bit brave about medical stuff. Not even a teensy tiny bit. I am a total chicken. So if I can do this, anyone can. Please believe me on that. So if you have this little feeling you should be seeing your Dr. and fear is keeping you away just know this: If I can do this anyone can. (And you know I don't fib to you in this column!)

So we have one more week of simply wonderful movies. These festival films are sooo fine! I loved “Bon Voyage” which we showed on gala night. Oh, and I could go on and on for many pages about that! It’s so fun! The food was terrific and Epicurean Delight outdid itself (as did all the participating restaurants) and our very, very dear Phillip Mosley who is as sophisticated and knowledgeable as one can be (sort of a modern David Niven) introduced the films and led discussion and so it was just perfect. Sold out, of course, with nearly one hundred people having to be turned away. Isn’t that amazing? And don't forget the "Cafe Conversations" with Warren Barreisse. You get to talk about the films to your hearts content. Just give Margie a call to save you a place. (And thanks to Route 6 Auto Body it's totally free. You get some food and drink and cool talk and it won't cost you a dime.)

And then in the Murray theater we have “Vanity Fair” starring Reese Witherspoon. Great costumes and a fun story. Although really, the festival films are so fine that it will be a hard choice to make as to which one you should see.

One final thing. On October 2, we are having a spectacular event. Coinciding with “The Airing of the Quilts” we have two live performances of “Seven Quilts For Seven Sisters”. Look up the info on the shows on our website or you can pick up a brochure when you come in to the theater. If you love quilts and you love music then you will love this show about the music and the quilting of those living in slavery. There is a show at 11:00 and one at 2:00. Call Margie at 996-1500 or Erica at 836-7575 to make your reservations. Do it early because we expect both shows to sell out. And this is one you won’t want to miss. You have to trust me on this!

Okay. That’s it. We covered a lot of ground here. Good report from the Doctor. Good films that you can’t see anywhere else. Good live show coming in with quilts and gospel music. Now I ask you – does it get any better than that? (I think not!)

See you at the Dietrich! (Oooo – I’m so happy to be saying that again!)

Live at The Dietrich

By

October will be a great month of family-oriented events at the Dietrich! Now that the back to school rush is over, take the opportunity to spend some time with the entire family. On Saturday, October 9th at 11:00 am, the Dietrich Theater is kicking off its free Second Saturday series with “Jammin’ with George Wesley”. George Wesley, a local reggae singer/songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist from Factoryville, has come back to jam along with you and your family. It is a great opportunity to experience reggae with a touch of jazz, blues, funk and rock. Bring your own instruments; his music has a positive, uplifting message and appeals to all audiences, young and old. Call Margie Young at (570)-996-1500 for more information.

For other family entertainment, The Scranton Public Theatre will take the Dietrich stage on Saturday, October 23rd at 11:00 am for a live, interactive performance of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. Last February, Agnes Cummings and Scranton Public Theatre performed this much-loved fairy tale to a sold -out audience at the theater. Watch your kids and grandchildren become part of the play as they take the stage as a dwarf or participate from their seats as part of the forest. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased by calling (570)-996-1500.

The October 2nd performances of Seven Quilts for Sisters are readily approaching and tickets are still available. As most of you know, on October 2nd Tunkhannock will air its quilts. The 11:00 am “Stitch in Time” performance and the 2:00 pm “Stitching in Time with Song” show will take us back to the days of the old south and slavery through the use of songs, quilts and skits. Tickets are $10 per show. Please call the theater at (570)-996-1500 to reserve your tickets. The United Way will also be displaying antique quilts at the Dietrich Theater Earnshaw gallery through the month of October.

Then on Monday, October 4th at 7:00 pm, the Dietrich Theater will help you get ready for Columbus Day with a presentation on “America’s Earliest Inhabitants” by Dr. Sheldon Spear. Dr. Spear will discuss new theories about America’s earliest inhabitants; this is bound to be a perfect evening for all of those history and science buffs. Admission is $5.00. Call (570)-996-1500 for more information.

Well, those are the events planned at the Dietrich for October! We also have a variety of classes available – for kids and adults. One new class I should mention is “Introduction to Screenwriting”. On October 16th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Catherine Shefski, a Smith College graduate and a former student of NYU’s Screenwriting Department, will show students how to create a screenplay. So take that story idea, the one you’ve been longing to get on the page (and screen) and develop it into a script you can pitch to Hollywood producers. Workshop admission is $30. Please call (570)-996-1500 to register.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Art Class for Preschoolers - Mondays

These aspiring young artists will have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of materials such as clay, collage and tempra to create their unique works of art.

Mondays, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Session 1 -September 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4. Session 2 - October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1. Session 3 - November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley

Art Class for Preschoolers - Thursdays

These aspiring young artists will have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of materials such as clay, collage and tempra to create their unique works of art.

Thursdays, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Session 1 - September 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7. Session 2 - October 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4. Session 3 - November 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley

Basic Jewelry I

Participants will learn beginner metal work - saw, shape, & polish. Work with brass and sterling silver. No soldering. Students will have a sterling charm and a pair of earrings at class end.

Tuesday, November 10th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $40 including jewelry making kit

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Basic Jewelry II

Participants will fabricate a bracelet and learn to attach findings, bend wire, make jump rings, and various bead placement techniques. Sterling wire, attachments and an assortment of beads included.

Tuesday, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, November 17th

Cost: $40 including jewelry making kit

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Bead Knotting, ages 13 and up

During this class, you will learn the ancient art of knotting between beads and how to attach sterling bead tips and sterling clasps. Your kit will include beads and everything needed to make a necklace.

Tuesday, October 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Cost: $35 includes bead knotting kit

Instructor: Jeanne Browning

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 13 and up

Introduction to decorative painting. Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts.

Wednesdays through November 17 noon - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 per session plus cost of painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dietrich Theater Writer's Group

Love to Write? Join at any time. Group focuses on pop -ficton.

Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, September 2 through December 2

Free!

Dietrich Theater Writer's Group members

Everhart Art Experiments, Grades 4 - 6

Got art? The Everhart returns to the Dietrich this fall to let you get your creative juices flowing as we play with paints, pastels and colors galore!

Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., October 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2.

FREE!

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Fun for Tots: Stories and Songs for 3 - 5 year olds

Enjoy stories and songs with Mary Baker. Children must be accompanied by parents or care givers.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., October 7, 14, 21, 28.

FREE!

Mary Baker, singer and storyteller

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling dats of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, October 5th - November 16th

Free!

Valerie Paulis

Holiday Camp

Young artists will become familiar with the self portraits and symbolism of Frida Kahlo, the expressive paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, and the genius of sculptor and painter, Leonardo Da Vinci, by exploring a variety of mediums as they create their own masterpieces.

Monday - Wednesday, December 27, 28, 29, Ages 6 -8: 9 am - 10:30 am; Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Amy Colley

Holiday Workshop, for all ages

Get into the holiday spirit! A morning of cookie decorating, wreath making, holiday crafts, and creations by the balloon lady. Fun for all ages.

Saturday, December 11th at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Free

Dietrich Theater

Introduction to Acting, ages 11 - 17

This class will focus on the technique of acting with a performance at the end of the class. Students will learn about storytelling and the basic techniques of acting including voice, body, mind and imagination. Students of all experience levels will be accomodated.

Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., September 28 - November 16

Cost: $60 for all 8 sessions

Instructor: Michaela Moore

Introduction to Genealogy

In this class, students will learn how to get started, what web sites to use, and how to do a pedigree and family group sheet. Participants will also receive a free genealogy computer program. Bring names, dates and stories of your ancestors. Genealogy is like an apple, take one bite at a time.

Saturday, September 18, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 per person

Instructor: Nancy Aiello, Director of Clarks Summit Family History Center

Introduction to Screenwriting Workshop

Take that story idea, the one you've been longing to get on the page (and on the screen), and develop it into a spec script you can pitch to Hollywood producers. We will discuss screenwriting basics from formatting and structure to marketing and examine character, dialogue, genre and theme using examples from actual screenplays. Apply what you learn by writing scenes and ogetting immediate feedback from the instructor and the class. No experience necessary.

Saturday, October 16th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

$30

Catherine Shefski

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity through charcoal and pencil, watercolors and clay while learning about proportion and perspective.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - September 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8. Session 2 - October 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5. Session 3 - November 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Amy Colley

Mixed Media, Ages 9-12

Give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity through charcoal and pencil, watercolors and clay while learning about proportion and perspective.

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - September 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4. Session 2 - October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1. Session 3 - November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

$25 for eac series of four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mixed Media/ Portfolio Prep for Adults, ages 13 and up

This class is a great opportunity for students to build a diverse portfolio as you draw, paint and create pottery & sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio, you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques.

Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Session 1 - September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6. Session 2 - October 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3. Session 3 - November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Cost: $40 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Poetic Challenges - The Practice of Poetry

This workshop will include a variety of poetic forms, theories about the creative process, vocabulary expansion exercises, and tips on revision and critique. We will read and share our work with one another in an effort to improve. It is a goal to keep your writing mind (and hand) challenged. New and returning work shoppers are welcome.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., September 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $40

Instructor: Jennifer Hill Kaucher

Pottery and Sculpture for Adults, ages 13 and up

In this class, students will learn hand-building techniques using earthenware as they become familiar with the works of artists such as Rodin, Michelangelo and Picasso. All levels of experience welcome. Individualized instruction.

Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Session 1 - September 13, 20 , 27, Oct. 4. Session 2 - October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1. Session 3 - November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

Cost: $40 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Kaleidoscope Magic - Have you ever marveled over a kaleidoscope? Each slight turn creates an amazing design. We will teach you how to capture all this in a quilt. Bring your imagination...we'll supply the rest.

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., September 15 to December 15.

Cost: $6 per class

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler/ Gloria Eastwood

Yoga for You

Accommodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Ages 9 to adult. Classes will be ongoing in October through December. Call (570)-996-1500 for exact dates.

Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. - August 4 and 11. September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: Adults $10 per session or $45 for 5 classes, children free.

Presented by Melissa Russo.