At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What an enchanted world to awaken to on this Tuesday morning. Every bush, shrub and tree was outlined in snow. My beautiful birch tree looked elegant – she is the Grace Kelly of trees – and she looked as if each branch had been covered with long white satin gloves. And my old Catalpa, the one everyone thought would die a decade ago when a fierce wind split it nearly in two, was formally dressed in white, all gussied up and ready to two-step. And that fat old cardinal – he’s a cranky one – he sat on top of the grape arbor preening, knowing full well that his bright red contrasting with the wintry world surrounding him was breathtaking. He proves that beauty is indeed its own excuse for being.

We have some good movies coming up and a bit of cultural stuff here and there, so let’s get to it. First, on Friday we open Wild Hogs starring (what a cast) John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, William H. Macy and Ray Liotta. Nor you tell me if you could possibly get a better cast than that? This is the story of four friends who have bikes and a little “club”, and one day they decide that their deadly dull lives will be greatly enhanced by a road trip. (And really, when you think about it, who wouldn’t be happy with a few days on the road?) It’s funny, silly, probably a little crude (it’s a PG13) but it looks like just the ticket (no pun intended) to help shake the winter blahs. Because no matter how good or bad the storyline is, there’s nothing funnier than those men, and I am looking forward to seeing them. Especially Travolta and Macy – two of my favorites.

Another (and maybe final) week of Bridge to Terabithia. This is a superb production and if you have middle school kids it’s a fine one to bring them to. It’s very sad, true, but think of the dialogue it will open up between you and your child or grandchild. One of the grand things that happens when you see a movie with a child, especially a thought-provoking movie, is that you start to talk, often about things that would not otherwise come up. Terabithia is a story about death and how even the youngest life may not be spared a visit. It opens up endless possibilities of conversation about faith and hope, about loneliness and guilt, and about what makes life worth living. It’s a terrific chance to start a conversation with your son or daughter. Don’t miss it.

Wednesday night, March 7, we show Gone With The Wind. On the big screen. Rhett and Scarlett. Larger than life. Two of the most gorgeous people ever born. And we get to look at them for over three hours. Really, does it get better than that? I can’t wait to see them one more time. What a story! What acting! What cinematography! First come first served. 1:00 and 6:30. Concession will cost you, but the tickets won’t. Thanks to a grant from the PA Humanities Council. Ooooh. Do come. You don’t want to miss seeing Rhett carry Scarlett up that staircase, now do you?

Apparently I didn’t make festival talk clear in my last column. It will be in the Evans theater as always. What we hope to do is add some films in the Murray which will expand the number of films we are bringing you. But the fourteen films in fourteen days will be in the Evans. As always.

I have been asked about Amazing Grace. We couldn’t open it, but we will definitely be bringing it in. Either during festival week or before, depending on whether or not we can get Sandra Bullock’s Premonition. But never fear. We will bring in Amazing Grace. The sound track alone makes it worth seeing!

So, you all have a good week. The festival brochures won’t be out for another few weeks, and some of the films are being changed because of DVD releases. But call for your opening night reservation soon. If you wait until brochures come out, you won’t get a seat. (Now there’s a terrible thought!)

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Last Wednesday, Dr. Marnie Hiester of College Misericordia led our Gone with the Wind book discussion about loss, change and survival. We are so grateful that Marnie was able to move her discussion up a week since that night’s discussion leader came down with the flu. Because of that change, tonight we will discuss “History as Portrayed in Novels and Films” at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library.

What I am looking forward to is catching Gone with the Wind at the Dietrich next Wednesday. To see Clarke Gable and Vivien Leigh on the big screen should be fantastic. We will have free showings of this acclaimed movie at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

When you come out to the Dietrich to see Gone with the Wind, you will have to take a look at our new exhibit in the Dietrich’s Earnshaw Gallery called “The Art of Us”. This display features the work of students in our many classes including Quilting for Kids, Intergenerational Quilting, Decorative Painting, Preschool Art, Mixed Media, Pottery & Sculpture and more. Their work is colorful and inspiring.

On Monday, March 5th at 7:00 pm we will have an evening decorative painting class for adults with Sarah Sidorek. In this two-hour workshop, students will learn decorative painting techniques while painting a glass picture frame. Admission is $12 including materials. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to register. If you are interested in decorative painting but are more of a day person, the theater has ongoing classes on Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm with Eileen Balboa.

Then on March 6th, the Dietrich will start a four-class Beginning Conversational Spanish series with Victoria Romero. I can’t believe how quickly it filled up. I will have to share with you what we learned.

At the end of March, Jan Henning will teach a beginner watercolor workshop on color and composition. She will show you how these two principles work together in painting. First, the workshop will explore “pigments and their personalities” from basic primary colors to pigments which create impact in a painting. Student will also learn some basic rules of composition, which holds the viewer’s interest while guiding his/ her eye through the painting. This workshop will be held on Friday, March 30 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm and Saturday, March 31 from 10 am - 4 pm. For more information, call the Dietrich at 996-1500.

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 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

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, 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. 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, 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