At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I tried really, really hard – honest! I begged and pleaded and humbled myself in a variety of ways but Miramax was having none of it. They simply didn’t make enough prints to open “Shall We Dance” in a small town, no matter how wonderful that small town is. So I hope to have it in two weeks or so – but wait for us. We will bring in the delicious Richard Gere as soon as we can grab him ( so to speak). I promise. I’ve seen the trailers a kabillion times where he hands his wife a single rose and asks her to dance with him. Sigh. That sort of scene is why they make movies!

So this week we have more of the same, but the same is pretty good. “Ladder 49” really is a good old-fashioned Hollywood tear-jerker honoring firemen in a most dramatic way. It’s a good movie, enjoyable all the way through and superbly acted. Just bring your tissues. You’ll need ‘em.

“Shark Tales” is fun. The kiddies love it and the adult jokes are appreciated by the adults who tag along. I don’t think it’s on the level of a “Shrek” or a “Nemo”, but it’s good solid fun for the wee ones, and you know how little of that there is around!

Okay, Tweenies. Here it is. The night you’ve been breathlessly awaiting all year. Halloween at the Dietrich! Three Gawd-awful horror movies all lined up like crows on a wire, waiting to scare the pants off you on Friday, October 29. Ten bucks gets you admission to all three and Moms and Dads know you are safe (albeit terrified) in the theater because once you come in you can’t leave until the very end when your Mom comes for you. This year there were so few horror movies of merit (I know, there could be an oxymoron lurking there) that we decided to go into the deep, dark recesses of classic slasher films. Kim, our very own lover of the dark side, chose them since I wouldn’t watch one on a bet. Here they are, in full, living (or dead) bloody color.
The original Chucky movie (I am having a moment and can’t remember the name), “Graveyard Shift” and “Pet Semetary”. Yuk! And remember this – even though you may have seen these movies celebrating the undead, you have not seen them on the big screen where you are assured to see every little teeny drop of blood magnified a zillion times! Make your reservations now, kidlets, because we had to turn many, many kids away last year. 996-1500 will get you a reservation to the bloodiest best Halloween in town!

Two more things to remember – tomorrow’s screen writing course taught by Kathryn Shefsky. It’s nearly full but she would probably take one or two more. I’m going to take it if I can. Sounds so wonderful.

Don’t forget to make those reservations for Snow White with the Scranton Public Theater. It is such fun, but we do expect a sell-out, so call quickly. It’s a total hoot!

So, I start chemo this week. I did the stuff you’re supposed to do. I got my hair cut very short (my own is unruly and doesn’t fit well under a wig) and I am trying to be mentally ready. I keep telling myself the purpose is to make me well, not sick. I can do this. I can do this. (One more sigh.) I got a bottle of hair color called pomegranate so I look like a rather large plum. I figured if my hair only has a few more days on my head it’s going to go out in a blaze (almost literally ) of glory! I am going to continue working. My very kind and gentle oncologist (Dr. Barsigian) tells me I can. The wig I’ve chosen is spikey and orangy. So, if you see either a tall plum or orange walking toward you, don’t be scared. It’s just me. In disguise as a cancer patient. We’re quite a large and pretty tough group, you know?

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By

Guess who is coming to the Dietrich? – Snow White along with those Seven Dwarfs! The Dietrich Theater will present Scranton Public Theatre’s updated version of the well-loved fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on Saturday, October 23rd at 11:00 am. This production with modern twists will entertain your two year old to your ten year old. Be a part of this interactive performance as you cheer on Snow White in the land of far—out, or as your child hops onto the stage to play the role of one of the dwarfs. Tickets are $5.00 and can be reserved by calling 570-996-1500.

Families and kids of all ages came out to a musical celebration at the theater on Saturday, October 9th at 11:00 am when the Dietrich started its Second Saturday Series with “Jammin with George Wesley”. It was great to see kids bring their own instruments and jam along with George, a reggae singer/songwriter from Factoryville. For next month’s Second Saturday Series, the Everhart Museum staff will take you and your kids on a voyage to the stars by showing slides of constellations and making an outer space craft. Three star presentations will be held at 11 am, 11:30 am and noon on Saturday, November 13th at the Dietrich Theater. Please call 570-996-1500 to sign up for this free event.

As for classes, we have a great line up of workshops for October. Both young and old celebrate the theater’s “Golden Days of Radio Players Group” which started on October 5th. On Tuesday nights from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, this group goes back to those thrilling days of radio drama and comedy. Under the instruction of Valerie Paulus, participants read and perform radio plays such as “Maxwell Coffee Time” starring George Burns and Gracie Allen, and pieces from the “Our Miss Brooks” series. The group plans to incorporate sound effects and commercials of that time period into their live performance at the Dietrich on November 16th. According to radio player member, Barbara Jones, “Everyone in the group is enthusiastic! Two teenagers in the class really got into it even though they were not born during the golden age of radio.”

Two other new workshops are also coming to the Dietrich this October. The best thing about these two classes is that they are one-shot deals! So if you have a hectic schedule and you can’t make a weekly commitment, but you really want to learn something new, the following workshops may be just the ticket. “Introduction to Screenwriting” will be held on Saturday, October 16th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Catherine Shefski, a Smith College graduate and a previous student of NYU’s Screenwriting Department, will take the class through the ins and outs of screenwriting from character development to dialogue to marketing and more! Admission is $30.00. Then on Tuesday, October 26th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, the theater will be offering a “Bead Knotting Workshop”. During this introductory class, participants will learn the ancient art of knotting between beads and how to attach sterling bead tips and clasps. Your kit will include beads and everything needed to make a necklace. Workshop admission is $35.00 and includes the cost of the bead knotting kit. Call 570-996-1500 to register for any of these classes. Adults and students ages 13 and up are welcome. Who knows – you might develop a hidden talent or find a great way to spend those chilly winter months!

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 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 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.

Wednesday, 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.

Wednesday, 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, 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, through 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., through November 16

Cost: $60 for all 8 sessions

Instructor: Michaela Moore

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 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 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 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

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 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., through 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. - October 6, 20, 27. November 3, 10, 17.

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

Presented by Melissa Russo.