At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I have to say that as much of winter lover as I am, I’m really sick of this one! Having it be brutally cold and then warm up and rain is, for want of a more sophisticated word, icky. We haven’t had a good blizzard all winter! No drifting mountains of snow, no six foot icicles hanging from the roof. We certainly have had gray skies, though. Well, except for Sunday which was admittedly glorious. Blue sky, a few inches of snow on the ground and everything covered in a shimmery white frost. And then, to top off this winter wonderland, the sun was actually shining! Actually shining! Far out! But today (Tuesday) we’re back in the winter doldrums which have me a little down today, which is silly, I know, since spring is right around the corner. And how do I know spring is right around the corner you may ask? Because Jeffrey and I have spent the last few hours finalizing the spring film festival schedule!!!! Is that cool or what?

Gala night is April 11 and we have two wonderful films for you – pick of the litter, as always (thank you, Jeffrey). I think we are going to open with (I say “think” because until these films are actually booked we can’t know if we can have them even though the chances are that we can) The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and The Savages, both so critically acclaimed that it simply doesn’t get any better in the world of filmdom. (I think I might have just made up that word.) And then we have other wonderful films. Here is the tentative list (I’ll give you a brief synopsis of each of them in the next few weeks).

We’re bringing back Hollywood Librarian for a couple of showings because we liked it so much, and also because it gives those who couldn’t see it the day we showed it another chance. Then the Frank Langella film, Starting Out In The Evening, Persepolis, There Will Be Blood, The Rape of Europa, Caramel, The Singing Revolution, Woody Allen’s Cassandra’s Dream, Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day, The Year My Parents Went On Vacation, the Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There, Taxi To The Dark Side, Lars and the Real Girl and Bonneville. We think it’s a pretty good list, once again the pick of the season.

It is very difficult to choose festival films. They need to be excellent, represent many countries and styles, have a good mix of documentaries and fiction, push an envelope or two, and be enjoyable. Sometimes I turn a film away because it is simply too harsh for our audiences (and me) or because it in some way doesn’t meet our standards. And I’m not always thrilled with the films we get – I like some far more than others. But I always try to see to it that every one of the films will please our audience, make them laugh or cry or think in ways that ofttimes Hollywood films simply don’t do. So, we’ll see how it goes. Crossing our fingers all the way. It’s scary, bringing in the festivals, but infinitely exciting. I hope these films are as good as they sound and that you will love them. Otherwise it wouldn’t be any fun at all!

So this week we keep Vantage Point (everyone who has seen it says the end is socko!) and Spiderwick. But we’re adding a late show of the Academy Award nominee Sweeney Todd starring the incredible Johnny Depp. It’s adapted from the Broadway musical and is superb. But be forewarned – they used 70 gallons of fake blood to shoot the murder scenes so you have to not only love music but have a strong stomach! (I read that at the IMDB movie site.)

Ooooh – one more cool thing I have to tell you about. Warden Ameigh invited us to bring One County One Book One Movie into the prison and 10 prisoners asked for copies of Pride and Prejudice! Is that so great or what? I am so excited! It has to be good for the prisoners and good for us. I think maybe Mickey’s love for books and reading spurred him on to reach out and bring books to those under his care. Thanks, Mickey. We think it will be such fun!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Last Wednesday it was so interesting to hear Elizabeth Steele from the Jane Austen Society of North American speak about Jane Austen and her works at our Wyoming County Reads book discussion. Elizabeth’s passion for Jane Austen’s works was contagious and she is definitely a wealth of knowledge on Pride & Prejudice and all of Jane’s works. Many discussion participants also knew a great deal about Jane Austen and her works. Rereading Pride & Prejudice has inspired me to read some of the Jane Austen books I haven’t read.

We would like to invite the public to join us tonight for our free showing of the 2005 movie version of “Pride & Prejudice” at 7:00 pm. I enjoy that movie version of the book as well as the 1995 mini series version with Colin Firth. Dr. Philip Mosley from Penn State Worthington will lead a film discussion following the movie. We again would like to thank the Procter & Gamble Fund for their sponsorship of our Wyoming County Reads project.

Coming up in March, we have a few special events I would like to tell you about. On March 12 at 7:30 pm, join us for “An Evening with Mike Lewis”. This benefit concert for the Dietrich will feature music from Mike’s new CD “Save the Day”. This CD is a blend of very cool melodies and lyrics. The concert will be opened by special guest Erin Canedy. Tickets are $15 and include Mike’s new CD. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance by calling 570-996-1500.

Then on Saturday, March 22 at 1:00 pm, the Dietrich Radio Players will be back at the Steamtown National Historic Site for a live radio play event. The group will perform “Fibber McGee & Molly - Scrap Collection”, “Maxwell House Coffee Time with George Burns & Gracie Allen in The Sam Spade Caper and the ever favorite “Who’s On First”. The cost of the show is included with the park entrance fee. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information.

To close out the month of March (which happens to be Women’s History month), the Dietrich will show the movie "Frances Slocum: Child of Two Americas". Frances was abducted from Wilkes-Barre at the age of five during the American Revolution. The Slocum family looked for 60 years and found her in 1837 living as a prosperous Miami Indian matriarch. Please join us for this film, which captures some of our local history. A Q&A with the films makers and actors will follow the movie. Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the Dietrich or by phone at 570-996-1500.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

3-D Madness, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn how to sculpt with an assortment of mediums including clay, string, paper, cardboard, etc. while learning about artists Pablo Picasso and Joseph Cornell.

Thursdays, February 14, 21, 28, March 6 from 4;00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Printmaking, ages 5 -12

Students will learn about printmaking while creating their own etchings, monoprints and lithographs.

Ages 5-8: Fridays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Ages 9-12: Thursdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Steve Colley.

Basketry Workshop - Create a Berry Basket

Students ages 16 and up will create a small open berry basket of hand pounded back ash wood splints. The basket features a square check weave base. Besides learning basketry techniques, students will learn how to prepare black ash wood splints. No experience is required.

Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Cuddly Characters for Mommy & Me

Little ones will use soft materials to bring to life their own chuddly characters in the company of their moms, dads, or grandparents. For ages 3 - 5.

Fridays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 from 10:30 -11:30 am.

Cost: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley

Cuddly Characters for Preschoolers

Preschoolers will use soft materials to bring to life their own cuddly characters. For ages 3 - 5.

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

Admission: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley

Decorative Painting, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Preregistration required. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. March 12, 19, 26, and April 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $20/class plus the cost of painting surfaces

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Exploring Color for ages 3 - 5

Little ones will learn about color by creating works of art and by playing theater games.

Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Admission: $30

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Exploring Patterns and Textures for Mommy & Me

Little artists will explore everyday patterns and textures by creating masterpieces using collage and printmaking techniques with their moms, dads, or grandparents. For ages 3 - 5.

Fridays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Exploring Patterns and Textures for Preschoolers

Little artists will explore everyday patterns and textures by creating masterpieces using collage and printmaking techniques. For ages 3 - 5.

Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Fun and Feathers, for grades K - 6

Flock to the Dietrich this March to experience the wonderful world of birds! Based on the Everhart's exhibit, "Flocks & Feathers", learn about birds, their habitat, and their connections to us through art, writing and science. Birds are the inspiration for masks, prints, origami and even paintings on eggs!

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

The Wool Workshop - Think warm and woolly this winter. Learn quilting techniques as you experiment with wools, weaves and other textiles. Examine vintage quilts and recapture the sensibility of quilts of old.

Wednesdays through March 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane and Terry Keller.

Jewelry Making - Glass Fusing, ages 16 and up

This class will be a very basic introduction to the process of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Mondays, May 5 and 12 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making - Glass Fusing, ages 16 and up - Filled

This class will be a very basic introduction to the process of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Mondays, March 3 and 10 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making - Metal Working, ages 16 and up

Students will learn how to use a jewelers saw, how to do basic metal cutting, filing and polishing. Each students will create a pendant.

Monday, March 17 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making -Easy Beading, ages 16 and up

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

Monday, March 24 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Mehoopany Mixed Media, ages 5 -12

Students will learn about famous artists and create their own works using materials including clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio (87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA)

Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - April 2, 9, 16, 23. Session 2 - April 30, May 7, 14, 21.

Admission $35 for each session of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley.

Mount Olympic Theater & Visual Arts Camp

Learn all about the Olympics, its orgins in ancient Greece and Beiing China in this unique camp that arrives just in time for the summer Olympics. Become an Olympic hero or super talented gymnast while creating a fabulous play! Plus make medals, trophies, laurel wreaths, togas, torches, and flags to celebrate this wonderful tradition and our fantastic country! Tons of fun and lots of learning! For ages 5 -12

Monday - Friday, August 11 - 15 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50.

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore.

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery

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

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Session 1 - March 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 2 - April 1, 8, 15, 22. Session 3 - April 29, May 6, 13, 20. Session 4 - June 3, 10, 17, 24. Session 5 - August 5, 12, 19, 26.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

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

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - March 3, 10, 17, 24. Session 2 - March 31, April 7, 14, 21. Session 3 - April 28, May 5, 12, 10. Session 4 - June 2, 9, 16, 23. Session 5 - June 30, July 14, 21, 28. Session 6 - August 4, 11, 18, 25.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Sunshine & Shadow/ Trip Around the World - Learn about these two quilts and the people who made them as you learn quilting techniques. Blend the best of both designs into one quilt. Explore the use of color to make a unique and bold design.

Wednesdays through March 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6/class, materials provided.

Instructors: Peggy Lane, Ingrid Rogler and Terry Keller.

Trash to Treasures, age 5 -12

Learn how to create recycled art including 3-D art sculptures and relief sculptures at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio.

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

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. Meetings are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

This class will teach and reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas)which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Attention will be given to breathing and alignment in postures. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor: Melissa Russo