At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Okay pals – get out those dancin’ shoes! Oh, yeah! We are about to open the most joyous movie since Greek Wedding! Mamma Mia opens Friday and I have to tell you, if this isn’t just what the doctor ordered, then, well…I guess I’ll have to give up on the medical profession entirely! Over 30 million people saw this musical on stage around the world. Now it’s a movie and even more millions will see it. And you know what’s cool? T’town is going to be able to see it right along with the rest of the world when it opens this Friday. I can’t wait. I mean, this movie has everything! Everything! (Doesn’t that remind you of one of the old 1940’s gangster movies where one of the bad guys would say – “It has everything, I tell ya, everything!”)

First, it has Meryl Streep, one of the great film actresses of our time. Then it has Colin Firth (remember Mr. Darcy?) and Pierce Brosnan. And the lovely young woman from Big Love, Amanda Sayfried, is Sophie, the daughter who would simply like her father to be at her wedding. The only little catch to this is that Mamma isn’t exactly sure who the Daddy is. (Her youth, obviously, having been misspent.) The story of the girl’s odyssey and her mothers embracing attitude toward life is all recorded with the ebullient songs of Abba. Now you tell me, how can you sit still if Dancing Queen is playing? I think we may have a group of older ladies who might become disorderly when that wonderful beat is playing and might have to be restrained from dancing not only in the theater, but what if…gasp!!!... they danced in the streets???? OMG! What would happen to the world if we all started dancing?? YYYEEESSS!!!! Dancing!!! Oh, my. You can see -- we’re entering dangerous territory here.

So come to the movie to get high – in the best sense of the word, of course. Isn’t it about time that we got just a little break from all the bad news we keep hearing lately? Well, Mamma Mia is break time. Good music, wonderful cast, a joyous, joyous message about loving life and singing and dancing to the fullest! Come on, you know you need a good laugh, a good song, a good dance. It’ll be good for what ails ya. Get the blood pumping. Bring hubby along. Once that blood starts heating up, well…you can never tell what might happen…after the movie, of course. In the privacy of your own home. (Good reason to come with the Mrs. to this movie, boys – you don’t want her all heated up and looking for a dancing partner and where are you – at the cinemark watching some comic book character blowing up another comic book character???? Not a smart move, lads, take my word for it.)

But, just in case you haven’t had your fill of super heroes this summer, we have Hancock for another week. We don’t want anyone to go into superhero withdrawal. Lord knows, we have done our best this summer to hold up the super hero standard and bring all that action to T’town and the surrounding countryside. It’s a funny movie, well done. And if you haven’t caught it yet, do come see it. It won’t set your toes to tappin, but you might need it to relax what with all that excitement brought on by Meryl Streep and the gang.

Don’t forget River Day – Saturday July 16 at 3. Such a great time to celebrate our river, our park, music and family. I think the best movies and the best activities celebrate family and the love that binds them together. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed sometimes by the tugs and pulls of children and parents and everything in-between, perhaps it’s time to renew those bonds and come to something as low key as River Day, where you can simply take a walk, listen to some good music, get a bite to eat, and replenish your tired spirit. Sometimes all families need to refresh and revitalize is a little time in a peaceful and lovely setting. Come to River Day and pour yourself a glass of spiritual bubbly. And when the small hand of your child or grandchild slips into your own and you walk along the river path amidst the lush greenery, say a prayer of thanksgiving, because you are blessed.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

You should have seen all of the little hands making jewelry in our own Esther Harmatz’s Jewelry for Kids class last week. Ten children ages eight and up learned the process of creating glass fused jewelry. They were so focused in creating their pendants and each pendant was so unique. I can’t wait for Esther to teach more of her Jewelry Making classes for adults this fall. Her glass fusing for adults class is so popular.

For children who love to work with clay, artist Steve Colley will be teaching a special Pottery & Sculpture camp at our Mehoopany Outreach Studio during the week of July 21 to 25 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Students ages 5 –12 will learn hand building techniques including coil and slab construction, glazing techniques and experience using the potter’s wheel. Admission is $50 for the week including materials. Call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500 for more information or to sign up.

During that same week, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts rostered artists David Driskell and Timothy Walker will be at the Dietrich for a week of musical fun! These zany guys will teach adults and children ages six and up the joys of music in their Jammin’ in a Jugband series. Students will create and make music with homemade instruments such as a washboard, washtub bass, spoons, whistles, saws and jug, as well as the banjo, clarinet, and saxophone. Admission is free and there is still time to sign up.

Students from these classes will be invited to take part in Sadie Green Sales live performance at Celebrate Our River Day on Saturday, July 26th at Tunkhannock’s Riverside Park at 3:00 pm. They are great entertainment for the entire family. Admission to River Day is also free.

David Driskell will also be teaching a free one-day Woodwinds Master class that week. On Monday, July 21st from 2:30 – 3:30 pm, this classically trained clarinet player will conduct a woodwinds master class for all ages. Call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500 to register.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting Camp for Kids, ages 6 -11

Use your imagination and learn all about acting through theater games, improvisation, storytelling, play making, character creation and more! Students will create their own characters and stories while learning how to act and how much fun theater is. A casual performance will end the week.

Monday - Friday, August 11 - 15 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre

All Kinds of Sculpture Camp

Create sculptures using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay & recyclables.

Monday - Friday, July 21 - 25. Ages 5 -8: 10:00 - 11:30 am. Preschoolers: 12:00 - 12:45.

Admission: Ages 5 -12: $50. Preschoolers: $35

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. July 16, 23, 30. August 13, 20, 27.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dig Art!

Create and explore seeds, leaves, bugs, and more! Investigate the world around you this July at the Dietrich. Based on the Everhart’s exhibit, Art of the Land, learn about and be inspired by the plants, animals, ground, and sky that make up our Pennsylvania terrain.

Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28. Ages 5 - 8: 10 - 11 am. Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Everhart Museum Educator

Finding Yourself in Short Romantic Fiction

Jennie Pitkus, who has been published four times in WOMAN'S WORLD, will lead an interactive workshop which will explore the structure of short, romantic fiction; development of character, plot and setting within 800 words; and ways to make writing precise and interesting.Participants are encouraged to bring a story to be critiqued. Presented by the Wyoming County Cultural Center/Dietrich Theater in conjunction with Penn Writers.

Saturday, August 9th from 9:00 am - noon.

General Admission: $15; Penn Writers Member Admission: $10. Call 570-996-1500 to register. Space is limited.

Instructor: Jennie Pitkus

Intergenerational Quilting - Summer

"Tea Gardens" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a charming tea cup quilt that will bring back memories of clinking cups and giggles of childhood friendships. Learn how to use fabrics to create different effects. For ages 13 and up.

Wednesdays through July 30 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class; materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Jammin' in a Jugband, ages 13 - adult

Join Timothy Walker and David Driskell, PCA rostered artists, as you create and make music with homemade instruments such as a washboard, washtub bass, spoons, whistles, saws, and a jug, as well as the conventional guitar, banjo, clarinet and saxophone. Find out that music is fun!

July 21, 22, 23, 25 from 1:00 - 2:15 at the Dietrich. Tuesday, July 22 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm at Tunkhannock's Senior Center

Admission: Free

Timothy Walker and David Driskell, PCA rostered artists

Jammin' in a Jugband, ages 6 - 12

Join our jugband as you create and make music with homemade instruments such as a washboard, washtub bass, spoons, whistles, saws and jug, as well as the conventional guitar, banjo, clarinet, and saxophone. Find out that music is fun!

July 21, 22, 23, 25 from 10:00 - 11:15 am.

Admission: Free

Instructors: David Driskell and Timothy Walker

Knit a Hat, ages 10 through adult

Learn how to knit a hat using round knitting needles. Choose from three hat styles. All materials are included.

Tuesdays, July 29 & August 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $20.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mehoopany All Kinds of Sculpture Camp

Create all kinds of sculpture using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay, and recyclables at the Mehoopany Outreach Stuido. Call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Monday - Friday, August 11 - 15 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

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. Ages 5 -12: 10 am - noon. Preschoolers: 1:30 - 2:30 pm.

Admission: Ages 5 - 12: $50. Preschoolers: $35.

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 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. August 4, 11, 18, 25.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids - Summer

"Tea for Two" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a charming teac cup quilt. Come with a friend, be a mom and me team, or bring any family member. Work on a quilt together or make your own. We'll end the class with a tea party.

Wednesdays through July 30 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class.

Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane, and Ingrid Rogler.

Woodwinds Master Class

David Driskell, a classically trained clarinet player, will conduct a woodwinds master class for all ages. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday, July 21 from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: David Driskell

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 Kids, ages 8 and up

Explore yoga postures, relaxation, and breathing techniques with Melissa Russo, certified yoga Ed. instructor, that will help calm the body, strengthen muscles, and stretch your mind. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, July 30, August 6, 13, 20 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Melissa Russo

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