At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

The Piatt Opera House used to reside in downtown Tunkhannock. From there the brilliant notes of a coloratura soprano could mingle with the autumn leaves on a lazy Sunday afternoon in October, much to the delight of audience and residents alike. Just imagine the ladies in their long skirts, parasols held in small gloved hands, walking with husbands (in high hats and tailored suits) or sisters or maiden aunts. Chatting, excited to be out in the fresh air and exhilarated at the thought of spending the afternoon at the opera, one of the world’s most beloved forms of entertainment. Sigh. Those days are gone forever. Opera is as dead in Tunkhannock as the long skirts and white gloves.

Hmmmmmm. Or is it??????? (A little soundtrack mayhem here, please.)

Ha! Dietrich to the rescue!!! It’s…it’s… alive!!!!! And you can relive those wonderful days of yesteryear this coming Sunday in….not New York City! (Noooooo), not Chicago (Uh uh) and not even beautiful downtown San Francisco (who can spend the gas money to get there???) but YES!!!! Right here in Tunkhannock! Honest! Would I lie to you?????

LaVoce is back! And they are going to perform one of the best operas ever! Is that so cool or what???? For those who love the opera, there is no need to sell this to you. But for those who have never been, think of it as a musical in a foreign language. And it’s technically an operetta, not an opera (which really means that everyone isn’t dead at the end) and it’s light and funny and the music is soooo fun! This is a great way to introduce kids to opera – the music is so catchy and upbeat. So bring the family, come try something new or something dearly familiar. Of all the forms of theater, there is none to break your heart quite like opera, and if you don’t believe in the power of the music, think of all the Hollywood movies that use opera as soundtrack. (Think Fatal Attraction, as Glen Close sits alone, knowing all is lost, and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly soars on the soundtrack and conveys all the lonliness, heartbreak and madness you will ever need to know.) But Die Fledermaus is pure fun for both kids and moms and dads. Do join us! And you don’t even have to wear long skirts!

Oh my gosh! Festival is over. How can this be? I don’t want it to be over. I really don’t. Oh well and sigh and all the rest. I guess now I start clipping titles for the spring. Okay. I can do that. Drop me an email and tell me which are your favorite films of festival. I always love to hear about which ones you really love. And I like to know which ones you didn’t love, too. It helps me make decisions for the upcoming festivals.

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of festival I overlook thanking our sponsors. I wanted to make sure I did that today because without sponsors and without our memberships there would be no festival. As fine as attendance is at these movies, the cost of bringing them in is enormous, plus the heavy work done by our wonderful crew (with special, special kudos to our projectionists – Esther, Omar and the two Bobs) plus all the incidental expenses that incur from bringing in fifteen or sixteen films in two weeks. So our sponsors underwrite the festival. Therefore, when you get your brochure, take a long hard look at those that underwrote this grand event and try to do business with these folks. They care about the arts, please care about them!

Oh, and this week we have a kiddie movie coming in – Beverly Hills Chihuahua – (nothing I love better than a talking doggie) and for the grown-ups Ghost Town, a clever comedy about a darling Englishman who dies momentarily and when he comes back he can communicate with the dead. Reminds me of the old comedies from the 1940’s – you know, the Ghost and Mrs. Muier sort of thing. Good for a few laughs, and with life seeming rather hard these days, come have a few on us! And I have to say, the talking dogs looks awfully, awfully, cute. After that we gear up for High School Musical 3 and then we are into the holidays. Noooooo. Are we really????

You have a good week, now. Look forward to seeing you.

At the Dietrich (of course.)

P.S. -- I was just rereading what I'd written and realized that although I had thanked our many and varied sponsors, I hadn't thanked the lovely lady who gets those sponsors for us. If it weren't for our sales/fundraising coordinator Shirley Fisher, we wouldn't even have sponsors. Shirley's wonderful year-round work to keep our projects and programs afloat are one of the reasons we can bring you such neat stuff. So, thanks, Mrs. Fisher. We loves ya!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Only two days to go until our Fall 2008 Film Festival comes to a close. I must say Hildy and Jeffery did an outstanding job in their film selection. To think we were able to experience fifteen outstanding films from all over the world including Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, and France at the Dietrich is amazing. Young @ Heart was by far my favorite of the films. I loved the chorus’s performances and perspectives on life. They were so inspiring and uplifting! We would especially like to thank our projectionists for making this festival such a success. Putting up and taking down fifteen films in the course of two weeks is quite a task. They did an excellent job.

While festival may be over, the Dietrich has wonderful events lined up for October. There is something for everyone. For quilt lovers, the Dietrich will present “What a Stitch!” on Saturday, October 4th at 11 am for Airing of the Quilts. Kim Fess and Rebecca Heinze of Too Quirky Quilters will delight us with a trunk show of quilts they have made themselves as well as some antique quilts. This duo will perform song parodies they have written about their adventures as well as misadventures in quilting. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the Dietrich Theater ticket booth or by calling 570-996-1500.

Then on the following day, music lovers can experience the wonderful melodies of “The Waltz King”. La Voce under the direction of Dolores Dominick-Noll will bring Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus to life on the Dietrich stage. The plot of this rollicking story of “The Revenge of the Bat” is a practical joke concocted as payback for an embarrassment suffered a few years earlier. Please join us on Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 pm for an afternoon with some of the area’s finest singers and instrumentalists. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or by calling the theater at 570-996-1500.

In the middle of the month, Dr. Sheldon Spear will be back with a local history presentation called “Conflicts in Northeastern Pennsylvania History”. Since the first settlements of the late 18th century, northeastern PA has been the locale for various kinds of conflicts. On Wednesday, October 15th at 7:00 pm, Dr. Spear will discuss the Wyoming Valley Streetcar Strike of 1915 - 1916 and the United Anthracite Miner’s Rebellion of the early 1930s. These events revealed not only the harshness of life in northeastern PA but also the deep class animosities that once divided its people. This event will be held in the Dietrich’s Peg Fassett Performance Studio and admission is free.

For children and nature enthusiasts, Rick Mikula, the Butterfly Guy, will be at the Dietrich on Saturday, October 18th at 11 am. For over 20 years, Rick has delighted audiences with his humorous way of looking at butterflies. His program will show the beauty of butterflies he has found in the rain forest and the wonderful creatures that wait right outside your door. He will also show you how to handle butterflies and raise butterflies with household recyclable items. This program is geared toward children ages five and up. Admission is free.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

All About Pottery for Mommy & Me

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Fridays, November 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12 at 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery for Preschoolers

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, November 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery, ages 5 - 8

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Fridays, November 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12 at 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery, ages 9 - 12

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Basketry Workshop: Create a Cuff Bracelet

Learn how to weave a cuff style bracelet with a narrow black ash wood splint. The bracelet as shown is a good introduction to "two by two" twill. It is adjustable to most wrist sizes and makes a lovely fashion accessory with particular appeal to basket lovers.

Monday, October 20 from 7:00 - 10:30 pm.

$40

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry: Create a Mini Market Basket

Create a miniature, rectangular market basket. The basket features double satin, black ash wood splints, spokes, and weavers. Options will be discussed for personalizing weave techniques, rim style, handle placement and embellishment detail.

Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $80

Instructor: Susi Nuss.

Basketry: Create Folded & Woven Ornaments

The elves will be busy in preparation for the winter holidays. So join us in learning how to make a variety of folded and woven decorations. The ornaments include a folded and woven square four-armed cross, a box braided wreath, a snowflake and a hexagonal ball.

Mondays, October 27, November 3, 10, 17 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

Admission: $20 per class or $75 for all four classes.

Instructor: Susi Nuss.

Decorative Painting at Night

As you have requested, we are offering an evening decorative painting class! The project is an autumn door decoration suitable for beginner and intermediate painting skills. This is something anyone can complete in the three hour class, no previous painting experience required. Come and join us for a fun time. Preregistration required.

Monday, October 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $30, includes materials.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

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. October 15, 22, 29. November 12, 19, 26. Dec. 3, 10, 17.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Do you remember old time radio? Did you always wonder how all the sound effects were made...like a door opening and closing or someone walking on gravel? Or wonder how it woudl feel to stand in front of a microphone and read the lines of the character you are playing? Or act like a hero or a villian? Or use your voice to sound very old or very young? Join us and you will learn and experience all of this and more. Oh, did I mention that we always have a lot of fun putting a show together to be played for an audience.

Tuesdays through November 11 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission: Free

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp, for ages 5 - 12

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp.

Monday - Wednesday, December 29, 30, and 31 from 9:30 -11:00 am

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 to adult

"Medallion Quilt" - Develop quilting skills with our easy board sampler class. Learn how to make border variations with simple basic templates while designing a Medallion Style Quilt.

Wednesdays through December 10 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Introduction to Knitting

Learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. For ages 10 to adult.

Wednesdays, October 22 and November 5 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials are provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Jewelry for Kids - Glass Fusing

Students will learn about glass fusing as they design and create two glass pieces which can be turned into jewelry - pendants or pins!

Friday, November 7th from 4:00 - 6;00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing - 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.

Thursdays, October 16 & 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewlery Making - Loom Beading

Have fun learning basic loom beading. Students will create a bead bracelet. All materials and equipment will be supplied. For ages 16 and up.

Thursday, October 23 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewlery Making: Introduction to Metal Working

Students will learn the first steps necessary for anyone who wants to do their own metal work in jewelry fabrication. Students will learn to use a jewelers saw, cut, form and polish. Everyone will leave with a finished pendant.

Thursday, November 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Masks & Monsters, ages 3 - 5

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, November 6 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy & Me: Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, Nov. 7.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Masks & Monsters, ages 5 - 8

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, Nov. 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Masks & Monsters, ages 9 -12

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All Abot Pottery, ages 5 -12

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience. At the Mehoopany Outreach Studio located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Crafts for Kids, ages 8 and up

Join instructor Sarah Sidorek in making one or all of these fun crafts at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. Preregistration is required. Call 570-996-1500.Classes: Decoratively Paint a Wooden Box - Friday, September 26 from 4:30 - 6 pm.Make It/Bake It Jewelry for Kids - Friday, October 3 from 4:30 - 6:pm.Paint a Welcome Sign - Friday, October 10 from 4:30 - 6 pm.Cardmaking for Kids - Friday, October 17 from 4:30 - 6 pm.

Fridays, September 26, October 3, 10, 17 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $5.00 per class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mehoopany Intergenerational Quilting

"Kaleidoscope Magic" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a quilt with mirrors. Spin and twirl your quilt blocks to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece full of color and movement.

Thursdays, September 11 to October 16 from 4:00 - 5;30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, all materials are provided.

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

Mehoopany Knitting for Kids, ages 8 and up

Children will learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. All materials are supplied. At the Mehoopany Outread Studio located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA.

Fridays, October 24 and November 7 from 4:30 - 6;00 pm.

Admission: $15.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mehoopany Masks & Monsters, ages 5 - 12

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters

Wednesdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery - Nights

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 3 - October 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 4 - November 4, 11, 18, 25.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing, & Pottery - Days

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.

Mondays from 9:30 am - 11:00 am. Session 2 - October 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - November 3, 10, 17, 24.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting Glass Ornaments

Learn the process of glass painting - paint glass ornaments.

Wednesday, November 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $15.

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 and learn hand-building and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 3 - October 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 4 - November 3, 10, 17, 24.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Pull the Strings, ages 5 -12

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for the final puppet performance in the Dietrich's very own theater.

Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: Free.

Instructor: Everhart Museum Instructor.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Kaleidoscope Magic" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a quilt with mirrors. Spin and twirl your quilt blocks to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece full of color and movement.

Wednesdays through December 10 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class

Instructors: Peggy Lane, Terry Keller and Ingrid Rogler

Watercolor Workshop - Intensify Your Colors

"Colors are like jewels: each should be placed as carefully as a precious gem in a setting" - Jeanne Dobie. Students will learn that placement and mixing of colors are equally important in watercolor painting. They will explore pigment properties and the use of color for impact.

Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $60

Instructor: Jan Henning.

Writers' Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write towards a goal of publication. 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