At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a crazy business the movie business is! So Tom Hanks makes a hugely experimental film based on a modern children’s classic that has a little touch of the strange (as in Roald Dahl does Christmas) – perfect for the book which also has an oddness about it – and the critics who are forever harping on the sameness of Hollywood’s product – absolutely savage it. Savage. As in torn from stem to stern. Only Roger Ebert (my favorite) heaped upon it most deserved praise. And for whatever reason, this time apparently everyone listened. Why? Nobody listens when they tell us how awful Scooby-Doo is. The box-office for Polar Express was ruined. Not in our town – we did very well. This was one of the few times that we broke with national trends and did very well when the national trends were poor. But in places like New York City no one came to see it. It finished a poor second to The Incredibles over the weekend – coming in at less than twenty-three million. That’s paltry for such a big movie. It should have been four times that! And here’s the thing – it’s a really, really good movie. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. It’s odd, but no more so than the book. It’s inventive and creative and different. Our audiences just loved it. They came out of the theater awestruck. But many told Esther on the way in that they weren’t sure what to expect since the critics had hit it with veritable bunker busters of meanness. So all I can say is this. Pay no attention to them on this one. The Polar Express is a wonderful movie. You just ask anyone who’s seen it. They’ll tell you. Honest. You know I never lie about a film. Bring the kids. (This may be a time to remember that the critics savaged “It’s A Wonderful Life” back in its day. Now it is considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made.) You’ll be glad you did!

The Incredibles just keeps chugging along being incredible. It’s sooooo good! Everyone loves it! It’s only with us until the 23rd, so don’t miss it. You’ll be sorry if you do.

So, in keeping with our keeping up with the latest films (bless Jeffrey – what a terrific film-booker!!!) we open “Christmas With the Kranks” the day before Thanksgiving. What a cast! Tim Allen (lately of The Santa Clause movies) and Jamie Lee Curtis (so terrific in Freaky Friday) and inimitable Dan Akroyd. Does it get better than that? The story of a family planning to cancel Christmas who have a distinct change of plans when their daughter calls to say she’s coming home for the holidays after all. It’s fun, it’s lighthearted and it’s a perfect family holiday movie. Come join us for the best popcorn in the east and a fun, fun movie! We’ll be looking for you!

Okay. So in the continuing saga of my chemo, last week was pretty icky. Mainly because the nearly constant nausea made me feel very, very sorry for myself. I was a burden to friends and family alike. I was a mess. I announced to anyone who still cared that I would not be returning for treatment three and four. I was taking control of my life. I was calling it quits. Sigh. And then I remembered Sandy Ide – the wondrous wife of our former police chief. She had visited me right after my mastectomy and had talked to me about what I could expect, about how life goes on. “Call me anytime,” she’d said. I called. I whined and cried and told her I was utterly miserable. She sympathized. She agreed. She said it’s a tough road. Then she told me to set little goals. Go outside and breathe in the fresh air. Get dressed. Most importantly, put on your eye makeup. A shiny pate calls for heavy eyeliner. It makes you look less an alien. Drink lots of fluids. Eat healthfully. She said all those things in a calm, sweet, reassuring voice. “And of course you want to finish your treatments. Of course you do.”

On Saturday I walked up the street to wish Mary Lynn a happy birthday. The wonderfully decorated shop was full of people I know and hold dear. Everyone told me I looked great. “It’s the eyeliner,” I said. I left and started down the street toward the theater. There on the marquee were the number one and number two movies in the country. Matinee crowds were walking in talking and laughing. The sky was blue and the sun felt warm on my face. I thought how much I love this town and the people in it. I knew my eyeliner was cool. So, I was a little nauseated. So, life can still be good. I’ll remember that at my next treatment. Thank you Sandy Ide – for everything.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By

Last Wednesday night the Dietrich Theater had a great turn out for it’s Basic Jewelry I class. Looking in the art studio it was great to see local jewelry maker Esther Harmatz and her class laughing and working at their jewelry projects. Tonight’s Basic Jewelry II class is filled up but we hope to bring Esther back in the spring for more workshops.

Now don’t forget, our young adult “Introduction to Acting” class taught by Michaela Moore of All About Theatre will be performing “A Town Called Normal” on Tuesday, November 23rd at 5:00 pm. Then on December 7th at 7:00 pm, the Dietrich’s “Golden Days of Radio Players Group” intergenerational radio theater group will perform “The Shadow” and “A Christmas Carol”. What a thrill it will be to go back to those days of radio. Admission to both of these performances is free.

Then on December 4th, Catherine Shefski will bring us the second installment of her screenwriting class. This time she will focus on dialogue, character development, and marketing. Admission is $30. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 to register.

Let’s now take a look at holiday events at the Dietrich Theater! To kick things off, the Dietrich will have two performances of “The Velveteen Rabbit- Live Puppet Theater” on Friday, December 10th at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Become a partner in the telling of this wordless, well-loved classic. The performers, Mum Puppet Theater, will have a question and answer session after each show. Admission is free. So take the family to a great performance, enjoy some popcorn, and explore Tunkhannock. Tunkhannock celebrates “Christmas in Our Hometown” that night, so besides seeing the “Velveteen Rabbit” there will be an ice sculptor, Christmas carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, shopping at local stores, and more!

Then on Saturday, December 11th from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, the theater will host a “Holiday Workshop” for all ages. Admission is free. There will be holiday stories and songs by Bill Frye local singer and storyteller, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and creations by the balloon lady. At the same time, the theater will also have a Wreath Decorating Workshop for adults and students ages 13 and up. This class taught by Maggie Cartwright will be free and the cost of the wreath and decorations will range between $10 - $20. Advanced registration is required for the Wreath Workshop and can be made by calling 570-996-1500. On the morning of Saturday, December 11th, the theater will also have a “Build Your Own Puppet” workshop from 10:30 am – noon taught by the performers of “Velveteen Rabbit”. This class is for kids ages 5 and up and admission is free. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

On Sunday, December 12th at 8:00 pm, the singing group Lyric Consort will take the Dietrich stage for a holiday concert. Enjoy an evening of a capella artistry of sacred and secular Christmas music, jazz and folk music. Tickets are $10. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 for information.

We’ll announce more Christmas events next week. Don’t forget the Dietrich is now showing “Polar Express” and “The Incredibles”. The “Polar Express” is a delight, a storybook on the big screen. It will be the gold standard for classic children’s films for years to come.

As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than movies!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

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. . November 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley

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

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

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 December 7th

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, songs, stories, 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

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, 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, 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., 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., 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

Screenwriting Dialogue, Character and Marketing Workshop

Dialogue plays several major roles in a good screen play. It moves the story forward, gives depth to characters and illustrates conflict. Film clips and in-class writing samples will be used to improve dialog and character development. When you've finished your script and you're ready to show it, marketing your product comes into play. Learn how to write an effective logline and query letter. Find out how you can get your script in the hands of agents and producers. Learn about contests and online script posting services. Practice your pitch. Call 570-996-1500 to register. Snacks will be provided.

Saturday, December 4th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

$30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Wreath Decorating Workshop

Decorate a fresh or artificial wreath or door swag and learn how to make ribbon bows. Advanced registration is necessary. Please call the theater at 570-996-1500 to signup.

Saturday, December 11, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Class is free. Wreath and Materials $10 - $20

Instructor: Maggie Cartwright

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. - December 1, 8, 15, 22.

Cost: Adults $10 per session

Presented by Melissa Russo.