At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So I saw a really, really dumb movie on television the other night – something on the Hallmark channel - about a woman who is magically transported inside a snow globe. It was one of those nights when I was too tired to even click the remote so I stared, like some television junkie, at something so dumb I still find it hard to believe I wasted those minutes of my life on it. But, bad as the movie was, I kept thinking about it. Not because of the story (there hardly was one) but because I love snow globes.

Probably because I love snow. And because everything looks so peaceful inside the globe. And because there always seems to be such camaraderie in that little village where the snow perpetually falls but never needs shoveling. It’s always an old fashioned village or church or couple that the snow falls on so sweetly and with such grace. And you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the people who live there, even though you can’t see them, are delighted to live in this wonderful Christmas village.

Which made me think of the best town in the entire world – the town that is celebrating Christmas this coming Friday (today) with all the beauty and fun and Christmas spirit to be found inside the finest of snow globes. How lucky we are that Rich Santee decided to come back to T’town to settle in and make it such a better place! Each year he makes Christmas in Our Hometown better than the year before, and thousands of people come from all over the state to celebrate with us!

Friday night is a magical night – with people milling all about town, shops dressed up in their seasonal best, restaurants giving samples on the street, chestnuts roasting, ice sculpting, a living manger scene, carolers, and a myriad of other delights. At the theater we will have two free showings of Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas, one of the greatest children’s movies of all time. The story of Emmet and his mother, their mutual sacrifices for each other and their eventual success as they sing their way into our hearts, is a testament to the power of theater and Jim Henson’s puppets. (And thank you to our dear Calista for helping to make this all possible.)

What a great weekend to pick up those Dietrich Theater gift bags! Two tickets, two bags to be filled with popcorn, two concession candies and all wrapped up as sweet as you please and tied with a bow! How good is that! And if you want to be a bit more elaborate, go to any of the local restaurants and pick up a gift certificate for dinner for two and suddenly you have dinner and a movie and it’s simply the perfect gift for any age, any circumstance!

Remember, as you walk around the wonderland that is Tunkhannock on this special Friday and Saturday, that every business in this town (including the Dietrich) depends on your business that weekend. Those who run the restaurants and the shops and the theater need you to shop here. It’s up to you to make this the best Christmas ever for your hometown. And this I promise you – this is a grand, homespun town – no matter how many people are on the street here, no one will be pushed or shoved or trampled underfoot. Such disgraceful behavior would not only not be tolerated here, but it would simply never happen! Because if you are filled with the spirit of Christmas, you would never act in such a reprehensible way. So, come and enjoy all the goodness of Christmas this weekend in the safety and beauty of this historic town in this verdant county.

Aren’t we just the luckiest people alive? So, like, it’s almost as if we live in a snow globe. Sort of. Don’t you think?

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

We are completely in awe that in just two days the walls went up on the expanded Dietrich Theater. It was definitely something to see how swiftly those panels were placed. Talk about a whirlwind of activity and just think how wonderful it will look once the expanded theater is blended to match the current Dietrich and with all that beautiful greenspace around it.

This weekend Tunkhannock will be bustling with Christmas in Our Hometown. Join us at 5:30 pm or 7:00 pm for a free showing of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas on Friday, December 5. This Jim Henson Christmas movie delights families young and old. We would like to thank the Jim Henson Legacy Foundation for allowing us to show this favorite movie, which is introduced by none other than Kermit the Frog.

Then on Saturday, December 6th, continue building that holiday spirit with our annual Holiday Workshop for all ages from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Join us for a sing-along with Bill Frye, creations by the balloon lady, cookie decorating, and ornament making. Admission is free.

If you happen to be doing some Christmas shopping this weekend, remember, Dietrich Theater gift bags make wonderful gifts for movie buffs, teenagers, teachers, and just about anyone on your list. They contain two movie tickets, two popcorn bags for fill-up at the theater and two candy items and can be purchased for adults or children at $20 and $17 respectively. Poppers contain one movie ticket, a popcorn bag, and a candy item and can be purchased for $11 for adults and $9 for children. Stop by and pick some up, or call Shirley at 996-1507 for more information about these great holiday gifts.

And mark your calendars; “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be playing at the Dietrich on Tuesday, December 16th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Enjoy this classic on the big screen for free as you munch on your free bag of popcorn and sip your free soda. It is a wonderful life! We would like to thank P & G Mehoopany Employees Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the event this year.

Oh, and there is still time to register for Holiday Camp. On December 29, 30, and 31, young artists ages 6 and up will be able to explore the arts by creating pottery, drawing and painting from 9:30 -11:00 am each day. Admission is $35 including materials. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 for more information or to sign up.

The Dietrich will be holding its second round of auditions for “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder on December 6th beginning at 2:00 pm. Auditions are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 570-996-1500. Auditioners may be asked to sing “Amazing Grace” a cappella and should be familiar with the script. Sides are available online at www.electrictheatre.org (Click on Now Playing, Auditions). All aspiring actors are welcome to tryout.

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, 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

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. Dec. 10, 17.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

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

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

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