At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

You simply have to see it! Gran Torino. It’s superb! I finally got to see it – I hadn’t been able to because of the weather this weekend, and then Sunday, when it was clear, there was that Steelers game I promised my husband I’d watch with him. But I finally saw it and I have to tell you – hands down – best of the year! You know, you have to give Clint Eastwood an enormous amount of credit – at a time in his life when most people are scheduling their medical appointments from the calm of their rocker, he is directing and acting in some of the finest movies ever made!

Gran Torino is a wonderfully complex film. It tells the story of Walt Kowalksi, a man whose life has been colored by the terrible atrocities he committed in the Korean War and for which he was awarded a Silver Star. From his time in Korea, everything he ever does is affected by the war. He is full of guilt and rage, incapable of having anywhere near a normal relationship, and so grief stricken by the death of his wife, that all he feels is anger and despair.

Until he meets the folks next door. The neighborhood Walt Kowalski has spent his life in has changed over the years, and it is now inhabited by Walt and Hmong families who are the brunt of his racist feelings and mean talk. But as he comes to know them, comes to see how feisty the daughter is, how the son wants to succeed, how they are families with dreams as powerful as any other Americans, he comes to understand them better than he knows his own sons. And he gets caught up in their lives until, for good or evil, he finds that only he can save the son from the vicious gangs that inhabit the neighborhood.

And it is this story, of love and redemption, that burns Gran Torino into your heart, that makes you cheer for this old man through your tears, and that makes it one of the most satisfying movies to come our way in a long, long time. It’s complex and funny, deeply sad and gloriously optimistic. Because if Walt Kowalski can find room in his wrinkled old heart for those of another race or culture, then maybe the rest of us could see that we really are the family of man, and that no “other” truly exists except in ignorance and fear.

So come see this movie. If you can only go to one movie a year choose this one! If you can go to a zillion movies a year, still choose this one! You’ll be thinking about it for a long, long time. You won’t soon forget Walt, who earns his Silver Star one more time, fifty years after he earned it the first time. Lordy, this is one fine movie!

And we have a goodie for you in the Murray, too. We have, for one week only, the WW2 drama, Valkyrie, starring Tom Cruise as the heroic Claus von Stauffenberg, who, with a group of officers, attempted to assassinate Hitler when they came to understand that Hitler not only couldn’t win, but that his ultimate goal was the annihilation of Germany itself. It’s true that you go into the movie knowing that the plan didn’t work out, but really, we always know the ending of historical movies. But that doesn’t make them any less exciting!

The reviews on the movie were mixed, but I’m one of those who thinks that Tom Cruise always delivers a good performance and I love the history of WW2, so I hope to see it this weekend. Maybe because my father was an old Navy man, I am endlessly interested in that time in history, when there were so many who were so evil, and so many who were so good.

So, we have two good movies for you this weekend. I had hoped for Marley and Me for this weekend, but still no print. We’re thinking that next week there should surely be one. Until then, join us at the movies - - these are two keepers!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Our Dietrich After School Players have been busily auditioning and rehearsing for their upcoming performance. This year we have thirty-four middle and high school students participating in the program. For some of these students, it will be their first time experiencing theatre arts. Other participants have acted in After School Players for several years now and have even moved on to acting in high school plays. Under the direction of Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning, they are creating the comedy performance “Laugh-In” and will perform it live on Saturday, February 21st on the Dietrich stage. I can’t wait to see it. It is such a joy to watch this group rehearse and perform - they work so hard and develop lasting friendships along the way. Definitely come out for their performance if you get the chance.

For students who are more interested in the visual arts, Steve Colley is teaching Open Studio classes for all ages on Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. What makes this class series so special is that students can choose to work on the medium of their choice and receive individual instruction and inspiration for their project as they work with other artists who might be working on a different medium. Students draw, paint and work on pottery and sculpture in Open Studio. Admission is $15 per class or $50 for four classes.
The Dietrich also offers daytime Open Studio on Mondays from 9:30 - 11:00 am.

For those who love the great outdoors, our first Super Saturday event of 2009 will focus on Local Hiking Trails. Hiking expert and author of “Hiking the Endless Mountains”, Jeff Mitchell, will share with us some hiking trails he has explored in our area on Saturday, January 24 at 11 am at the theater. This slide presentation will appeal to families, beginners and more advanced explorers. Admission is free. I have enjoying hiking at Rickett’s Glen and can’t wait to find out what other trails are out there.

Speaking of enjoying all that nature has to offer, the Dietrich along with several environmental organizations including the Endless Mountains Nature Center, Countryside Conservancy, and the Wyoming County Cultural Center are in the beginning stages of planning an Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration in Tunkhannock. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25th for day of environmental activities. Stay tuned for more information about this event.

Today is the first day of quilting classes at the theater. Peggy Lane, Terry Keller, and Ingrid Rogler are back to teach Quilting for Kids in the afternoon and Intergenerational Quilting at night. In the children’s class, they will step back in time to create Civil War time period quilts. Students ages six and up will learn quilting techniques, use reproduction fabrics from that time, and learn stories behind Underground Railroad quilts.

In the intergenerational class, students will develop quilting skills by creating variations on the classic log cabin pattern. They will also learn how to use color and value in creating their quilts. No experience is required for either of these classes and you can sign up at any time. Classes are $6 each and include all materials. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 to learn more about any of our class offerings.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players for Middle and High School Students

Students will learn all about theater arts as they prepare to perform the comedy "Laugh-In". Students will also provide input for the show and learn choreography. No experience is required. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

January 5 to February 21- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructors: Carl Canedy & Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre

All About Drawing, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Thursdays, February 12, 19, 26, March 5 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Painting, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, color and value as they paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9 -12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction, glazing techniques, and experience using potter's wheels.

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

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Decorative Painting

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Preregistration is required. For ages 16 and up

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. February 11, 18, 25. March 11, 18, 25. April 15, 22, 29.

Admission: $20 per class + cost of painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Explore and Create Fairy Tales, ages 5 -12

Go on a journey through magical lands, creative characters, and suprise endings! Write, draw, create and explore fairy tales from around the world based on the Everhart's special exhibit, Fairy Tale Art. Visit the exhibit with your family on April 4th.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Bus Trip: Saturday, April 4 from 12:30 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Sponsored by: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

"Peaks & Valleys" - Develop quilting skills with this variation on the classic log cabin pattern. Students will learn the use of color and value and explore creating variations in their designs.

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 25 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class

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

Jewelry Making: Art Clay Silver, for ages 16 and up

Have fun learning the basics of working with silver clay to create pieces of silver jewelry! Silver clay is made up of real silver particles, organic binder and water. After drying, the clay binder is burned off with a torch and what remains is 99.9% pure silver. Students will fabricate choice of rings, earring or pins!

Monday, March 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing, for ages 16 and up

Learn the basics of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Mondays, March 9 & 23 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60; materials will be provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Stained Glass

Learn the first steps of working with glass to create stained glass pieces. Students will learn to work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap and solder. Each student will leave with a finished item. All glass supplies and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, March 16 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $55

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Knit a Hat, ages 10 to adult - Filled

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

Tuesdays, January 13 & 27 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $20

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Little People & Nature, for ages 3 to 5

Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach little ones about Porcupines & 'Possums, Owls, Black Bears, and more of nature's wonders. These classes are sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation.

Series 1 - Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Series 2 - Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:00 - 11:00 am.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko

Mehoopany All About Drawing, ages 5 -12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Wednesdays, February 11, 18, 25, March 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All About Painting, ages 5 -12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color, and value as they paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays, January 21, 28, Feb. 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All About Pottery & Sculpture. ages 5 to 12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction), glazing techniques and experience using potter's wheels.

Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Crafts fro Kids, ages 8 and up

Join Instructor Sarah Sidorek in making these fun crafts at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. Preregistration is required. Call 570-996-1500.

Make It/Bake It Jewelry for Kids - Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Decoratively Paint a Frame - Thursday, March 26 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $5 per class.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Students will express themselves using different types of clay, paints, and drawing materials as they create their own masterpieces.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Series 1 - January 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. Series 3 - March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 to 5

Young artists and their moms, dads, or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Series 1- January 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio: 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. Series 1 - January 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3. Series 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3. Series 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio: 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 - 11:00 am. Series 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Paint on Glass, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques as you create a patio candle holder for your home or to give as a gift. All materials are supplied. No experience is required.

Tuesday, March 31 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $12

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 and up

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. Series 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Preschool Art, ages 3 to 5

Preschool students will explore the arts as they work with a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage and more.

Thursdays from noon - 12:45. Series 1 - January 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5. Series 2 - February 12, 19, 26, March 5. Series 3 - March 12, 19, 26, April 2.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Underground Railroad" - Go on an adventure and learn techniques of quilting and stories behind this Civil War period quilt. Use reproduction time period fabrics as you create this quilt out of four patches.

Wednesdays, January 14 to March 25 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6.00/class

Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane, and Ingrid Rogler

Spanish for Adults, ages 16 and up

Students will learn basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary using a variety of teaching methods. Hispanic culture will also be explored. The class will be tailored to individuals' personal language learning goals.

Wednesdays, March 11 to April 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

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