At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a lovely day this has been so far. You know how some days, you get up in the morning and all the pieces simply glide into place? Well, so far that’s been the case, although as I write this I am knocking on wood – because I can hear my grandmother say that by speaking of a day that isn’t done and remarking how lovely it is you immediately let loose the harpies of destruction, tempting the devil, begging for cosmic retribution. Because in the world of apparently endless Irish superstitions, to remark on how nice something is going to be means that it will all be destroyed in some truly horrendous way. Thanks, Gram – I appreciate the warnings that clang in my head all these years later. Oy.

But to get back to the day – the dogs went out without a fuss because it wasn’t so cold. For furkids it’s a whole different outlook if the temperature is zero or if it’s twenty. I actually got to work on time (far out!) and then Erica and Margie and I had lunch with the delightful Penny Davis, because we wanted to say thank you to her for helping us with some cultural granting and also to just say thanks for her continued support from the very beginning of this project. She’s funny and forward thinking and just a really really nice person, so it was a good lunch indeed!

Then I came back to the office and Jeffrey called and said he had Slumdog Millionaire for us on February 6 which is totally cool. Slumdog is a film about a young man in India who wins their version of “Do You Want To Be A Millionaire?” and because he is poor and from the slums they think he must have cheated, so they arrest him and question him. As they question him he goes back to the parts of his life where different things happened that gave him the knowledge he needed to answer the questions. I have not seen it, but it has been a huge, best-selling movie all around the globe. The entire world is in love with it – the way they were with Greek Wedding. There is a violent scene in the beginning which might be a little difficult for some people, but the movie is glorious. Simply glorious – you come out of the theater cheering! It’s in a hot contest with Benjamin Button for Best Picture – and we will be bringing Button to you at the end of February. (We so like to bring you all the Academy Award pix during the brrrr month of February.)

Along with that, I think we will bring in Doubt. I actually saw it a few weeks ago, and I have to tell you that Meryl Streep outdoes herself as the fierce nun who will protect her brood at all cost. I am a huge Streep fan, but honestly, she outdoes herself in this one, as does Phillip Seymore Hoffman as the priest who cannot be honest even with himself. For the Catholics amongst us (and I am Catholic although so, so lapsed) this is not a condemnation of the church today, but it is an interesting look at how the church handled itself forty years ago. It’s a film you won’t stop thinking about for a long, long time.

So, I’ve told you about the films coming on Feb. 6th and you’re probably wondering what we’re having this weekend. We’re holding over Torino and Marley, both probably for the last weekend. I know I told everyone that we would only have Marley for a week, but it did so well and folks loved it so, that we had to keep it. Movie companies do not look kindly on theaters who get rid of films that are doing splendidly at the box office. And as far as Eastwood goes, Gran Torino is just a superb film. Really, if you haven’t seen it yet, come see it before it’s gone. It’s simply one of those movies you could see again and again and it just gets better and better. Eastwood is an American treasure. There should be an award for that sort of thing!

Have a terrific week – come to the movies --- root for the Steelers (who else???) and love life (it’s so great, and as my father used to say, “you might as well enjoy it, you can’t get out of it alive!”)

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Our After School Players are busy learning dance routines and practicing jokes for their live performance of “Laugh-In” on Saturday, February 21st. Yesterday, I caught part of their rehearsal where a duo was practicing a tongue twister. Their delivery was amazing! It was like they had been practicing for months. What will be so great about this performance is that the cast is invited to bring in suggestions of their favorite one-liners to be incorporated into the show. I can’t wait to see it!

The Dietrich Theater along with the Electric Theatre Company is also preparing for another production in early March. “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder will come to the Dietrich’s stage as part of the Wyoming County Reads project. Under the direction of Maura Malloy, the cast of community and equity actors has been chosen and will start rehearsals soon. Also Calista Hendrickson along with Gina Daniels have started working on costuming for the production. This will be the first time we will hold a theatre performance of this caliber at the Dietrich. The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 pm, Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 pm, Friday, March 6 at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 pm, and Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by calling the theater at 996-1500. Make your reservations now for this experience.

Speaking of “Our Town”, the first book discussion for Wyoming County Reads is on February 4th at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library. The topic will be Daily Life in Our Town - Then & There vs. Here & Now led by Julia Peterson, Associate Professor of Communications at Keystone College, and Bill Chapla. If you are not able to make this discussion, you can take part in a other discussion on Monday, February 9th at 6:30 pm at the Mehoopany library and the Factoryville Library, Thursday, February 12th at 1:00 pm at the Schenck Memorial Library in Noxen, Monday, February 16th at 6:30 pm at the Laceyville Library, and Thursday, February 19th at 7:00 pm at the Nicholson Methodist Church. Refreshments will be provided at each discussion and admission is free.

Turning to visual arts classes, Amy and Steve Colley have had nice attendances for some of their January classes. Nine preschoolers are exploring the arts in Preschool Art. It is such a great time for young artists to experience working with clay, collage, drawing and painting. For little ones, ages 3 to 5, Amy is also offering Mommy & Me Mixed Media where little ones ages 3 to 5 can experience the arts with a parent or caregiver. The February session starts on February 13th and runs each Friday through March 6. Admission is $35.

In Steve’s class for nine to twelve year olds, students are busy learning all about painting including perspective, line, form, color and value as students paint from life. Starting on Thursday, February 12th from 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Steve will have a similar class for drawing for that same age group. For more information or to sign up for any Dietrich art class, call the theater at 570-996-1500.

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 through 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

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 through 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