At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

As I write this on Tuesday morning, I have to remind myself that this is all a trick, an illusion, a sleight-of-hand with Mamma Nature as magician-in-chief. It feels like spring, it smells like spring, the naked fields look like spring, but the fact is, we have many more days of winter to go. Now, as a lover of winter, you would think that might give me great cheer, but, actually, the cold has gotten to me this year. Maybe it’s my age. Maybe it’s the fact that since the chemo four years ago I’ve never again been cozy warm. I don’t know. But it has been so, so cold, and my drafty old house likes to make winter a real challenge.

Of course, I always mix up these first days of spring with Easter when I was a kid. It always seemed as though it was warm and sunny for Easter Sunday, even when it wasn’t. But the fact that we got our new dress, new patent leather shoes, new hat, new socks with lace, and new white gloves with a pearl button at the wrist, made it seem forever sunny and warm, at least in my memories. And my mother, in some Protestant version of being blessed by a priest, always made us wear new clothing to church first. Of course, the Easter outfit would have, by its very nature, been worn first to services. I bet you ladies out there who hover about my age, have similar memories of the coming of spring. I love the casual dress of today, but I have to tell you, that Easter outfit was just the cat’s meow to little girls in the forties and fifties.

Okay. I need to tell you about what we’re doing at the theater. (If given my druthers I could plant myself firmly in the past and never deal with today at all.) First, movies, movies, movies! We are holding both from this past week but for different reasons. We’re holding Paul Blart because the crowds were so fine and because we think it’s just the kind of movie you’d like to see two weekends in a row. It’s light and funny and very dear. Kevin James is a delightful actor and the audience just loves him. So, if you haven’t gotten your laugh for the week, come see Paul Blart, Mall Cop. It’s a hoot!

I’m keeping Slumdog Millionaire for an entirely different reason. I’m keeping it because it really didn’t do very well and I want to give folks a chance to see it, because it stands a very good chance of winning the Academy Award for best picture, and you won’t have wanted to miss it on the big screen. It’s a wonderful film – if it were closer to festival, I would play it then. And if it were playing at festival it would fill the theater at every showing. Therein lies a puzzle I haven’t figured out yet – why a film will fill the house during festival, but an equally superb art film playing any other time, will do poorly. So I’m holding it for another week to give you a chance to see a joyous, intelligent, superbly acted and directed film about the dreams of a young man and his incredible journey through the barriers his culture places before him. You will come out of the theater cheering – trust me on that. Come on, folks. Give it a chance. It’s so worth your time.

And speaking of worth your time – Our Town is going to be superb! First rehearsal last night gave a glimpse of what it was going to be. This mix of professionals and local actors is brilliant, and every single person acted as if they were born not only to the stage, but to play that particular part. Our Town is a brilliant work, a treatise on life, on the joys, the expectations, and the sorrows that it brings. Our discussion groups on Wednesday nights led by our totally cool Bill Chapla and the gentle and brilliant Julia Peterson, give great understanding about the theme of this classic drama. But a play is, after all, meant to be seen, not read. I urge you to reserve your tickets now for performances we expect will sell out. It’s going to be extraordinary! We want you to be with us!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Last week, we kicked off our Wyoming County Reads discussions at the Tunkhannock Public Library. About thirty people came out to talk about Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. What I enjoy about the play is that it is relatable to anyone who has lived in a small town. Tonight at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library, we will be discussing the second act of Wilder’s play. The discussion is appropriately titled “Love & Marriage: Dreams vs. Reality - Great Expectations”. Next week’s discussion will focus on the third act of the play.

Then on Wednesday, February 25th at 7:00 pm at the Dietrich Theater. We will host a special movie event, “Living & Dying in Our Town”. The movie’s producer Tony Vellela will be at the Dietrich to introduce his character study of Our Town and will take part in the discussion that will follow the film. Admission is free.

Rehearsals for our live production of Our Town in March have already begun. Under the direction of Maura Malloy, this cast of community and equity actors will present this great American play on the Dietrich stage. Performances will be held on March 4 through March 8. For showtimes, visit www.dietrichtheater.com or call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved now. I can’t wait to see it.

Later in March, the Dietrich will host a concert featuring the United States Air Force’s Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble. On Sunday, March 15th at 2:00 pm, join us for their Celtic Ensemble Show: Over the Isles to America. This group has been entertaining audiences with its unique style of music since 2004. They blend traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and England with a contemporary musical style to create a stunning musical tapestry. Members perform on traditional instruments such as the Irish flute, tin whistles, and bodhran, as well as modern instruments like the acoustic guitar and button accordion. Oh, and did I mention admission is free?! That’s right so reserve your tickets now for this special performance by calling 570-996-1500.

In March, the Dietrich will also be featuring free children’s classes called Little People & Nature. Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach little ones ages three to five about Porcupines & ‘Possums, Owls, Black Bears, and more of nature’s wonders. There will be two series. Series one will be held on Tuesdays, March 3rd through March 24th and series two will be held on Wednesdays, March 4 - March 25. Admission is free thanks to funding from the Overlook Estate Foundation.

And now is the time to register for Esther’s popular jewelry classes. In March she will be offering Jewelry Making: Art Clay Silver, Introduction to Glass Fusing, and Introduction to Stained Glass. You should see the beautiful jewelry students make in these classes. It’s incredible! Visit www.dietrichtheater.com for class details or pick up a brochure at the theater.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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