At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Sold out!!! Can you believe it???? We were totally, completely, absolutely sold out.

Even we couldn’t believe it. We had hoped, of course, that Our Town would be successful, but there was no way to know. Of course, we think we were helped along wonderfully well by Bob Baker’s kindness in highlighting the show in the newspaper and the Advance (thanks a zillion, Bob!) as well as a certain enthusiasm for live theater that took us by surprise. And left us delighted. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were sold out and Wednesday and Thursday had very respectable audiences for a workweek. So it was a resounding success. And besides all that, the show was beautifully done – as professional as anything anywhere. We’re very proud to have worked with ETC on this wonderful production. We are ever grateful to the Paul Newman Foundation and our only regret is that Mr. Newman is no longer alive and can’t know how terrifically it turned out.

Okay – another really cool event coming up from those cultural folks. This Sunday the Air Force Celtic Band will perform at the theater. Perfect for St. Paddy’s day, don’t you think? And, best of all, not only is the music grand, but the concert is free! That’s right. You can come and hear the United States Air Force Celtic Band and it won’t cost you a dime. So plan to spend Sunday afternoon at the theater – it will be sooo worth your time!

Big movie news! Disney’s Race To Witch Mountain is opening Friday and it looks to be a heap of family fun. It stars Duane “The Rock” Johnson and he’s about as pleasing a star as you could find. This is a remake of the 1970’s Disney film, and it’s perfect for the whole family, so bring the kids, get a couple of munchies and store up some good memories with the wee ones.

Benjamin Button is going to be with us for one week only. It is a strange story about a baby born as an old man who then grows younger each year until he dies as a baby. (Yeah, I know…sounds too weird to think about.) But the movie is supposed to be lush, beautifully acted and memorable. Something to think about long after you have seen it.

Two more showings of Hotel For Dogs this weekend. It’s a fun caper movie for the kids and the dogs and families seemed to get a good laugh out of it. So much so that we decided to kept it for another couple of matinees. For your viewing pleasure, of course.

Spent last night in the company of the Ladies of the Moose and they are a particularly nice bunch! They wanted to know a little about the Dietrich so in exchange for information they gave me really good eats, a cold beer and good company. Diane Salsman, our volunteer extraordinaire had asked me to come and speak and how could I ever say no to someone who does so much for us? And then, besides the food and drink, they surprised me by buying a seat plaque for the new theater. We thank you ladies – your contribution is most welcome!

Remember now, that the Spring Film Festival starts on April 17th. Start thinking about reserving those gala night tickets. We have so many wonderful goodies that night – food from Epicurean Delight, Twigs and Seasons. Wine from Nimble Hill. Two glorious movies. Could you ask for anything better than that???

And now, to the final paragraph of this week’s column. Have you heard the geese flying over?? Oh, Lordy – is that the finest sound in the world, or what? There is a sense of melancholy when they go south for the winter (and I love the winter so I don’t know why that is) but when they return, talking and chattering and cheering each other on, why it fills you with such a sense of hope and joy that it seems as if spring has come right then and there. The God who sees the sparrows fall must pay particular attention to the geese who, most likely without giving us a thought, bring such joy. Makes me think of the words of the great poet Gerard Manley Hopkins – “Glory be to God for dappled things.” Yeah, I know – geese aren’t dappled, but glory be to them anyway. And amen.

See you at the Dietich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Bravo to the cast and crew of “Our Town”! What a wonderful show they put on. It was magical to see theatre of this caliber at the Dietrich. I enjoyed it so much I saw it four of the five days it played. And what a difference there is between reading it and seeing it performed! Maura did a great job casting and directing the play and the costuming was lovely. Calista Hendrickson captured the time period of the play perfectly. In “Our Town” there are almost 60 costumes, and Calista and her assistants - Gina Daniels, Fern Boyce, Alice Edwards, and Sandy Vieczorek worked tirelessly on costumes. We had great audiences for all of the shows and were delighted to see so many people come out to enjoy Thornton Wilder’s great American play. We again would like to thank everyone who helped make this production possible especially the Electric Theatre Company and Newman’s Own Foundation. This was our first collaboration with the Electric Theatre Company and Newman’s Own Foundation graciously funded the project. Hopefully, the Dietrich will be able to host more live theatre in the future.
Speaking of live events, the United States Air Force's Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble will perform a free concert at the Dietrich on Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 pm. This group has been entertaining audiences with its unique style of music since 2004. The ensemble blends 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 Irish flute, tin whistles and bodhran, as well as modern instruments like acoustic guitar and button accordion. This is a must see musical event just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Again, admission is free. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to reserve tickets.
Last week, we started two new class series at the Dietrich. In Explore and Create Fairy Tales, children ages five to twelve learned about classic fairy tales and created their own ending to a favorite - “The Three Little Pigs”. At the end of the class series, students and their families will go on a bus trip to the Everhart Museum in Scranton to visit the exhibit that inspired these classes.

We also began our Little People & Nature series last week with Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center. Children ages three to five years old learned all about Owls and met a live owl, Orion. Each week, Rebecca and her students explore a different nature topic. There is still time to sign up for the last two classes on Tuesdays, March 17 and 24 from 10-11am or Wednesdays, March 18 and 25 from 10-11 am. Admission is free.

To learn more about classes at the Dietrich, we invite you to attend the theater’s Arts for Everyone Open House on Saturday, March 28th from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Meet our many instructors and attend mini Make It/Take It art classes and demonstrations. Admission is free.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

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

Admission: Free

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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