At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I am sitting in my dining room as I write, looking the at the snow-dusted fields, feeling momentarily part of a scene from a Currier and Ives print. Feelin’ a little punk today, trying to regain some equilibrium seemingly lost in the past couple of weeks. Too much sadness. But I have to remember that for me this chemo stuff is only temporary. I’ve met so many wonderful women who tell me – “five years free” or “ten years free” or “twenty-five!”. And you know, as unpleasant as this can be (and really, it’s not that awful) the fear is far worse than the fact. Those early days of not knowing what was going to happen were by far worse than these days when I pretty much do (knock on wood). And it helps a lot to have a terrific oncologist who simply won’t give up. I mean, I would have wanted to hit me alongside the head with a board when I whined about nausea one more time. Instead, Dr. Barsigian tried yet another med and this time it worked! Thanks, Doc! You’re the greatest!

So, now on to the really cool stuff. We have so many holiday programs for you that you’ll just have to read Erica’s “Live At” to see them all, but I will mention the top few.

First there’s the puppet theater production of “The Velveteen Rabbit”. Now, is there a more wonderful, heart-wrenching tale than that one for children to see at the holiday? And not only will there be two shows at night, but then the next day there will be a workshop to show kids how to make puppets. Really, is that cool, or what?

Of course we have the wondrous music of The Lyric Consort and their Christmas concert. Their music is so superb and having it at the holidays makes it even better, somehow. Of course there will be a few little treats after and you’ll be able to meet with the singers to tell them “howdy” and “glad you could come.”

Don’t forget Maggie Cartwright showing you how to make wreaths and garlands. You could never find a better teacher than Maggie, so come on down to make your own home-made holiday lavishness.

And then, the best day of the year is coming up as far as I’m concerned. “It’s A Wonderful Life” will play twice, on Thursday December 16th. In my opinion it’s the best movie ever made, has the most noble hero and is so gorgeously acted and directed as to be in a class all by itself. I got a lovely note a few weeks ago from John Kostige (he often sends lovely notes) and he remarked on how grand it was last year when he came to see this so special film with his dear, dear friend, George Gay. How fine it was when they sang “Auld Lang Syne” along with the movie cast at the end. And, of course, this year “Pappa” Gay isn’t with us anymore. Still, don’t you think that maybe, for that one night, he might be? Do you think that maybe, for that one night, all those we’ve lost crowd into the Dietrich and watch the movie with us? And maybe, just for that one night, as we all sing “Auld Lang Syne” together, maybe they’re singing too with just the most fragile thread dividing us?

That’s what I want to think. I believe that the living and the dead sometimes cross paths, and if that’s so, then what better place than an old restored movie theater where so many dreams were dreamt over so many years? Why, there couldn’t be anyplace better on this earth for that sort of thing, now could there? For that one little bit of time we are all in Bedford Falls, and those we love are with us – there isn’t any separation. We’re together once again, celebrating this joyous season. No tears, no heartbreak. That’s a good thing to believe, isn’t it?

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By

In just a couple days Christmas in Our Hometown is here! As most of you know, this evening transforms Tunkhannock into a magical winter scene – people are on the streets and there is a real feeling of community. On Friday December 10th, the weekend is kicked off with two live performances at the Dietrich Theater. This year we are bringing in Mum Puppet Theatre to perform the wordless, well-loved classic “The Velveteen Rabbit” at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Watch as a brand-new plush rabbit discovers there is more to life than the four walls of the nursery. The Velveteen Rabbit is performed with hand puppets, rod puppets, shadows and masks. Following each performance, the audience is given a look "behind the scenes" and the opportunity to ask questions about the performance, the puppets and the performers. The Kiwanis Club of Tunkhannock and Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour are sponsoring these performances. Admission is free and the theater will be seated first come first serve. There will also be an interactive ice sculpture demonstration; carriage rides through town, carolers, lots of shopping (the stores stay open till 10:00 pm), free hot cocoa, and more! So bundle up the kids and come out for a great evening of puppet theater, popcorn and a great, old-fashioned small town experience. On that night and throughout the holiday season, the theater will be selling a variety of prewrapped Christmas movie gift packages for those theatergoers on your Christmas list.

After that eventful night you would think the Dietrich’s Program Director Margie Young would be worn out, but no, Christmas activities will just be getting started at the theater. Saturday, December 11th will be a morning of cookie decorating, ornament making, storytelling, songs, and creations by the balloon lady at the Dietrich’s Third Annual Holiday Workshop from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Admission is free. At the same time Maggie Cartwright will be teaching a Wreath Decorating Workshop. You can decorate a real or artificial wreath or door swag for your home or to give as a gift for the holiday seasons. The class is free and the wreath and decorating supplies will range from $10 - $20 per person. Call 570-996-1500 to reserve. Preregistration is required for Wreath Decorating.

The theater will also be hosting a Build Your Own Puppet Workshop on the morning of Saturday, December 11th from 10:30 am – noon with the group Mum Puppet Theatre. Children five years old and up will have the opportunity to learn the art and craft of building your own puppet. Space is limited for the workshop so call 570-996-1500 to reserve.

To round out the weekend, Lyric Consort will perform an a capella Christmas Concert at the Dietrich on Sunday, December 12th at 8:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of sacred and secular Christmas music, jazz and folk music. Light refreshments will be provided following the concert. Admission is $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased by calling 570-996-1500.

Then it’s the Dietrich’s day to shine on Thursday, December 16th. Come out to and see “It’s a Wonderful Life” at either 2:00 pm or 7:00 pm. Watching this classic on the big screen is an experience. It is definitely different than seeing it on TV. According to Margie, you feel like you catch a glimpse into what life was like in that time period – their cars and the details in the interiors of their homes.

On Friday, December 17th at 7:00 pm, the Dietrich will be hosting its first book sign/ poetry reading. Jennifer Hill Kaucher, local poet and creative writing teacher, will read from her newly published collection of poetry “Book of Days”. Jennifer has taught two poetry workshops at the Dietrich in the past. Admission is free.

After Christmas, Amy and Steve Colley, the theater’s artists in residence, will be teaching Holiday Camp starting on Monday, December 27 – 29. For three days, young artists will become familiar with the artists Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci while creating their own masterpieces. There’s a session from 9:00 am – 10:30 am for children ages 6 – 8 and another session at 11:30 – 1:00 pm for children ages 9 –12. Admission is $30 per child.

Then on Tuesday, December 28th, the Dietrich Theater is taking a bus trip to see the ballet “The Nutcracker Suite” at Marywood University. This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a live theater performance over their Christmas vacation. The bus will leave the Dietrich at noon. Admission is free. Please call the theater at 570-996-1500 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

As you can see the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Afternoon Adventures for Girls, grades 5 -8

Hey girl! You are a force to be reckoned with, an independent spirit. Celebrate yourself and your place in the world through interactive seminars on voice, body, culture, art and the environment. This series of classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28. 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Free

Everhart Museum Staff

Crafts with Sarah Sidorek, ages 10 and up

Enjoy a Saturday morning of crafts with local artist Sarah Sidorek. Saturday, January 15th, 10 - 11:30 am - Paint a Snowman Figurine. February 5th, 10 - 11:30 am - Make a Jute Necklace. March 19th, 10 - 11:30 am - Think Spring - Paint a Birdhouse. Call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturdays, January 15th, February 5th, March 19th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Cost: $1.00 per class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Decorative Painting - New Night Sessions!

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, February 2 to March 30, noon - 3:00 pm. Night Sessions: Wednesdays, February 24 and March 3 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Cost: $15 per class + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dialogue and Marketing for Screenwriters

Learn the art of creating great dialogue and the ins and outs of marketing a screenplay. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturday, March 5th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Dietrich's After School Players, grades 5 -12

Learn theater arts while creating a play, including costuming, set design, makeup, and performing for an audience at the Dietrich. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:30, January 10 to March 12.

Cost: $80 ($10 per week)

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning

Drumming Workshop for Adults, ages 13 and up

Maxwell will lead the group in an amazing, interactive experience where African rhythms are incorporated into fantastical group songs. All that is needed is a desire to drum. Space is limited. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursday, January 13th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Father Nallin Hall

Cost: $30

Instructor: Maxwell Kofi Donkor, Master Drummer

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling days of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, January 11th through March 8th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp

Young artists will become familiar with the self portraits and symbolism of Frida Kahlo, the expressive paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, and the genius of sculptor and painter, Leonardo Da Vinci, by exploring a variety of mediums as they create their own masterpieces. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday - Wednesday, December 27, 28, 29, Ages 6 -8: 9 am - 10:30 am; Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Amy Colley

Holiday Workshop, for all ages

Get into the holiday spirit! A morning of cookie decorating, songs, stories, holiday crafts, and creations by the balloon lady. Fun for all ages.

Saturday, December 11th at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Free

Dietrich Theater

Intergenerational Pottery & Sculpture

This class is designed for students of all ages and levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building techniques. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Session 1 - January 11, 18, 25, February 1. Session 2 - February 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 3 - March 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $30 per child $45 per adult

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A

Intergenerational Quilting for all Ages

Learn early American quilting. Recreate the classic pattern Amish Broken Bars (Chinese Coins). Bring a friend or family member. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, January 12 - March 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Screenwriting

Take that story idea, the one you've been longing to get on the page (and screen) and develop it into a script you can pitch to Hollywood producers. A follow up class on Dialouge and Marketing will take place on March 5th. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturday, February 19th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week in this Mixed Media class. Students will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4. Session 2 - February 11, 18, 25, March 4. Session 3 - March 11, 18, April 1, 8.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes

Instructors: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A

Mixed Media, ages 9 - 12

A new artist will be introduced each week in this Mixed Media class. Students will learn about famous artists in Impresssionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2 - February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes

Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley, B.F.A, M.F.A.

Mixed Media/ Portfolio, ages 13 and up

In this class, you can build a diverse portfolio as you draw, paint, and create pottery and sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 and 4

Young artists and their Moms, Dads, and grandparents will create works of art in an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage. Please call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1- January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2- February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery and Scuplture for Adults, 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 techniques as well. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2 - February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A. and M.F.A

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool students will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - January 13, 20 , 27, February 3. Session 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3. Session 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pull the Strings, grades 4 - 6

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for the final puppet theater performance in the Dietrich's very own theater! Call 570-996-1500 to register. Space is limited.

Tuesdays, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: Free!

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Kaleidoscope Magic - Have you ever marveled over a kaleidoscope? Each slight turn creates an amazing design. We will teach you how to capture all this in a quilt. Bring your imagination...we'll supply the rest.

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., through December 15.

Cost: $6 per class

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler/ Gloria Eastwood

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Log Cabin Project

Cabin Fever - Warm up while cold winds blow with this Log Cabin/Barn Raising quilting project. Construct one log cabin in 4 easy lessons or build more and discover variations of this popular pattern. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, January 12 to March 30, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Wreath Decorating Workshop

Decorate a fresh or artificial wreath or door swag and learn how to make ribbon bows. Advanced registration is necessary. Please call the theater at 570-996-1500 to signup.

Saturday, December 11, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Class is free. Wreath and Materials $10 - $20

Instructor: Maggie Cartwright

Yoga for Kids - Second Saturday Event

All ages are welcome to this morning of yoga with certified yoga instructor Melissa Russo. Please call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturday, February 12, 11:00 am - noon

Admission is free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo

Yoga for You

Accommodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Ages 9 to adult. Classes will be ongoing in October through December. Call (570)-996-1500 for exact dates.

Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. - December 8, 15, 22.

Cost: Adults $10 per session. Children - free.

Presented by Melissa Russo.

Yoga for You - New Winter Sessions

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, starting January 5th.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor