At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a wonderful weekend! I know, the rain tried really, really hard to be a spoiler, and it’s true, the attendance for Christmas In Our Home Town wasn’t as large as last year, but the folks who came out in the dampness made up in enthusiasm what was lost in numbers. The theater was full for both performances of The Mum Puppet Theater’s presentation of The Velveteen Rabbit – a grand production by the little troupe from Philadelphia. I wish you all could have been there. It was aimed right at the funny bone of the pre-school set and the theater echoed with that wonderful, deep belly laughter that bubbles forth only from the very young. And after the show, the actors took off their masks and answered questions from the children (the main one being – “Was the rabbit real?”). There was nothing they wouldn’t answer and they showed the audience the varied ways they created their “magic”. Then the next morning they worked with over sixty children, showing them how to actually make puppets. That is just too cool!

Saturday morning was total chaos in the theater. Nearly two hundred children showed up to do various activities – from cookie decorating to singing with Bill Frye to making ornaments and balloon animals and….well…whatever! Once again those old walls were rocking with the sound of laughter and song from children and adults alike. Margie and Erica just outdo themselves from season to season, year to year. We are so lucky to have the two of them. You know, it doesn’t happen very often that the reality so far surpasses the dream. When we started this project what seems like a lifetime ago, we could never hare imagined the theater simply packed with kids doing a myriad of activities and using up every bit of space we had in the process. Oh, we had our dreams, of course, but how could we have dreamed all this? Aren’t we just the luckiest, luckiest people you’ve ever known?

Okay, so here is how the movie schedule will go for Christmas. Same as we’ve done it for the past three years. Matinees only on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Eve night.

Then we open our doors again for a five, seven and nine o’clock showing on Christmas day. And here’s the thing. We will be playing two huge blockbuster movies. For the Harry Potter set (about ages seven and up) we have Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, starring Jim Carrey. This is a winner movie, folks. A little scary, a lot funny, a grand adventure for the young ‘uns. That opens tonight. Then, next Wednesday, we open Meet the Fokkers, starring DeNiro, Striesand, Stiller and Hoffman. Now, really, where could you ever find a cast that fine? Meet the Parents was a very, very funny movie. This sequel, if it’s half as funny, will be well worth seeing. Now, one of these movies will have to go in the Murray. We’re just going to wait and see which one draws the biggest crowds. We tend to put the kiddie movies in the Evans because we never like to see a child turned away, but we’ll see. (Gosh, do we need another screen, or what?)

So, that’s pretty much all our news at the moment. Great stuff going on. Oh, yeah. If you haven’t seen our incredible Christmas decorations in the Earnshaw Gallery, then, folks, you are missing the fanciest decorations you’re ever going to see. Do come down and see the cases Stephen Hendrickson created. How often does T’town see the works of an emmy-nominated genius the likes of Stephen? And his lovely wife (and Margie’s sister) Calista – who used to be Miss Piggy’s dresser in a previous life – has done two cases with the dearest teddy bear displays. In that other life she used to do a yearly Teddy Bear calendar, too. They are what you would call an artistic power couple! Come see their work and the rest of our decorations. They’re so beautiful! Honest. The gallery looks like a winter wonderland. Hurry up, now. You don’t want to miss it.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By

Christmas was definitely in the air at the Dietrich Theater over this past weekend. Friday night’s Christmas in Our Hometown performance of “The Velveteen Rabbit” was a real family treat. Then on Saturday, the Dietrich was once again filled with the excitement of holiday activity as families participated in cookie decorating, singing and stories, creations by the balloon lady, as well as puppet, ornament and wreath making. On Sunday, we switched gears and had a delightful evening of sophisticated music as Lyric Consort performed a capella music at its finest.

The holidays are not over yet at the Dietrich though, tomorrow, December 16th, the Theater would like to say thank you to the community for its great support throughout the year with it’s third annual showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Admission, soda and popcorn are free. This is an event for the entire family!

Besides the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the Dietrich will also be celebrating the holidays with some great family blockbusters. On Friday, December 17th, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events opens at the Dietrich. This movie is based upon the popular Lemony Snicket children’s book series. It will be great to see Jim Carrey’s antics in this flick. Then on December 22, the Dietrich will be opening the sequel to Meet the Parents – Meet the Fockers. Now I have to tell you, the actors in this movie sound like an interesting crew. Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner and Teri Polo, the original cast of Meet the Parents, are joined by Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman.

Then on Friday, December 17th, the Dietrich will host its first ever book signing and poetry reading. Take a break from holiday shopping and join us for an evening of poetry from Jennifer Hill Kauchers new collection of poetry Book of Days. Admission is free. Light refreshments will follow the reading.

After Christmas, the Dietrich has even more holiday activities for you. On December 27, 28, and 29, Amy and Steve Colley, B.FA, M.F.A. will teach Holiday Camp. There will be a session from 9:00 am – 10:30 am for children ages 6 –8 and a later one at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm for children ages 9 – 12. In this camp, young artists will become familiar with the artists Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh, and Leonardo Da Vinci as they create their own masterpieces using a variety of mediums. Parents, this could be a great Christmas gift, or a great way to have your child learn something new over Christmas break! Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

And the theater has one more special event for December. On Tuesday December 28th, the Dietrich Theater will be taking a bus trip to Marywood University to see The Nutcracker Suite. The bus will leave the Dietrich at noon. Admission is free, but space is limited so call 570-996-1500 to reserve.

And remember, gift bags are on sale now for the holiday season. They are prewrapped and a perfect gift for any theatergoer on your Christmas list.

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

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 - 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 - 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