At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a day! I had thought that maybe since this was the third year we had shown “It’s A Wonderful Life” the attendance might be sparse. Maybe people were bored with it, or too busy to see it again, or, well, who knows? So here’s a fact. No one was bored. The theater was two-thirds full for the afternoon and we had to turn folks away (sadly) for the standing room only night show. Seems as if, for some, seeing this wondrous film has become a Christmas tradition. They visit Bedford Falls for a few hours every December and are better for it. It’s such a gentle and loving and sentimental film. Thank you all for coming – it gives us good reason to show it again next year. Bless your hearts!

So for Christmas we will be playing the latest biggies out there – “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” for the middle-school set (and anyone who is a Jim Carrey fan) and for those of us who love really stupid, sometimes a little off-color but totally hilarious films, we have “Meet the Fokkers” with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Just the sort of film that is fun after the stress of making sure your holidays are something nearing perfection. So Christmas night you can just come to the theater and have a few laughs, eat some popcorn and relax. Now, doesn’t that sound inviting?

And in January, when our time obligations are up for Snicket and Fokkers we will be bringing you some of the best films of 2004. We’ll bring in “Phantom of the Opera”, “The Aviator”, “Finding Neverland” and then we’ll play some just for fun catchups like “National Treasure” and “Oceans Twelve”, plus I intend to bring “Shall We Dance” back for those of you who missed it because I think it was so superb. So, we have big plans for the dead of winter for you. We don’t want you to become victims of the dreaded cabin fever, now, do we?

So, I guess this is it. After all the preparations and cooking and wrapping and all the things that make up the holiday, it’s finally here. The staff of the Dietrich and Cultural Center want to wish you the most joyous Christmas. On a personal level 2004 has been a sad one for us “old broads” at the theater. And I’m sure there are many of our readers who will cheerfully bid this year adieu.

I was thinking about that last night. Thinking that if this life is a journey of things to be learned – if we are essentially in school forever, then maybe one of the things we need to understand is that sadness and joy co-exist in this world, giving us much to mourn and much to be grateful for. Sometimes we think that we are alone in our pain and that everyone else is having a grand time. But I’ve learned that we only know another’s pain if they tell us, and sometimes shy hearts don’t easily confide.

So here’s what I believe. I believe that even when it seems as if our grief will never lift, when the sky seems eternally heavy and full of rain, there is always, in even the most reticent spirit, the promise of joy and fulfillment in one of the tomorrows awaiting us. If we listen carefully we can hear, as the bell in the Polar Express, the lyrical melody of earth’s love song.

For those who have lost much this year, remember that spring always comes. Always. The heavy snows of winter will be pushed aside by delicate flowers reaching for the sun. And our souls, our spirits, our hearts reach up toward a light we need not see, for our faith in life itself provides the incentive.

For those of you with much to celebrate, have a merry, merry Christmas. For those of you for whom the holidays are a melancholy reminder of loss too fierce to bear, may the Creator of this glorious universe bring you comfort, and, quietly, peace in the knowledge that life will be good again some day.

God bless us, one and all.

Live at The Dietrich

By

What a holiday season we are having at the Dietrich Theater! Last week, young and old came out to see the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the big screen. Soda, popcorn, and admission were free. It is great to see the community come out and celebrate this film and the theater being open for another great year!

Our Christmas elves have been busy at the Dietrich as Christmas gift bags are flying off the shelves! Two movie tickets, two bags to bring in for popcorn, and two boxes of candy all beautifully wrapped and ready to give are selling at the bargain price of $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children. As Executive Director Hildy Morgan likes to say “Gift bags are the perfect gift – you don’t have to dust them!”

And today, “Meet the Fockers” came to the Dietrich screen. What a hoot! To see Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Barbara Streisand, Blythe Danner, and Ben Stiller together is hilarious in itself. And “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” is a hit. I love to see children’s literature on the screen. Before Lemony Snicket, we have had the Harry Potter series, Cheaper by the Dozen, Stuart Little, Ella Enchanted, Lord of the Rings, Polar Express, and Tuck Everlasting on the Dietrich’s screen. These movies delight our younger audiences as characters they already love come to life.

On the cultural side of things, there is still time left to sign up for the Dietrich’s “Holiday Camp”. Local artists Amy and Steve Colley, who both have their Masters in the Fine Arts, will teach children about artists such as Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh, and Leonardo Da Vinci while creating their own works of art. The three day camp will be held on December 27, 28, 29 from 9:00 am – 10:30 am for children ages 6 – 8 and at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm for children ages 9 –12. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

In other cultural news, our Winter 2005 Classes and Events brochure is here! What a great line up of classes we have to beat those winter blahs. We will have some new offerings such as “Mommy and Me Mixed Media” taught by Amy Colley, “Crafts with Sarah Sidorek”, “A Family Concert with Mary Baker”, Decorative Painting at night, “Intergenerational Quilting”, and “Intergenerational Pottery”. The Dietrich will also be bringing back favorites such as “Mixed Media”, Quilting for Kids”, “Dietrich’s After School Players”, “Pottery and Sculpture”, yoga and more! In January, we will also be hosting a “Drumming Workshop” with Master Drummer Maxwell Kofi Donkor. This workshop will be held on Thursday, January 13th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Admission is $30. All that is needed is a desire to drum. Call 570-996-1500 for more information or visit www.dietrichtheater.com.

Have a great holiday season!

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: Thursday, 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

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