At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a lot of stuff happening! First of all, we are bringing in another blockbuster movie. “The Aviator” will be here on Friday. It’s up for eleven Acadamy Award nominations for everything from best actor to best director to screenplay etc. etc. This is an old-fashioned Hollywood biggie, folks, so you won’t want to miss it. For anyone who doesn’t know this already, “The Aviator” is the bio-pic of Howard Hughes, one of the larger-than-life figures of the brand new airline industry. He was brilliant and daring and wildly inventive. He didn’t see obstacles in life, he saw opportunities. And he lived out his youth with daring and class. Unfortunately, he was also mentally ill and the last part of the film chronicles that illness as he went from a vibrant and involved man to an unwashed loner with fingernails curling around his palms. It’s a fascinating journey and will certainly be considered a classic for many years to come. Catch it here in your local theater, folks. This is one that benefits from being seen on the big screen rather than on DVD a few months down the road. The flying scenes are spectacular and you need to catch them in cinemascope, not on a little television screen.

We have one more week of “Sideways”, a delightful adult drama that took the Golden Globe for best comedy. Everyone who sees it loves it, so do come give it a try. By the way, for those of you who read this column on-line instead of in the Advance, you still have a day or two to see “Finding Neverland” which plays through this Thursday, February 3rd. I saw it on Wednesday afternoon and it is without a doubt one of the best films we have had at the Dietrich all year. It is superb! Johnny Depp gives a bravura performance as Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, and the story is so deeply touching that it moved me to tears – and you know I hardly ever cry at a movie. This is a deeply touching story, so if you haven’t seen it yet, try to see it before it leaves. It’s sooo worth your time!

Next week we hope to bring in “Phantom of the Opera”. So many have asked for it and we will try. And we’re still working on “Million Dollar Baby” and “Hotel Rwanda”. It’s pretty slim pickings right now for the kids, but we’ll bring something in for them as soon as we can. I promise.

So, I’m writing at home this morning with a Jack on my lap (one whose breath smells suspiciously like cat-food – hmmm, I wonder why that might be?) feeling as if someone took a hacksaw to my left shoulder muscle. Yesterday I had the porta-cath removed and I think it hurt worse coming out than going in. (No, it’s not that bad - I’m just a big whine.) So I guess the oncologist thinks I won’t need it at least in the near future. It’s funny, this cancer thing. When they told me I had it I couldn’t believe it. I just kept wondering how I could have cancer when I didn’t feel sick?

Now that I’ve finished the chemo and the porta-cath is out I can’t believe it’s over (knock on wood). I think now that every little ache or pain, every sore muscle, every crick in my neck is a sure sign of metastasis. Even when logic dictates that it’s not. Maybe this is just another part of a weird journey that the mind has difficulty accepting no matter what stage you’re in. I don’t know, but I can tell you, I’m getting a little tired of it. Perhaps my next operation should be a brain transplant!

Finally, a group of concerned citizens are putting together a drug commission. Right now their main goal is to form the commission and then to look into forming family support groups, looking at the feasibility of a drug court and looking at long-term treatment. Once the commission is formed I will let you all know because helping hands are always needed. In the meantime, for those of you with addiction problems, or addiction problems in your family, know this – you are not alone. There are so many people who want to help you. They’re just looking to find the best way to do it. And you know, where there’s a will, there’s always, always a way!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a way to start out February! The Dietrich Theater has the Oscar nominated film Sideways! Who could beat the acclaims this sleeper film has received! It has received two Golden Globes for Best Screen Play and Best Motion Picture in the category of Musical or Comedy. This film has also been nominated for Academy Awards in the following categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. From what patrons have said about the film so far, it is spectacular! It is a movie about two middle aged men embarking on a road trip through the wine country of California just before one of them is about to take a trip down the isle. Some have said that the wine plays such an important role in the movie that it is almost like a character itself. So stop by the Dietrich for some fresh popcorn and sit back and see what the Oscar buzz is all about.

Our book discussions for “Wyoming County Reads” start today (Remember, you don’t have to be a Wyoming County resident to participate.). There are so many different topics from the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” that there is something for everyone. Today at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library, we will discuss “The Power of Storytelling” in the book as well as in our lives. Then on Wednesday, February 9th from 1:30 – 2:30 pm, we will talk about “Growing Up in Small Town, U.S.A. at the Tunkhannock Library. Having lived in Tunkhannock most of my life, I can definitely relate to the small town aspect in this classic. “Parenting in America” will be our third discussion on Thursday, February 17th at 7:00 pm at the Dietrich Theater. Join us as we compare parents and children in the novel to those in contemporary society. Then on Wednesday, February 23, at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library, we will take on the subject of “Justice, Race and Class in America”. On February 24, we will have two free showings of the classic film “To Kill a Mockingbird” with Gregory Peck at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Following the movie, there will be a discussion comparing the book to the Hollywood film version. Dr. Warren Bareiss, Lecturer at the Department of Communications at Wilkes University, will facilitate all of these discussions with a guest speaker, Arthur Breese, Director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Diversity Education Consortium and Associate Director of the Diversity Institute at College Misericordia for the “Justice, Race and Class in America” talk. So come out, all of this programming is free. Refreshments will be provided. Call 570-996-1500 for details.

Now lets look at February programming for kids at the Dietrich. In just a few days, the Dietrich Theater will continue its “Crafts with Sarah” Saturday series on Saturday, February 5th from 10:00 am –11:30 am at the Dietrich Theater’s art studio. This month Sarah will be teaching kids 10 years old and up how to make macramé necklaces. The class costs $1.00 per child. Spaces are still available.

And February 12th, the following Saturday, is “Yoga for Kids” with certified Hatha yoga instructor Melissa Russo. Melissa’s yoga sessions have a great calming, relaxing effect on her adult students in her weekly class at the Dietrich. It will be fun to see how a group of kids of all ages respond to this excellent form of exercise. For many, it has been too cold outside to let their kids play outside in the snow. So come out, learn about a new form of exercise on the 12th from 11:00 am – noon. Please bring a beach towel for your child to stretch out on. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for details.

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, 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, 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: Thursdays, 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, through March 12.

Cost: $80 ($10 per week)

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning

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, through March 8th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

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 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, through 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, through 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, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor