At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Happy Valentine’s Day. It’s an important holiday – it celebrates love which is always worth celebrating. In a world assaulted by war and greed and hunger and all sorts of painful stuff, it is not a bad thing to have a day thrown amidst the ruin to celebrate the most positive force in the universe. Remember when we were children (for some of us that’s quite the reach back) and it was breathtakingly exciting having our mothers get the red construction paper, the spotless white doilies and the crayons with which we’d construct our valentine’s missives? True, kids whose parents had a couple of bucks gave those little already made jobbies, and those of us making our own were left to wonder at the extent of such wealth. But looking back, I wonder if I would have traded my doilies and red paper for their store bought cards. After all, what did they do with themselves the days before Valentine’s Day if they weren’t making cards and writing verses?

So in the spirit of continuing a life-long love affair with Valentine’s Day we are once again bringing you a classic film with which to celebrate. And what could be better to celebrate with than the greatest musical ever made? Okay, I realize that there are some who might think there are better musicals than “Singin’ In The Rain”, but here’s what I say to them – “You’re wrong.” Simple as that. (I write this column so I get to say stuff like that. Ha ha.)

What scene, ever, could beat Gene Kelly dancing in that milky rain, his toes tapping, his body light as air? And it really was milky. To get the effect they needed from the rain they used milk instead of water. It shrunk his suit. But it made for the greatest moment in film history!

It will show three times on Monday in the Evans. Do come see it. And if you say – “Oh, I’ve seen that a thousand times”, I say – not on the big screen, you haven’t. Bringing in classic films is a very expensive proposition, so do come see it. You know you’ll come out of their just dancing and singing and feelin’ fine! Give your loved ones a terrific Valentine ’s Day treat. It’s a twofold gift. It gives a gift to one you love and it helps pay the steep cost of renting a classic. And if it pays for itself I can bring in another classic on another day. See how that works?

Great films this week! “Phantom of the Opera” is finally here! Gorgeous sets, gorgeous costuming, beautiful voices. I know the critics have been harsh on it, but so what? It is essentially the Broadway show, which is why it got panned. I don’t get it. Why wouldn’t you want it to be like the show? Go figure.

One more week of “The Aviator”. Very popular for a second-run movie. I see it on Wednesday. Want to see what makes it so popular.

The movie schedule is crazy this week. That’s because we have so many totally cool cultural activities and have to move the movies around a bit. We have the program about Iwo Jima (anyone with any interest in WW2 has to come for this one) and Warren Bareisse hosting another in the series of discussions on “To Kill A Mockingbird”. Plus, of course, we have the classic film on Monday. So that’s why you have to be a mathematical genius to figure out when we’re showing what!

Oh, yeah. I’d be interested in hearing from those of you who saw “Sideways”. I finally saw it last Wednesday. I so, so hated it! But so many of my friends (whose taste I totally respect) loved it. It seems to be one of those movies that people love or hate and see very, very differently. Do let me know what you thought (wccc@epix.net) or hurry and catch it on its last day or two and then let me know. I haven’t seen a movie in years I disliked as much and here it is the winner of the Golden Globe. (And they scoff at Phantom! Go figure one more time.). I’m especially interested in hearing from those who liked it. You tell me why that is and I’ll tell you why I hated it. Cool.

Remember now, have a loving Valentine’s Day – preferably with us.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

We at the Dietrich and the Tunkhannock Public Library are so pleased with the success of “Wyoming County Reads”! So far we have given away 219 books and had quite a turnout for our first book discussion on “The Power of Storytelling” last Wednesday night at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Students, adults, and families came out to share their views on the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”. We discussed themes, storytellers in our lives, and the role of presentation in storytelling and more! Today is our second book discussion at the library with Wilkes University adjunct professor Warren Bareiss at 1:30 pm. We hope to discuss “Growing up in Small Town, U.S.A. It’ll be fun to compare small towns like Tunkhannock to the fictional “Maycomb” in the novel. On February 17th at 7:00 pm we’ll be changing scenery with a discussion at the Dietrich Theater. Come out to discuss “Parenting in America” as it relates to our lives and to “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I promise you these discussions are engaging, interactive, lots of fun, and refreshments are provided. So try to stop by a discussion or at least check out the Hollywood version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” with Gregory Peck. We’ll be having two free showing of the movie at the Dietrich on February 24th at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Even though it’s February, the Dietrich Theater asks your kids to get out those beach towels! On Saturday, February 12th from11:00 am – noon, certified Hatha yoga instructor Melissa Russo will introduce your kids to the fun of yoga during her “Yoga for Kids” class. Children of all ages are welcome. All that is needed is a beach towel. Some of the moms and grandmothers enrolled in the Dietrich’s weekly adult yoga class can’t wait to introduce their children or grandchildren to yoga. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 for details.

And don’t forget, next Tuesday, February 15th at 7:00 pm, the Dietrich Theater will be commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima with the presentation “A War in Letters”. Wyalusing resident Mary Beth Voda will share correspondence between her father Marine Pvt. Tom Kennedy and her mother Millie Kennedy during his deployment to the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Tom wrote a letter every day. She will also share the letters of Japanese Lt. General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, which he faithfully wrote to his wife and his family. Both of these men fought in the same place but on opposite sides. It will be interesting to see the similarities and differences in these wartime letters. General admission is $5.00, the student rate is $3.00, and veterans can attend for free.

The Dietrich Theater also has a new exhibit for the month of February – “The Art of Us”. We will be featuring the art of Dietrich Theater instructors, students, and board members. The children’s sculptures and paintings are amazing, the adult work makes me want to take a pottery or decorative painting class, and the instructor artwork is incredible. The gallery is open during movie times, so whether you stop in for a movie or are just driving by, check out what you or your children can create during a class or workshop.

In February, the Dietrich will also offer an introductory screenwriting workshop on Saturday, February 19th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Learn the basics of screenwriting, meet others interested in the craft, and find out about great resources. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission is $30.00. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 for details.

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. March 19th, 10 - 11:30 am - Think Spring - Paint a Birdhouse. Call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturday 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 through 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