At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So, how would you like to see a movie starring Halle Berry, Greg Kinnear, Mel Brooks, Drew Carey and Robin Williams in a totally dynamite performance? Well, guess where you can see said movie? (Whoa. This is subtle – you’re going to be surprised at this – heh heh) Why at the Dietrich, of course. Starting this Friday. “Robots” is coming to town! Finally, our long, dull dance with “Constantine” is over (good movie, no audience) and Winn-Dixie, purely a delight, will go off to do it’s schtik at a second-run movie house. Praise be. And we have two completely delightful films, targeted at different audiences.

“Robots is a funny, clever, hilarious film from the makers of “Ice Age” and is aimed right at the kiddies and the adults who bring ‘em. (Like Shrek and other animations of its ilk.) Robin Williams is receiving raves from the critics as his crazy robot character simply steals the show. What could be better than a bit of pure whimsical animation to break up the blues of this seemingly extra-long winter? Come bring the family. The popcorn will be hot and fresh and just waiting for folks like you to gobble it up.

Then for those who would like a bit of romance (with a date or without) may I highly recommend “Hitch” starring the absolutely cool and funny and dear Will Smith? This is a comedy that stayed at number one in the nation for three weeks and even when it was bumped out of first place it just moved a tiny bit into second. So, if Robots aren’t your thing (but, really, how could that be?) come see Will Smith in a comedy sure to tickle your funny bone.

Now I have to tell you – I have never tried so hard in my life to get a film as I’ve tried to get “Million Dollar Baby”. We have high hopes for next week. (So, if Hitch was on your “to see” list, you have to catch it this week because it will be replaced next Thursday.) Here’s the problem. They didn’t make a lot of prints. Don’t ask me why. That’s like asking why they do what they do in Washington – it’s one of life’s mysteries. But after it swept the Academy Awards, no one would give up a print. So the company thinks that by next week a Cineplex somewhere will be letting go of at least one print of this superb movie and if so we will bring it in. I can’t wait to see it. I believe that Eastwood is one of the finest American directors ever! (As far as I’m concerned, “The Unforgiven” is the ultimate western – once you’ve seen it there’s simply no need to see another.) So, know this: as soon as I can wrench it away from wherever, we will play it here! I promise!

Okay. I don’t usually talk about cultural events in this column – I leave that to our so so talented Erica in hers. But I have to tell you , that our latest After School Players play, coming up this Saturday morning is a total hoot! Patty and Carl have outdone themselves and the kids are spectacular! It’s about Elvis Presley and the fifties and….well, you just have to come see it. Oh yeah, one more thing. “Old” Elvis is played by none other than our very own Tommy Henry! Now, isn’t that worth the price of admission? Seeing Tommy in an Elvis get-up? So come on down and support our kids. Usually the After School Players fill the theater, so come a bit early to make sure you get a seat.

One other cultural note – Margie and Sarah and I went to the library wine-tasting on Saturday night. It was spectacular! The library was all atwinkle with little white lights, the food was good and the wine delightful. Kudos to the library folks – another job well done!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Live at the Dietrich March 9, 2005

After shoveling all that snow we’ve just had, it feels great to know that April is less than a month away. I can’t wait to see spring flowers, wear spring clothing, and most importantly kick off the Dietrich’s Second Annual Spring Film Festival! Starting on April 8th, we will bring in fourteen foreign, independent, and art films for a two-week movie extravaganza! This year we are bringing in a diverse mix of movies including Being Julia, Kinsey, The Merchant of Venice, The House of the Flying Daggers, Les Choristes (The Chorus), Vera Drake, Born Into Brothels, Un Monde Presque Paisible (Almost Peaceful), Postman in the Mountains, Bright Leaves, Un Long Dimanche De Fiancailles (A Very Long Engagement), Hotel Rwanda, Mar Adentro (The Sea Inside), and The Woodsman. Born Into Brothels and The Sea Inside just took the Acadamy Award for best documentary and best foreign language film. The Dietrich will screen Being Julia and Merchant of Venice on opening night and a lavish spread of desserts will be provided by Epicurean Delight. Admission is $25.00. Opening night always sells out a week or two in advance, so reserve your tickets now by calling 570-996-1500.

Now the Dietrich also had a great list of events to get you through March. Tomorrow night at 7:00 pm, quilt instructor and author, Ingrid Rogler, will give a presentation on "The Art of Making Do". From the 1800’s until today, artful and thrifty quilters have created unique and artistic quilts from what was available. Take this opportunity to view and appreciate this type of quilting. Admission is free.

Then on Saturday, March 12th at 11:00 am, take your family out to enjoy a morning of Elvis! The Dietrich After School Players will present "Little Elvis", a production about two die-hard Elvis fans who travel the country in search of The King, eating in diner after diner, until they open their own diner, calling it "King’s Café" in hopes that Elvis himself might someday stop in.

To round out March, the Dietrich is going to bring back Maxwell Kofi Donkor for another drumming workshop and drumming circle. On Thursday, March 31st from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Father Nallin Hall, Maxwell, Master Drummer, will lead you through the basics of African drumming, about the culture, and different drumming rhythms. No experience is required. In both of our previous workshops, people of all different walks of life and ages came out to experience this form of art. Admission is $30, which includes the use of a drum. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to reserve.

While all of these activities are going on, Margie Young, Program Director, will be busy finalizing spring and summer events and classes. She is working to bring in a mix of previous favorite workshops as well as some new ones. Having recently just past the one year mark of providing ongoing classes at the Dietrich, we are proud to say that classes in the fields of "Pottery and Sculpture", "Mixed Media", "Preschool Art", "Quilting for Kids", "Decorative Painting", "Writers Group" and "Yoga for You" are growing and thriving.

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, 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

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, 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. 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 You

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