At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So here's the good news. A lot of people apparently read this column. The bad news is that a lot of people who read this column are really, really mad at me right now. Sigh. Honestly, I didn't mean to make anybody angry - I just wanted to share with you that "The Passion" was a tough one to book for a variety of reasons and that I have a bit more cynical view about the way this film was marketed than , say, well, some other people. But as I wrote back to all the people who wished to share with me their opinion of me, I was reminded of the fact that this is what makes this country so great. We get to disagree - even about things of a religious nature - and nobody straps a bomb to their waist and walks into a crowded bus. Plus, I'm not a thin-skinned kind of gal - if you disagree with me please feel free to say so. I love a good discussion - especially about politics or religion - the two subjects polite society is supposed to stay away from. But they are both so interesting - and people's beliefs are so varied that they are both topics one could endlessly discuss and always find a fresh point of view. So, feel free to hammer me, dear readers. I love the public debate! Gets your blood flowing. Makes you know you're alive! Cool!

I will see "The Passion" this week and then tell you next week what I thought of it. This week it's probably best for me to just keep my mouth shut (Ooooh - that's soooo hard for me). We do have over a hundred clergy coming to screen it (thanks to Lori at the T'town Methodist Church) and then many are coming back to discuss what they saw, so we are very, very pleased with that. I am so excited to hear what they have to say.

The reception for the Colley's was a huge success! So many families came to see Steve and Amy's art (some of which hangs in our gallery at the moment) which, if you have not seen it, you really should come to see! They are both breathtakingly talented and you will be awed and amazed when you see what they've done.

"Snow White" is sold out, although there might be a ticket or two at the door because some folks buy a ticket and then don't show up. So give it a try. But we are, needless to say, just thrilled that a bit of live theater has sold out the Evans theater!

All right. Two final things. First, we have ordered a DTS sound system for the Murray theater and once that is installed there should be no more problems with "fuzzy" sound. (Anyone have an extra $6,000.00 hanging about that they'd like to donate to the new sound???) Secondly, the tix are printed for the opening night of the spring film fest. The films are awesome - most on the Lincoln Center's best of the year list. I'll print out the names next week. That opening night, April 16, Robert May will be with us and, although we aren't having the sort of food we had at the fall fest (we're saving that for fall) we are going to have an array of Epicurean Delight's fab desserts between the two movies! So, reserve those tix now - $20.00 per - and don't miss one of the great nights of the year at the Dietrich. (P.S. If you already called with a reservation, please call again - I seem to have misplaced the four reservations we already got. It's my desk. It eats things.)

That's it. You have a great week. Spring is on the way. I can smell it in the air!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So listen up. This is really, really important. No, it’s not about the Dietrich or movies or classes or plays. They are definitely second fiddle to this information. Nope. It’s about how I took the "short cut" to work this week. The "short cut" (which saves you all of about half a minute) meanders past an old beaver pond, nestled alongside a dirt road near where I live. Now, you may be asking, why that would even remotely be of interest to you or of any importance whatsoever? So here it comes. Ta da! (Aren’t we theater folks sooo dramatic???) This is important because it is the first time since this too long winter started that I’ve been able to take that road. It’s been too snowy and icy for that. (Which is perfectly fine if you don’t care about actually steering your car.) But three times this week I have driven slowly, deliciously, past that old beaver pond and the road has been clear and I’ve even kicked up a bit of dust. No signs of life there yet, but they’re coming. Oh, yeah. They are coming. And then this is all behind us and the sun will shine upon us one more time. Praise Be! (Now if anyone hears me complaining about the heat this summer, just hit me. Really. Knock me right out!)

So, now, that was more important, wasn’t it? Although Margie and Erica might not think so and might be wondering just when I was going to get around to discussing cultural events. Well, now seems a good time. So here they are, condensed but complete.

For those who didn’t get their tix fast enough for Snow White, fear not. We are bringing the Scranton Public Theater back in the spring to do another fairy tale. And Snow White will be back in the fall. But let this be a lesson to you (mother’s finger is wagging at you now) to buy those tix early. It’s your best defense.

Don’t forget "Short Circuit" on Saturday morning, March 6. These kids are so excited and rightly so. Come show your support of our very own little thespians. And along those lines, we have Michaela Moore’s "Teenage Turns" which another little home-grown cast has written itself and is putting on March 27, at 11:00. Really, these kids work so hard. Try to get by to see them. They’re so young and creative and full of spirit – come see what they’ve poured their so dear little hearts into.

Don’t forget we are starting a new writing class for more advanced writers called "Stretching Your Voice". Rebecca is a fine teacher so if you have any interest in writing, give this a try. Writing is a wonderful way to escape the real world and create one of your own. And don’t we all need to do that sometimes?

Oh, and be sure to catch "At The Dietrich" in the upcoming Advance. I’m going to tell you what totally fab films we’re bringing in for the spring festival. Tix on sale now for opening night. (Now, hopefully you’ve learned your lesson from Snow White….so reserve soon….heh,heh.)

See you at the Dietrich!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Pottery and Sculpture for Adults (13 and up) Evening Class

In these classes students will learn hand-building techniques using earthenware as they become familiar with the works of artists such as Rodin, Michelangelo, and Picasso. All levels of experience are welcome.

Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1, and March 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $40 for all four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Learn to quilt by creating fun and easy projects through this series of classes. Bring your imagination...we will supply the rest!

Wednesdays, through April 14, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 per project.

Instructor: Ingrid Rogler

Stretching Your Voice - Creative Writing II

In these classes, students will stretch their abilities as writers through workshop materials, discussion and writing exercises. A more intense focus will be placed on writing short stories and novel excerpts. Emphasis on compiling work, revising, and exploring the practice of writing. Readings will be held at end of each session.

Thursdays, 7-8 p.m., March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8.

Cost: $55

Instructor: Rebecca Lane