At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

The penguins are marching! The penguins are marching! This is one of those wonderful little box-office-breaking totally surprising big, big, big hits of the summer! It’s a G rated, wondrous look at the lives of other creatures (besides good old self-centered people) who walk this earth (literally) under the harshest conditions mum nature can dish out and still they find time for joy, and fun and love. Now, if there are those who believe that only humans can understand love and joy and sacrifice, then I say - - you’re wrong! There are other creatures besides us on this earth loved by God and gifted with grand emotions and high aspirations. And March of the Penguins is one of those wonderful, uplifting, funny, sad (not all of the penguins make it) glorious films that make you happy to be in the movie biz. And this movie is one that absolutely appeals to all ages (well, maybe around five and up) because the theme is universal and uplifting. Really, when the filmmakers made this film they couldn’t have expected such a huge outpouring of enthusiasm as crowds literally lined up on the sidewalks to get in to see this grand tale of courage.

As you know, we have gone out on a limb to bring you this one as early as we did, so please make a special effort to see it. We know it’s carnival weekend, but this movie is only eighty minutes long, and we’re running many showings a day. So you can come to the movie and then go to the carnival, or go to the carnival and then come to the movie. It works either way.

One aside - - aren’t you glad Jeffrey Jacobs is our film buyer? Otherwise we’d be looking at the likes of Dukes of Hazzard this weekend instead of this glorious documentary. Wow. There’s a thought to give one the shivers!

Charlie has just one more week with us. It’s a wonderful film - - far better than Willy Wonka if you want my opinion - - so if you haven’t seen it yet, you have one final week to catch it on the big screen. It’s one of the best films of the summer, so you won’t want to miss it.

Now to the Earnshaw Gallery. We have the the jazzy photography of Dr. Mel Wolk on display. He’s a grand photographer - - his work appears in many nature mags but you can catch him fairly regularly in Pennsylvania Magazine. His photographs of our Pennsylvania trees are breathtaking. And his display in the gallery right now is full of fun and color and laughter. If you come to see it when the theater is closed, just ring the bell inside the foyer. Someone will be in the office and let you right in to see it. If you love cars, and/or photography, and/or wonderful, wild splashes of color, you will love this exhibit.

And I have to tell you this: we are all quite taken with Dr. Wolk and his lovely wife Marilyn. They’re the kind of couple that make you believe that happy marriages are possible. Obviously they’ve been married for quite some time and yet they are still openly affectionate with each other. Not in some yucky, cringy sort of way, but in a respectful, loving way that shows to the world that they hold each other in the highest regard. Their marriage is like his photography - - a wonderful sight to see.

Don’t forget the great concerts coming up. You know, we’re too small to bring in large bands or groups. We only hold around two hundred people. But these groups we bring in for summer concerts are just big enough. They attract a substantial audience (because they’re all so good) but they’re still small enough to accommodate to the Dietrich’s size. So come on out for live entertainment at the Dietrich this summer. It’s fun to be at live performances. You never really know what is going to happen.

See you at the Dietrich! (The penguins are waiting to look right back atcha.)

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

August at the Dietrich means movies and summer concerts! Starting on Friday, August 5th, March of the Penguins hits the Dietrich screen. Watch the journey that Emperor penguins make each year across Antarctica. This movie is rated G and has had great reviews throughout the country. “March of the Penguins” is a National Geographic movie, so it is sure to be beautiful, as well as educational.

Then on Wednesday, August 10th at 7:30 pm, the Dietrich will startup its concert series with local singing sensations – The Chickz for a Motown Favorites Concert. These young ladies put on an energetic stage show. They performed at the Dietrich in 2003 and at other local venues as well as nationally including two shows in Walt Disney World, on the Today Show, and on Good Morning America. Admission is $10.00. Call 570-996-1500 to reserve your tickets.

The following Wednesday, August 17th at 7:30 pm, the Dietrich will host our Fourth Annual Gathering of Singers and Songwriters. See Tom Flannery, Shawn Z., Jay Smar, and Lorne Clarke perform rock and folk music as a group and individually. Each of these artists brings a unique quality to the stage. Tom Flannery’s folk music hits a chord as he as he combines guitar with a fearless approach to the issues of the day. Shawn Z’s rock/folk music speaks of life on the American Road. Jay Smar performs a variety of different types of music including old time country, traditional and original folk music, bluegrass, and traditional and original mining songs. And Lorne Clarke is a remarkable songsmith. In his lyrics, he paints colorful portraits of ordinary people. Join us for our fourth gathering. Tickets are $5.00.

And Tennessee Heartstrings Band is back! They will perform at the Dietrich Theater on Wednesday, August 24th at 7:30 pm. Former Tunkhannock native, Bo Jamison, known in Tunkhannock as Sharon Hebda, when she worked at the Tunkhannock Public Library, will bring to northeast Pennsylvania her Tennessee Heartstrings Band, an all woman bluegrass group characterized by tight vocal harmonies, energetic stage performances, and a crowd pleasing mix of traditional and original acoustic music. Speaking of the four musicians in the band, Kathy Mattea, recording artist, has said, "I love these women! They are wonderful musicians who all happen to be female, playing authentic and inspired bluegrass. I love it that any one of them can be found singing lead at any given time. Great harmonies, great instrumentals, and wonderful original songs." Fiddle, banjo, and acoustic guitar are all featured.

Last August, this group performed to a sold out theater. Advance tickets at $10 are available and can be reserved by calling 570-996-1500. They will be sold at the door if still available.

And there is still time to sign up for August Pottery and Sculpture, Open Studio for Drawing and Painting, Yoga for You, Decorative Painting, and other summer classes for adults and children.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting for Adults II, ages 16 and up

Students will add to their "toolbox" by focusing on the physical life of their characters. Students will strengthen their technique, and learn how to apply their skills to material that is more complex and stylistic. This class session will culminate in a showcase of students work open to the public. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $60 for the six-week session.

Instructor: Sara Lane, M.F.A. in Acting from the National Theatre Conservancy

Decorative Painting for Adults, age 13 and up, Spring and Summer Day Sessions

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, August 3 -31. noon - 3:00 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 13 and up, Spring and Summer Night Sessions

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call 570-996-1500 to register

Thursdays, August 11, 18. 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Drawing Knights, Princesses, and Dragons, ages 8-12

In this camp, students ages 8-12 will learn about medieval times as they create their own knights, princesses, and dragons story and illustrate it. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday, August 22-Friday, August 26 from 10:00-11:30 am

Admission is $45.00

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Open Studio

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at thier own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. August 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $30 per child, $45 per adult per session

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery & Sculpture

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building techniques. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register

Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm. August 8, 15, 22, 29.

$45 for four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Theatre and Visual Arts Camp - Knights, Princesses, & Dragons

Theater and art activities centered around medieval times.

Ages 5-12: Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 from 10 am - noon. Ages 4 and 5: Tuesday, August 9 - Thursday, August 11 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Cost: $45 for ages 5 - 12, $30 for ages 4 and 5

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

Writers Group

Love to write? The group celebrates all different types of writing styles and formats. Join at any time. Admission is free.

Thursdays through August 25, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

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

Yoga for You at Night!

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.

Mondays, August 8, 15, 22, 29 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

$10 per class

Instructor: Angela Heffron

Yoga for You -Saturdays

This class will teach or reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas) which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Special attention will be given to proper breathing and alignment in the postures. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:00 am -11:00 am

Admission is $10 per class.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor