At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Okay. So. Last week I started my column with “Oy.” . Make it a double “Oy” this week. So here is why I changed my mind on King Kong and why it will open Wednesday, December 14 at the Dietrich theater. Besides the fact that I obviously have no character, cannot stick to anything and cannot be trusted to tell movie schedule truth, here is why I changed my mind at the very very last minute and scheduled Kong: because it is going to be the biggest movie of the year and I simply couldn’t have the Dietrich miss out on it! Couldn’t! Too exciting.

Plus, Narnia did not come in with the numbers it should have. And that had been my major concern. If Narnia was packing the house, then how could I play it in the Murray? But although Narnia sold out for the seven o’clocks on Friday and Saturday, it didn’t during the daytime. And since the opening weekend is the big one for a film, I could only think that although the numbers may hold, they certainly weren’t going to get better.

Therefore, enter Kong. Every review on it is incredible. Rottentomatoes.com, which is very, very tough on the movies, gave it a one hundred percent rating. Ebert and Roeper gave it two thumbs way up. Everywhere you look it’s a winner. So when Jeffrey e.mailed me on Sunday and asked me if I was sure I didn’t want Kong, I completely fell apart. What to do. What to do. Many hours of hand-wringing later, I e.mailed him back - - book it. So here we are. Narnia and Kong. The biggest movies of the season are here, in your hometown theater for your holiday viewing pleasure. Cool!

Just a note about Narnia. I saw it on Saturday night. It is a completely magnificent movie. If you are an Evangelical Christian you will see it as the story of Jesus. But if you’re not, you can still see it as a completely charming movie about a battle between good and evil (evil being wonderfully depicted as an absence of warmth). I loved it! It’s glorious. It is every good thing a movie can be! Come early to see it in the Murray.

The land is ours!!!! After all these years of dealing, one step forward, two back, it is ours! Last Thursday at 1:30 it became part of the Dietrich. (Well, actually, the bank owns it, so that’s why the big push to find 300 donors @$1,000.00 each. Then we won’t be burdened with debt when we start the capitol campaign. Also…the sign in the window of the building says parking for Dietrich customers or staff only. We had to put that up because the insurance company said we did. That protects us from lawsuit if someone parks there and they aren’t coming to the movies here. Or something. So that’s why the sign is there. (We didn’t want you to think we had bought the property and gone mean.)

Okay! This is it! The BEST Day of the year at the Dietrich is about to happen. On Monday Dec. 19 we have our annual showing of It’s a Wonderful Life, sponsored this year by the good folks of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church. It’s the best day, the best movie, in the best town. To me, Tunkhannock is Bedford Falls. Look at the wonderful things we have – grand little shops, fine restaurants, a state-of-the-art library, a terrific hospital, a superb fire company, and the friendliest people in the world. Does it get better than here? I don’t think so.

So, come to the Dietrich this week. See one of the two biggest movies of the season. Come very, very early for It’s A Wonderful Life. Sign up for Jane Friedman’s workshop (2 spaces left) or just come into the gallery to look at the grand displays in the cases. Our Stephen has his magical circus on display again (it’s as pretty as anything in the movies), Amy Colley’s one hundred year old doll house is on display and Sarah’s and Linda’s teddy bears and Christmas tea sets are there too. Do come on down. We love to see your dear faces!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a snowy Christmas in Our Hometown! We had a great time with Rand Whipple and the Dietrich’s Pantomime troupe during their performances of “Weird, Wild, and Wonderful - A Look at the Holiday Season”. Thank you, Tunkhannock Kiwanis club for your sponsorship of those shows. And the holiday workshop was so festive with Bill Frye entertaining, ornament making, cookie decorating, and creations by the balloon lady.

Looking ahead, we are all excited about this Sunday, December 18, especially members of the Dietrich Theater’s Writers Group! Jane Friedman, Executive Editor of Writer’s Digest Books, will give a workshop at the Dietrich Theater’s Peg Fassett Performance Studio. She will talk about how to find an agent and discuss how a book is actually sold once a publisher has picked it up. After the lecture there will be a question and answer session.

As Executive Editor of Writer's Digest Books, Jane Friedman acquires 30 new titles every year for F+W Publications. Her editorial resume includes turns at Writer's Digest magazine, Novel Writer and Publishing Success magazines, North Light Books, and The Evansville Review. Jane also serves as fiction editor for IdentityTheory.com and teaches composition at the University of Cincinnati. She holds a BFA in creative writing and a MA in English. Admission to this workshop is $15.00. There is only a couple of spaces left, so call the Dietrich as soon as possible to register at 996-1500.

Then on Monday the 19th, join us for two free showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 2 pm and 7 pm. These showings are a holiday tradition at the Dietrich. This black and white Frank Capra classic comes to life on the big screen. Every year it is great to hear the audience sing along to “Auld Lang Syne” at the movie’s end. This year we would like to say thank you to the Tunkhannock Methodist Church for their sponsorship of the event. We will provide free popcorn and soda, and the ladies of the Methodist church have said they will bring cookies.

On “It’s a Wonderful Life” day, our Dietrich Theater movie gift bags will be a dollar off. They make the perfect gift. They are beautifully wrapped and are great for people of all ages. Families like them because they can enjoy a night out together. We have plenty of bags on hand, so just stop by and pick one up!

And we are pleased to announce, we have a new line up of classes and events for 2006! There is something for everyone. We will have the After School Players for those young actors in your life, Preschool Art, Pottery and Sculpture for students and adults ages 13 and up, quilting, yoga, a new mosaic class, and more! If you are interested in receiving a brochure, give the theater a call at 996-1500.

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 environment. Classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School.

Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 from 3:30 - 5:15 pm.

Cost: Free!

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff.

Decorative Painting, ages 13 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration required.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dietrich After School Players

For grades 5 - 12. Learn the theatre arts while preparing for the play "Get a Clue!" including costuming, set design, makeup, and performing for an audience at the Dietrich. Sponsored in part by State Farm Insurance and PA Partners in the Arts.

January 9 - March 4th. Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Admission is $80 for the nine-week workshop

Directors: Carl Candey and Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre.

Functional Mosaics, ages 13 to adult

Students will provide their choice of furniture (end table, mirror, etc.)to enhance by using mosaic tiles in their own unique design.

Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

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

Holiday Camp, ages 6 and up

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing, and painting as well as famous artists in those fields in this holiday camp. Enjoy one day of camp or explore the arts in all three days. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

December 27 from 9:30 -11:00 am - Pottery. December 28 from 9:30 - 11:00 am - Drawing. December 29 from 9:30 - 11:00 am - Painting.

Admission is $15 per class or $30 for all three classes.

Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley, M.F.A., B.F.A.

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Interlocking Boxes" - Learn the tricks of discovering new patterns inside this intriguing design. Family members can collect these charming 6" blocks and stitch them into one memorable quilt.

Wednesdays, January 11 - March 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Sign Language

Learn the manual alphabet and some basic signs. For ages 8 to adult.

Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $30.

Instructor provided by the Scranton School for the Deaf

Jewelry for Kids, ages 8 and up

Make a necklace and bracelet, one jute and one on wire - large selection of beads to choose from.

Tuesday, March 14th from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $9, includes all materials.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. and create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, ,pastels, etc.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3; Session 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3; Session 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes.

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

Mixed Media, ages 9 -12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. and create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempra, charcoal, pastels etc.

Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes.

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

Mommy & Me Mixed Media

For ages 3 and 4. Young artists and their moms, dads, or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays, 10:30 - 11:15 am, Session 1 - February 3, 10, 17, 24; Session 2 - March 3, 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

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

Mosaic Design, ages 13 to adult

Learn basic techniques as you create and assemble your own mosaic design using ceramic tiles.

Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

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

Mosaic Murals, ages 13 to adult

Students will learn the process of creating ceramic murals as they design their own original works using clay and plaster molds.

Thursdays, February 9, 16, 23, March 2 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

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

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery

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

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31; Session 2 - Feb. 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., M.F.A.

Painting on Glass

Paint a spring bouquet on a vase. All levels of experience welcome. For students ages 13 to adult.

Wednesday, March 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $17, all materials included.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Session 2 - Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - March 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

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

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2; Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 3. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

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 a puppet performance in the Dietrich's very own theater.

Tuesdays, March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission is free!

Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Friendship Star" - Experience the joys of team quilting while playing our new quilting games. Each student will take home their own quilt. Stitch one star in three lessons or stitch a sky full.

Wednesdays, January 11 to March 29 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, Terri Keller, Mary Louise Dodge

Writers Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write. All genres and levels of writing are welcome.

Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Meeting are ongoing.

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 through December from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

$10 per class

Instructor: Mary Frances Giodano, certified Hatha yoga instructor

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 through December from 10:00 am -11:00 am

Admission is $10 per class.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor