At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

This is one of my favorite columns because this is where I get to tell you my top ten picks of the year. There are only a few rules I put on myself for this little exercise in self-absorption. First is that it had to show at the Dietrich, second is that I have to have actually seen it (I don’t always see every film that comes in - - most, but not all) and it can’t be a festival film. The reason it can’t be a festival film is that they would always be in the top ten and there would be no room for Hollywood movies. So this list is comprised of the regular films I saw and really, really liked (so if you have my taste in movies and didn’t catch any of these you can rush to the video store and rent them. If you don’t have my taste in film then you can studiously avoid these when browsing at the video store. Good deal, right?)

Sadly, I didn’t get to see Good Night and Good Luck which I think was a superb film, but I didn’t see it so it can’t be part of the top ten. Nor did I see March of the Penguins (baby penguins died, so it’s not for me) so that also can’t be on the list. So here are the films I actually saw and really, really loved. (If you could care less about what films I loved, read no further.)

10. Oliver Twist. What a great portrait of Victorian times when women and children were simply chattel and no one cared about either. A wondrous rendition of Dickens work. (Don’t feel too badly if you didn’t see it - - almost nobody did. It was a huge box-office flop, and I don’t know why.)

9. The Great Raid. Although not as good as the book, it was a fine take on Ghost Soldiers, about the survivors of the Bataan Death March. If you are at all interested in WW2 history, this is a good one to see.

8. King Kong. Magnificent special effects, great cast, terrific (if obviously off-beat) love-story. Only problem? The darned ape dies at the end. Why doesn’t someone re-make it with old Kong and the dame going off into the sunset together?

7. The Constant Gardener. Another superb performance by Ralph Fiennes. A complex film about love and politics and the state of the have-nots in a world where the gap between rich and poor countries continues to widen.

6. The Upside of Anger. A tour de force for both Kevin Costner as the laid back ex-baseball player and Joan Allen as the uptight and so, so angry abandoned wife. The portrayal of a real family with all it’s warts and love is amazing. It’s both funny and deeply touching. I loved it!

5. Finding Neverland. Johnny Depp never ceases to amaze, and in this based-on-fact performance he simply outdoes himself. The story of J.M. Barrie and the writing of Peter Pan, this is superb in every way. And thrilling. And very, very sad.

4. In Her Shoes. I was so crazy about this film I saw it three times. It may be a chick-flick, but it wouldn’t hurt a man to watch it. It’s about values, and finding what is lost, and the fierce love between sisters that can transcend all obstacles. I laughed and cried all the way through and the ending is gloriously uplifting. (I’m actually going to buy it when it comes out on DVD - - something I almost never do.)

3. Chronicles of Narnia. Whether you wish to see in this the journey of Christ, the betrayal and salvation or you see it as a wondrous story about the battle between good and evil in the make-believe world of oh-so-British children, it is superb. It is very nearly a perfect film. I’ve seen it twice.

2. War Of The Worlds. Tom Cruise’s personal silliness aside, this is one terrific family adventure film. The story of an everyman jerk who just wants to save his kids (no high-flying goals here) it is a grand adventure. Fun and scary at the same time.

1. What else? It’s A Wonderful Life. Still the ultimate story of love, sacrifice and honor with stars so huge they fill every nook and cranny of the theater. In my mind, it’s the best film ever made. Ever.

I’d love to hear from you if you disagree or agree. Hildya@epix.net. You’re welcome to yell at me for an included or excluded film. (That’s part of the fun of this column.)

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Christmas break is here! It is great to see entire families come in for a matinee of King Kong or Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Narnia is great for all ages and I have only heard great things about Peter Jackson’s Kong. So stop by for some popcorn and a little entertainment.

Now it is time to look to a new year. At the Dietrich we will be offering a great line up of classes and events. Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theatre will be back for their fourth year of After School Players for grades 5-12. The kids who take this acting workshop fall in love with the theatre arts as they create a great production. This year the group will be preparing for their performance “Get a Clue” - an audience participation mystery for the entire family. Before the kids start rehearsals, they play team-building games to build a cohesive cast. From January 9th to March 4th on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm, the After School Players learn about costuming, set design, makeup, and the art of acting! No acting experience is required and everyone receives a part. Admission to this nine-week workshop is $80. Need -based scholarships are available. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to sign up. This is an amazing experience!

The Decorative Painting group will also be starting a new set of projects in January under the direction of Eileen Balboa. Let me tell you, her work is amazing! For Christmas, she made me this beautiful candle stand and Christmas ornament. They are very ornate and thoughtful gifts. She is not only a very gifted artist; she also has a special talent of being able to teach others to make decorative pieces of their own. I have first hand knowledge of this. I took a few of her class this past fall. Having had no experience in painting before, I made three pretty impressive projects myself. Some of ladies I work with couldn’t believe I made those projects without any experience! (She is that good.)

So anyway, the new year is the perfect time to try new things like decorative painting. Eileen’s classes are held on Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm starting on January 18th. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. This is a fun way to learn painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Admission is $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration is required. Call us at the theater to sign up.

We will also continue providing art classes for kids of all ages. Last week Joseph Elias, one of Amy Colley’s younger Mixed Media students, stopped by to pick up a ceramic tile that he made in class. He had painted a very nice looking reindeer on it. He was beaming as he showed his piece of art to his mother. The creativity students express through their work is outstanding.

For adults and students age 13 and up, we will also be offering “Pottery & Sculpture”, “Open Studio for Painting, Drawing, & Pottery”, and our new Mosaic series with Steve Colley. For more information about any of these offerings, call the Dietrich 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.

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 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Classes are ongoing.

$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 from 10:00 am -11:00 am. Classes are ongoing

Admission is $10 per class.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor