At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Ooooh. Do we have two goodies for you this week! I don’t know which one I’ll see first they’re both so fine! In the Evans we have “Walk The Line” and in the Murray we are showing “Pride and Prejudice.” Does it get better than that? Both movies have gotten raves from the critics and they’re just different enough that you should treat yourself to a double feature, since the films are so different and so interesting.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with “Walk the Line,” it’s the story of Johnny Cash in his youth and the start of his tumultuous and lifelong affair with June Carter, his beloved wife of many decades. Believe it or not, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon manage to capture to near perfection these two larger-than-life country singers and rebels with a cause. I remember hearing the Folsom Prison album when I was in my twenties and being utterly thrilled at the complexity of Cash’s voice and the thunderous applause from the inmates in one of the hardest maximum security prisons in the country. Those men loved him because he sang not only about prisons made of stone, but of the prisons of the soul. Cash was an addict for many, many years and the shadow of addiction would bedevil him most of his life, so he knew about prisons. Oh, yeah. And those songs of his came straight from his heart and pierced your soul. He wasn’t any pretty-boy country singer like those on the airwaves today. He was a heartbroken, dusty, hard-living cowboy and by God, he could suck you right into all that heartbreak. Come see the movie. Phoenix and Witherspoon are superb, and the soundtrack is worth the price of admission.

Then we have the beautiful Kiera Knightly as Elizabeth Bennett, the wise and funny Bennett sister who must look out for her family in a time when even a woman of substance had no place of her own in society. Now, I hope I love this film. My problem is that Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book in all the world. I read it every year just to thrill at the turns of phrase and the wonderful, sly tongue-in-cheek portraits Austin does of the society snobs she saw all around her. The A&E version is so perfect – so true to hairstyles and make-up and dress as well as the wonderful, wonderful characters, that this has a long way to go, as far as I’m concerned. Still, when Jeffrey and Heidi went to the Toronto film festival, this was their favorite film. They both thought it an exciting, romantic and wondrous adaptation. Hmmmph. We shall see. I’ll let you know what I thought and you tell me if you liked it. Again, the critics have unanimously given it thumbs way, way up.

I wish I could tell you what’s coming after these leave, but I don’t have a clue. I’m going to try to bring in The Producers, and Rent, and a few other second-run films. If there are any you particularly would like to see e.mail me or give me a call. I’m always willing to consider a request.

So this week time marches on in a bittersweet way. Pat Weese has been our board president for the last two years, and he is stepping down now and our dear Jodi Armstrong will be taking his place. We are thrilled to have Jodi become our fearless leader – she’s young and full of vitality and one heck of a grant writer. But it’s hard to say goodbye to our Patrick. He has put up with us old broads with enormous patience and humor for lo these many months and we know we ofttimes tried his patience. (He likes to say that working with us is like trying to herd cats.) But he’s been wonderful and he has promised to stay on our capitol campaign committee which is a blessing. We have so many plans to make the corner lot beautiful and we need him to help us see all those plans through.

So, welcome, Jodi -- - we know you’re going to make a great president. And thank you, Pat, for all your time and knowledge and patience and skill. Sigh. I hate goodbyes, even when the person isn’t really going anywhere!

Don’t forget - - we still need around two hundred people to donate one thousand dollars each to make the lot gorgeous. So, if you can, great. If you can’t, that’s okay, too. We love you anyway!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

It is our first full week of classes in 2006 and our Pottery & Sculpture and Open Studio students were glad to be back to create their own works of art while learning new techniques. Our After School Players theater group has started up again too. For some participants, this will be their fourth year taking part in this workshop. Students learn about so many aspects of the theater arts and have a great time making new friends in the process. This group of fifth through twelfth graders meets Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm to their performance date Saturday, March 4th. There are still openings for cast members and everyone gets a part! Admission is $80 for the nine-week workshop and need-based scholarships are available. Call the Dietrich for more information or to sign up.

Besides classes, the Dietrich has a great line up of events coming up in January and February. On Saturday, January 21st, we will have a free nature presentation called “For the Birds”. Katina Brown of the Wyoming County Conservation District will educate us about winter birds. Join us for her presentation on how the shape of a bird’s beak determines their favorite foods and vice versa. Katina will help you make several bird feeders to tide them over during the winter cold. This presentation is geared toward children preschool age and up. Preregistering for this presentation is recommended. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 to reserve your spot.

The Dietrich Theater and the Tunkhannock Public Library are also proud to announce our Second Annual Wyoming County Reads project. This year we would like to invite you to read “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding. Pick up your free book at the Dietrich, the Tunkhannock Library or other libraries in Wyoming County and join us for book discussions and the showing of the 1963 movie version of “Lord of the Flies”. The following is a listing of book discussion themes and dates:

Is This Book a Parable of Our Lives? - Wednesday, February 1st at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library.
Freedom or Control, What Does Society Need? - Wednesday, February 8th at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library.
Western Civilization: Veneer or Foundation? - Wednesday, February 22nd at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library.
What is Human Nature? What is Our Role in Nature? - Wednesday, March 1st at 7 pm at the Dietrich Theater.

Then on Wednesday, March 8th at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm the Dietrich will show the black and white 1963 version of “Lord of the Flies” on the big screen which will be followed by a movie discussion Reading a Movies, What is the Grammar of Film?. Admission to all of the discussions and the movie are free! Dr. Warren Bareiss, a Communications Instructor at Penn State Hazelton, Dr. Alicia Nordstrom from College Misericordia’s Department of Psychology and Dr. Justin Nordstrom from Penn State Hazelton’s Department of History will facilitate these discussions. So get your book, start reading and join us for lively discussions, refreshments, and a classic film.

Also in February, on Wednesday, February 15th, the Dietrich will host a live folk music concert featuring Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies from England. Last year he played to a sold out crowd at the Old Lynn Church, so the Dietrich teamed up with the organizers of The Old Lynn Concert series to bring this great show to you. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 570-996-1500. Visit www.jezlowe.com to learn more about his music.

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