At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a week coming up! We have two of the pictures that swept the Golden Globes Monday night. They are absolutely wonderful films - - the sort that makes you proud to be in the movie business.

We’re holding Walk The Line, a simply superb motion picture. Our Erica, who is very, very tough on movies (if she were a critic she’d shut down half the films ever made) is going to see it tonight for the third time. Yes! The third time. Sarah came back for a second showing. Sandy’s coming back, And I hope to catch it on Wednesday. I can’t wait. It got a Golden Globe for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress. A movie can hardly do better than that. My sister came with a friend who didn’t really like Johnny Cash (how, I ask you, can that be?) but she came anyway. When it was over she turned to my sister (who loved it!) and said she was so, so glad she’d come. She thought it was terrific!

We’ve got Brokeback Mountain for you so you don’t have to travel all the way to the Cineplex to see it. Margie and Sandy and I went to see it last week and we were overwhelmed by it’s haunting beauty, its complexity, it’s melancholy love story. This isn’t a movie about homosexuality, although the lovers are gay men. Rather, it is a movie about forbidden love. Fifty years ago it could have been a story about a black man and a white woman. One hundred years ago it might have been about a Catholic and a Protestant. But today, those things wouldn’t have a punch because they are accepted. Only homosexuality still bears that sting of societal disapproval.

It is a complex, adult film. Heath Ledger, never one of my favorites, is astonishing in his portrayal of the nearly mute cowhand who lives his life refusing to admit to what he is. Jake Gyllenhall, who believes they could have a life together, leads a life haunted by disappointment and frustration. And the women they marry? Their lives are, if not ruined, then shattered, as they always are when the person you marry doesn’t love you.

The final scene is one of the most melancholy and haunting I have ever seen, and it will stay with you for quite some time. If you love complex, intelligent, and thought-provoking movies, don’t miss this one. It is “R” rated and we will not let anyone in under the age of seventeen unless they are accompanied by an adult.

So, I ended up at the chiropractor’s office this week (the wonderful Sean Miller who saves me every time life gets to be too much) because, well…life got to be too much. First there was the courthouse last Wednesday morning where Kim Brungess was sentenced. She got two years probation and has to pay back $20,000.00 of the money she stole. We have a great adult probation department here, so I’m hoping they will see that the sentence is actually carried out. I know they’ll do their best. But, to tell you the truth, it didn’t feel too good watching the proceeding, knowing that she was essentially going to walk. And her defense attorney, (who is a nice woman and was only doing her job) told the judge that it had been particularly hard on Kim because she stole from the Dietrich. That seemed to me like the Menendez boys whining because they were orphans!

So, Sarah and my husband and I walked out of the courthouse feeling a little bad, but we weren’t terribly surprised. We knew that’s the way it would probably be. Then, as she and her entourage walked past us in the hallway she looked at me and laughed! Laughed! Every muscle in my body went rigid. Outside one of them pushed the Channel Sixteen cameraman and another looked at Mike Rudolf and said in a sing-song ha ha voice - - “Hey Mike, tell Hildy we said hi.” Big joke. Big, big joke. Nice, hmmm? Well, you can give people a chance, you can give them a job, you can give them every break, but you know what you can’t give them? A conscience. For her version of thirty pieces of silver she sold us all down the river.

So, thank the good Lord for chiropractors and good friends and a great theater and terrific customers and, you know, all the things someone like Mrs. Brungess simply wouldn’t understand.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Big concert news at the Dietrich! Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies will take the Dietrich stage on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:30 pm. Jez Lowe is internationally known in the folk music world for his song writing about mining and the people of his native Northeast England. He has made 16 albums over the past 25 years. Jez’s band, The Bad Pennies, is comprised of three gifted musicians who play a variety of instruments, including fiddle, Northumbrian pipes, accordion, whistles, percussion, and fretless bass. This concert will be part of their world tour. During February and March, Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies, will have a total of 28 tour dates in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Last year, Jez Lowe performed to a sold-out crowd at the Old Lynn Church. This year, the Old Lynn Concert Series organizers are joining forces with the Dietrich for this concert. The opening act will be Shawn Z. He is a great local talent and has performed at the Dietrich’s Fourth Annual Gathering of Singers and Songwriters last August. Tickets are $10. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 to reserve tickets.

In February, we will also start our Wyoming County Reads book discussion series. Free copies of “Lord of the Flies” are starting to be picked up at the Tunkhannock Public Library, the Dietrich, and other libraries in Wyoming County. We invite anyone interested in reading or rereading this classic novel to pick up their own copy while supplies last. While the time period in “Lord of the Flies” is not defined, this book seems especially timely after witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Our first discussion will be held on Wednesday, February 1st at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Call the Dietrich (996-1500) or the Tunkhannock Public Library (836-1677) for more details about this program. Admission to the discussions is free and refreshments will be provided. The Pennsylvania Humanities Council has helped sponsor Wyoming County Reads.

Also in February, we will be starting up our “Mommy & Me Mixed Media” class for three and four year olds. This age group is so imaginative. Today, I took a peek into our “Preschool Art” class and they were making sculptures. Each student was excited to show his or her clay creations. I saw tacos, pancakes, (Amy Colley, their teacher, said, “They must be hungry!”), kittens and more.

In Mommy & Me, students work with their moms, dads or grandparents to create artwork in the mediums of clay, collage, tempera, and watercolor. It is a great time for these young artists to create and interact with other children their age while spending quality time with a loved one. This series starts on Friday, February 3 from 10:30 – 11:15 am and continues for three additional Fridays at the same time. Admission to Mommy & Me is $25 and includes all materials.

And don’t forget about our upcoming “For the Birds” presentation this Saturday from 11:00 am – noon. Katina Brown, the Wyoming County Conservation District’s Environmental Educator, will share her wealth of knowledge of winter birds. This program is appropriate for children and families. Participants will also have the opportunity to make several bird feeders to tide birds over during the winter cold. Admission is free. We suggest preregistering by calling 996-1500 to ensure we have enough bird feeder supplies for everyone.

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