At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Oh my oh my oh my! What a Saturday night we had! It was a combination of the alignment of the stars, good karma, good popcorn, and really really good movies! Both theaters sold out! Both! Of course we always feel bad for the folks we have to turn away – we wish we had another hundred seats or so (that’s what it would have taken) but that notwithstanding, it is such fun to have sellout crowds.

Adding to the ambiance was the big chill outside. Brrrr, was it ever cold. So folks came in rosy cheeked and laughing, happy to be where it was warm and the popcorn was popping. It was one of those nights when the children watch the corn pop through the glass and laugh as it pushes the lid up and a veritable waterfall of popcorn comes tumbling into the case like a bunch of merry clowns. The kids just love watching it, and it makes me laugh to see them laugh.

Both movies are good. That doesn’t happen very often, but they both are. Pink Panther is pure silliness and we can hear the audience laugh as Steve Martin goes through his various pratfalls. You know, it’s the dead of winter here in northeast PA and by heavens we need something to make us chuckle. The weather isn’t exactly a bundle of laughs. (For those of us who love the snow this winter is a big bust!) And Steve Martin fills the bill. For those of you near my age, want to feel really, really old? The kids who work our concession didn’t know Pink Panther was a re-make nor had many of them heard of Shaggy Dog. That’s something along the lines of teaching the kids of the kids you taught when you first became a teacher. Or something. But the point is, it’s fun and people come out feeling cheerier than when they went in. That’s worth the price of admission.

Eight Below is a big, big hit for us. It’s number one in the nation and it’s been very, very good to us. The folks come out wiping away tears and simply loving it. It’s shot in a gorgeous location, the dogs are beautiful creatures (many are the same actor-dogs used in Snow Dogs) and the story is gripping. Now, a cautionary note here – it’s really not for the very young. Like many good Disney adventures, there are a few scary moments and there is some real sadness, so if you have a sensitive child under say, age eight, think twice before you bring them to this movie. But for those who love a grand adventure with a relatively happy ending, then this is a terrific movie to see. It’s a class A Disney production, and that’s as high praise as any movie can get.

For those of you who have asked, I am trying very hard to bring in Curious George. As soon as the movie companies will let us have it and we have a space, we will bring it in. I promise. That’s one for the wee ones and we’re doing our best. And we did not forget about The End of the Spear either, but it’s another problematic booking. We do the best we can, but one of the things everyone has to remember is how small we are, (we only feel mighty) and sometimes the movie companies simply say no. We nearly didn’t get Eight Below, as you know, because Disney had not planned on what is known as a wide release (in other words, they weren’t going to make the normal 3500 prints) so we were shut out. Then at the last minute they changed their minds, but that wasn’t the case with Curious George and it certainly isn’t the case with small film companies .

One of the reasons we have the film festivals is that we would never be given those movies first or even second-run. I can’t tell you how little power we have in the choosing of films. Jeffrey is truly remarkable in the range of cinema his skill as a booker affords us. We are always grateful to him.

So next week I’ll start to tell you some of the films for spring festival. Oooohhhh! They’re soooo good!!!!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies were pure entertainment - a complete delight! They put on a great show for us at the Dietrich last Wednesday night. Their song writing and musical styling gave you a small glimpse into life in northern England. The bag pipe solo was my favorite part of the night. The sold-out crowd seemed to enjoy the entire night from Jay Smar opening the show, to Shawn Z. at intermission, and of course, Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies. We hope to bring them back next year and to work again with the organizers of the Old Lynn Concert Series to bring some great entertainment to this area.

Tonight we will resume our Wyoming County Reads book discussion series at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Dr. Justin Nordstrom of Penn State Hazleton will lead the discussion "Western Civilization: Veneer or Foundation?" in regard to "Lord of the Flies". So far I have enjoyed hearing everyone’s view points on Golding’s classic novel. On March 8th, we will conclude these discussions with two free showings of the 1963 movie version of the book at the Dietrich followed by a discussion comparing the book to the film.

Oh, I also have a big announcement to make. In March, playwright Tom Flannery is returning to the Dietrich Theater with the world premiere of "5 Women", a play that explores the lives of five ordinary women forced by circumstances to become extraordinary. Some of the women you may know. Others you may recognize in your self. But all of them you will not soon forget. Directed by Agnes Cummings, there will be four performances of "5 Women" at the Dietrich’s Peg Fassett Performance Studio on March 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Reservations can be made by calling 570-996-1500. Tom Flannery’s "God and the Ghost of Woody Guthrie" also premiered at the Dietrich a couple of years ago. Tom is a talented playwright and singer/songwriter. We all look forward to his performances at our Gathering of Singers and Songwriters. "5 Women" is a play not to miss!

Also in March, we will have a one-time "Jewelry for Kids" workshop. On March 14th from 3:30 – 5:00, Sarah Sidorek will teach students how to make a jute necklace and a wire bracelet. Sarah will provide a large selection of beads and admission is $9.00 including all materials. To register, 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. 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 through 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 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 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, March 3, 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

Instructor: Amy 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 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 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 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 through 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