At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So, sometimes life gives you these little surprises. We had expected a so/so weekend because The Santa Clause and Flushed Away weren’t huge hits and now they were on their second weekend. But in one of those weird things that happens once in a great while, nationally the top three movies stayed exactly the same with only a small revenue drop. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that since we opened the Dietrich. Borat was number one, Santa was number two and Flushed Away came in third. Therefore, we had a fine weekend. Saturday night the Murray sold out and the Evans almost did. And everyone came really hungry so we went through literally bags and bags of popcorn. Lovely way to start the season!

And this Friday we will open what I think is going to be the biggest holiday movie of the year (with close numbers coming from Charlotte’s Web). Happy Feet. I can’t tell you how cute the trailers are, if you haven’t seen them. Those little computerized critters are as dear as you’ll ever find on the screen. And what a wonderful message it has for the kids – that it’s okay to be different. That this is a big, big world, and you can sing or dance to a different drummer.

Sometimes I look at today’s kids with all their after school activities, their sports and music and this and that and I see that they often need to carry calendars so they know where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to be doing, and I’m awed. I can’t imagine being that busy as an adult!

But on the other hand, I often wonder, when do they get to lie on their bed and look out the window and watch the seasons come and go. When do they get to dream about being superheroes or artists or whatever thrills them and just dream about it, not feel compelled to act. When do they get to take their dog for a walk and just love the walk, and the dog and have no other purpose?

And what happens if they don’t fit in? What happens to them if they’re out of tune or sync or rhythm?

Well, that’s what this glorious movie is about. Children will love it, because even when we do fit in, oftentimes we don’t feel that way when we are young. It’s a time of supreme self-consciousness, and terrible, anxiety-producing insecurity.

But, oh, this movie will make them feel so, so good. They sing, they dance, and the little fella who marches to a different beat becomes a hero.

And then there is the environmental message. We are messing up this beautiful, God-given earth. Our actions affect innocent creatures. For awhile things look bleak for the penguins, but then Man comes to save that which he has heretofore laid waste to. It’s uplifting, and inspirational and just plain wonderful. Jeffrey told us it was a “miracle of a movie” and he never, ever says anything like that.

So come see Happy Feet and kick off the wondrous season with us. In two weeks we hope to be opening The Nativity Story which is a straight telling of Mary and Joseph and the birth of the baby Jesus. If your church groups wish to have special shows, just give us a call. We always try to accommodate.

And thank you, dear, dear friends, for your generosity with lights for the great Christmas tree we are soon going to be putting up. We could use a few more, so feel free to drop them off at the theater. Tiny colored lights will look so spectacular right in the heart of town. Oh my, I love this time of year. Don’t you?

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

We know there are many writers in the area because we always have a great turn out for our Writers’ Group on Thursday nights (7-8:30 pm). Because of that interest, we thought we would team up with Pennwriters, Inc. and provide a one-day special workshop entitled “Writing for the Hot Markets” on Saturday, December 2 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. This workshop will provide answers to the questions of many aspiring authors such as how to break into the hot markets, what makes a market hot, how to find the hot markets, and how to write for the hot markets. The following authors who are already published in hot markets will be our featured guests: Eileen Berger (inspirational), Ty Drago (science fiction), Charlee Ganny (paranormal romance). Admission is $25, which includes lunch. Participants are invited to bring the first two pages of a work-in-progress for critique. This is great experience especially at that price! Reservations are suggested since seating is limited. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to make reservations.

And the day after that workshop, Sunday, December 2 at 2 pm, the Dietrich will be taking a trip to see The Northeast Theatre’s (TNT) production of “The Poor of Scranton” by Dion Boucicault. Join us for this performance about an unscrupulous banker who robs two generations of a deceased sea captain's family, but in the end, love wins the day. Written in 1857 as The Poor of New York, when it toured in 1858 it adapted the name and local references of whatever city is played. Following that tradition, the play has been adapted by John Beck and will be set in 19th century Scranton, and will feature projections of the City from that time. And what makes this trip even more special for us is that our own Joan Daniels will be playing the cello for this production.

We love to go to TNT’s theatre at the Hotel Jermyn and catching a play and dinner after. Last year we went to see “Over the River and Through the Woods” and “Waiting for the Parade”. Tickets are $16. For more information about this Dietrich trip, call 996-1500.

If you have more of an interest in the visual arts, our “Mosaic Design” class will be back at the Dietrich in December. Steve Colley will teach you how to design a mosaic from start to finish - from design, picking tiles, to cementing and grouting. It’s a fun process! In a matter of two weeks, you will have your own mosaic. Classes will be held on December 4, 5, 11, and 12 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Admission is $50. Call the theater for more information.

Next week I will have to tell you all about our Christmas and holiday festivities!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Decorative Painting, ages 16 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. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm, through November 29.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Drawing & Painting for Kids, ages 9 -12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color and value as they draw and paint from life. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

Golden Days of Radio Player Group

Come back with us to those thrilling days of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind". Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, through December 5 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission is free!

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp, ages 6 and up

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

From 9:30 - 11:00 am, December 27 - Pottery, December 28 - Drawing, December 29 - Painting

Admission is $15 per class or $35 for all three classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Holiday Crafts, for ages 8 to adult

Students will make a selection of holiday crafts including beeswax candles by the dipping method, wreath making, a large willow star. and several woven holiday tree ornaments. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

October 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2, 16, 30 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $60, all materials included.

Instructor: Bonnie Gale

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Cathedral of the Pines" - Learn the art of quilting while making a majestic "Pine Tree" pattern quilt. Create special nature effects with fabric. Learn about other classic tree blocks and quilts as well. Create one tree block or collect a forest. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays through December 13 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per class, all materials provided.

Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane and Ingrid Rogler

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists and create their own works using materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 3 - November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Cost: $35 for four classes, all materials included.

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Mosaic Design, age 13 to adult

Learn basic techniques as you create and assemble your own mosaic design using ceramic tile. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays and Tuesdays, December 4, 5, 11 & 12 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, 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. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 3 - November 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $50 for each series of four classes.

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

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. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. November 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cost: $50 for each series of four classes.

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

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool studens will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursday from noon - 12:45 pm. November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7.

Cost: $30 for a series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Flock with Us" - While geese fly south, flock with us as we make classic "Flying Geese" quilts. Students will learn about design as they artfully mix colorful old time fabrics with ones from today, and learn basic quilting techniques from piecing to embellishing, to binding a quilt. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays through December 13 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6.00 per lesson, materials included.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller and Peggy Lane

Willow Basketry for Adults, age 13 and up

Using basket willos and traditional techniques, students will make two different baskets over the next 6 sessions. The Danish Fruit Basket is made using a cardboard template and the base is the last thing to be woven. The Thanksgiving Bread basket will be ready for your Thanksgiving serving needs. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500.

Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2, 16, 30 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $100, materials provided.

Instructor: Bonnie Gale

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

Writing for the Hot Markets Workshop

Featured writers: Eileen Berger (Inspirational), Ty Drago (Science Fiction), and Charlee Ganny (Paranormal Romance). Bring the first two pages of work-in-progress for critique. Call 570-996-1500 for reservations. Seating limited.

Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Admission:$25 (includes lunch)

Sponsored by the Dietrich Theater and Pennwriters, Inc.

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 & Saturdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructors: Melissa Russo & Mary Frances Giordano: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructors