Hal Pratt, leprechaun expert and storyteller, at the Dietrich's Leprechaun Lore
“We are pleased to see so many generations were here for Leprechaun Lore. Storytelling is so magical and Hal Pratt is entertaining for all ages,” says Erica Rogler, Dietrich Theater Executive Director. Almost 50 were in at the Dietrich Theater last weekend, half of them children, to learn all about leprechauns and even see Hal turn into one. Thank you, Hal, for bringing your artistry to the Dietrich stage.
What was your favorite film in the Winter Fest? My favorite was Every Little Thing, the movie about Terry Masear, a hummingbird rescuer, a true story of restoring life to so many of these little creatures, and at the same time restoring her own life. If you are looking for a hopeful, beautiful movie, try to see it.
A very faithful group of us always look forward to the Post Film Discussion with Ronnie Harvey, our Film Booker. One reason is that he brings us interesting tidbits of information about the films. For instance, the movie about opera singer Maria Callas called Maria was one of a trilogy of films about famous women, directed by Pablo Larrain. The other two were Jackie, about Jackie Kennedy and Spencer, about Princess Diana. If you liked Maria, you can stream the other two.
Ronnie also told us that The Brutalist, Anora, and Conclave were the films that brought the most people to Winter Fest. Other popular films were Every Little Thing, The Room Next Door, Lee, and A Real Pain. All inspired lively discussion. And that is what film festivals are all about, that is, looking at the lives of others in a new way. The good news is that we will get another chance to see 21 more foreign and independent films in Spring Fest, beginning April 25.
Do you know that all preschool classes at the Dietrich are free? Because they are sponsored by the Dietrich Fundraising Committee, children ages 4 and 5 can take free art classes, taught by Amy Colley. Preschool Mixed Media is now in session on Thursdays at 11:00-11:45 a.m. through April 10. Preschool Pottery and Sculpture for ages 4 and 5 is on Thursdays 11:00-11:45 a.m. April 17, 24, May 1 and 8. And Preschool Drawing and Painting is coming up in May. To register call the Dietrich at 570-836-1022 x3.
Art classes are also offered for the 5-12 age group. Pottery and Sculpture for Kids, ages 5-12, taught by Amy Colley, is so popular that there are two sessions each week. Coming up in April are Tuesday and Friday sessions.The Tuesday session starts April 15 through May 6 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Friday sessions start on April 18 through May 9 at 4:00-5:30 p.m. $40 for 4 class session. Call the number above to register.
And all Open Mic Night fans will be glad to hear that Open Mic Night season begins Friday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. and will continue every 4th Friday through October. If you have a talent to share such as music, poetry, comedy, or other talent, arrive at 6:30 to register. The featured performer is Molly Keiser who has starred in 6 musicals at the Tunkhannock Area School District. Admission is free. Viola Henning is the host of Open Mic and will welcome you to the first one of 2025. There is so much more going on at the Wyoming County Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater. Visit DietrichThetaer.com or pick up at brochure at the theater to learn more about classes, events and movies at the Dietrich.
What will bring you to the Dietrich this spring? I always love the Master Gardeners’ seed exchange and program. This year it is called Gather and Grow: Community Plant and Seed Swap this Saturday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. with a presentation by Penn State Extension on Plant Myths Debunked at 10:30. All are invited to this free event.
As I write this column the sun is shining, the witch hazel in the rain garden is still blooming. Come celebrate spring with us! We always have something to brighten or enlighten your day!
