AJ Arts & Entertainment

MORE THAN MOVIES

November 18, 2009

MORE THAN MOVIES Dietrich Theater Erica Rogler

In just a few short months, the Dietrich stage will come to live with a theater production of the play “The Grapes of Wrath.” Adapted from John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, this play by Frank Galati shows one farm family’s struggle to overcome the devastation of the Great Depression with humanity and dignity intact. This Saturday, Nov. 21, the Dietrich will hold its first auditions for the play. We are looking for actors and musicians for this community-based project. Needed are seven women ages 14 to 80, and 18 men, ages 12 to 80, and musicians who play guitar, banjo, fiddle and other instruments for folk/country/bluegrass music.

Auditions will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and again on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Dietrich. Actors will be asked to read from the script. Copies of scenes are available at the theater and on www.dietrichtheater.com. Musicians will be asked to play a short piece of their choice. Everyone is encouraged to audition. If you are interested in working behind the scenes, please let us know—we’d be more than happy to have your help. Whatever your experience level, lots to a little, all are welcome! The play, directed by Jennifer Jenkins, will be presented March 10 to 14, 2010. Call the Dietrich at 570.996.1500 for more information about the project or to make an appointment to audition.

Besides holding auditions this Saturday, the Dietrich will be hosting a basketry class with master basketry artist Susi Nuss. She will be back to teach Introduction to Twined Basketry. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day, students will learn the skills of basic twining while creating a small square to round basket of natural materials. Students are welcome to incorporate items they have collected in advance of the session into their baskets. Additional materials will be provided. Students will leave with their own unique basket. Admission is $60, and adults and students ages 16 and up are welcome to attend. I really enjoy talking to Susi about basketry. Her wealth of knowledge on the subject is amazing, plus you can really see her passion for the art by how her face lights up when discussing baskets.

Speaking of classes, there is still time to register for our upcoming Introduction to Stained Glass class. On Monday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. adults and students ages 16 and up, will have the opportunity to learn the first steps of creating stained-glass pieces. Instructor Esther Harmatz will teach students how to work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap and solder. By the end of the session, each student will leave with a finished item. All supplies and equipment will be provided. Admission is $55. This is the perfect class to take if you are interested in learning a new form of art but don’t have the time to take ongoing classes. Call the Dietrich at 570.996.1500 to register.

And mark your calendars, Tunkhannock’s Christmas in Our Hometown will be held on Dec. 4 and 5. Join us for the celebration in downtown Tunkhannock. On Dec. 4, the theater will host two free showings of the Jim Henson Christmas movie Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Seating is first come, first served. This movie is brought to you in part by the Jim Henson Legacy Foundation. Then, on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the theater will hold its Holiday Workshop for all ages. There will cookie decorating, holiday crafts, singing and creations by the balloon lady. Admission is free. We thank Angelo Ventresca Associates for sponsoring the event.

As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!

Erica Rogler is a staff member of the Dietrich Theater

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