First Posted: 5/3/2014

Would you like to see a movie that is narrated by Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Ashley Judd? Sounds promising, right? Well, you will have an opportunity to see such a film at the Dietrich Theater. Join us for a free showing of “A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet” on Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. This documentary gives audience members a view into the history of the environmental movement from conservation to climate change.

Directed and written by Mark Kitchell, “A Fierce Green Fire” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 and has received acclaim at various festivals across the globe. After the movie showing, you will have a chance to visit with a couple of environmental organizations from our area in the Dietrich’s galleries. Free tickets will be available at the door or they can be reserved in advance by calling 570-996-1500.

Another free event that’s coming to the Dietrich Theater is a free jazz concert on Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m. The concert will showcase Scranton-born lyricist Ned Washington’s contributions to America’s music history. He wrote greats like “When You Wish Upon a Star”and lyrics from “High Noon” and “Rawhide.”

Vocalist Dennis Jeter and his bandmates including drummer Luca Santaniello, bassist Joseph Lepore and guitarist Joe Cohn will play Washington’s most celebrated songs, and Dr. Philip Mosley will trace his life in songwriting. This free concert was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Donations will be accepted at the door. Tickets will be available at the door or can be reserved ahead of time by calling the theatre. .

This month, the Dietrich will also be offering a couple of new workshops for adults, as well, including an Artifact Writing Workshop and a jewelry making class. On Wednesdays, May 14 through June 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., students will be encouraged to explore new territories and topics in writing. Taught by Laurel Radzieski, participants will work with prompts focusing on content over specifications in form as they explore various genres of writing. Writers of all levels of experience are welcome. Admission is $55.

Then on Thursday, May 22 from 6 to 9 p.m., you will have an opportunity to learn how to create a beautiful butterfly necklace. Toni Hockman will teach students this stringing technique using needle and thread and a colorful assortment of beads. I have taken a couple of jewelry making classes with Toni previously and am looking forward to learning this new jewelry technique. Students will be able to choose from two color schemes: fuchsia and purple or orange and blue. Admission is $35 and all materials will be provided. Please call the Dietrich for more information or to register for either of these classes.

Oh, and before I forget, Perkins Restaurant in Tunkhannock will be hosting a fundraiser for the Dietrich on Thursday, May 15. To help out all you have to do is eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at Perkins between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. that day and 20 percent of your bill (less taxes and gratuities) will go to support children’s programming at the Dietrich. To participate, please pick up a pink ticket for this event at the Dietrich’s ticket booth. How easy! Right?

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