Before Sunday, Nov. 8, I knew very little about Gino Merli and his heroism, but after seeing Tom Flannery’s play “The Last Thoughts of Gino Merli,” I gained an even greater appreciation of his service to his country and to his fellow veterans. I could not believe how powerful this one-man show was. It transported you to Gino’s experiences at Normandy on D-Day and to that day in Belgium where his heroic actions earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor.
We would like to thank Tom Flannery, Jim Langan, Bob Shlesinger and Scranton Public Theatre for bringing this production to us at the Dietrich Theater. We would also like to thank a very good friend of the Dietrich’s for underwriting the performance. This show has already been seen by over 36,000 school students which is remarkable, but it is a show that I think should be experienced by not only students, but by all of us.
Something else that can also be enjoyed by all is the Golden Days of Radio Players’ upcoming performance. Mark your calendars for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 for their holiday show. Directed by the Dietrich’s Esther Harmatz, you will experience radio in its heyday during their performances of popular holiday radio classics including “Jack Buys Don Shoelaces for Christmas” from the Jack Benny Show, which originally aired on Dec. 8, 1946; “Mr. Trimble’s Turnabout Christmas” from the Mysterious Traveler series and Our Miss Brooks “The Magic Christmas Tree” from Dec. 24, 1950.
Admission is free and the show will be followed by a light reception. We would like to thank an anonymous lover of radio plays for sponsoring this year’s performance. Tickets to the Dietrich’s Radio Players show can be reserved by calling the theater 570-996-1500 and will be available at the door as long as they last.
If you are looking for some pre-holiday activities for your kids this weekend, maybe so you can get some of those Thanksgiving errands done, the Dietrich is offering digital arts classes with Rand Whipple and his staff from Box of Light Studios this Saturday, Nov. 21. From Minecraft Events, to a LEGO Filmmaking Workshop, to a Robotics Jr. class, to a Mad Science demo and building session, there is something for any child who enjoys technology and science. For more information about or to register for any of the above mentioned workshops, call the theater.
For adults looking for a creative outlet or a way to gather with friends and de-stress, the Dietrich is offering a Fine Art Coloring Workshop this weekend. Local artist Jennifer Kozlansky has developed a stunning coloring book for adults. During the workshop she will share how she created the book and offer tips about color composition and blending techniques when coloring. Each participant will receive a copy of her “Art Escapes Fine Art Coloring Book.” All you have to do is bring your favorite people, a snack and pencils or markers (only if you have them – if not, borrow ours). Workshops will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. Admission is $15 and includes a coloring book. Relax, color and have fun.
As you can see, the Dietrich is more than the movies!
