Editor’s note: This week’s column was written by Dietrich Theater Program Director Margie Young. Erica Rogler will return next week.
It is wonderful to see so many people coming to the Spring Film Festival movies. I have been able to see eight so far, and top on my list are “Brooklyn,” “Lady in the Van” and “Trumbo.”
“Brooklyn” introduces us to Saoirse Ronan, who plays a young Irish immigrant coming to Brooklyn, New York, in the 1950s. It is an old-fashioned love story, lovely to look at, and honestly shows the plight of those who leave one culture to live in another. “Lady in the Van” is not the comedy you think it might be from the trailer. It is a very complex story of a complex character played by the always superb Maggie Smith, dealing with the ordeals of the homeless, and reminding us that what a person appears to be is not necessarily who the person really is. And “Trumbo” tells such an important story about the 1940s and 1950s, but it is so relevant today. Bryan Cranston plays the role of Dalton Trumbo, a Hollywood screenwriter who was blacklisted because of his political beliefs. Is it conceivable that this could happen today? See the movie and it will make you ask that question.
All three of these movies have showings through April 21, truly important stories that are guaranteed to entertain and enlighten.
We are delighted to partner once again with Bucknell University at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23 to bring you a free showing of the student-made film “Stories of the Susquehanna: Utopian Dreams.” In this documentary film, Bucknell students discover and untold the stories of early Susquehanna River Valley communities, highlighting the legacies of the utopian Pantisocracy project associated with Joseph Priestly and Samuel Coleridge and French Azilum. If you are like me and know little about this subject but love to learn local history, this is a great opportunity to do so.
Another bit of history will be captured at open mic at 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, when the featured performance will be Old Time Radio with two veteran Dietrich Radio Players actors Rich Ryczak and Owen Frazier. Presenting scenes from the Jack Benny Show, a Charlie McCarthy hilarious comedy, and, of course, the always popular “Who’s on First,” made famous by Abbott and Costello, Rich and Owen will encourage you to close your eyes, sit back, and experience “theater of the mind.” At the beginning of evening musicians, poets, comedians, and performers of all types are invited to share their talents. Come at 6:30 p.m. to sign up if you have something entertaining to share.
Save the date for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, for the whole family to attend Meet the Orchestra with Abi and Timothy Zieger and their musician friends. Learn about the instruments of the orchestra and how they work together to make music. You may even try to play one of the instruments. This is a great opportunity to share a musical experience with children and all your friends and family.
So come to the Dietrich to catch some very special movies, enjoy old time radio, or enjoy a musical family event. While you are at it pick up a Spring and Summer Brochure with listings of so many more events and classes. You will find even more opportunities to come to the Dietrich.
We hope you do!
