As the winds whipped the landscape last week, a whirlwind of activity was going on at the Dietrich Theater. Four of our events – Readers Meeting Writers, Wyoming County Reads, After School Players and Winter Fest – concluded for the year with rip-roaring success. But that’s not all. WVIA was here for a celebration of National Theatre Live’s production of “Amadeus,” providing a wonderful talk by Larry Vojtko and lots of coveted giveaways.

March certainly came in like a lion here at the Dietrich.

What a pleasure it was to be a witness to the conclusion of Readers Meeting Writers at the Tunkhannock Middle School. Cindy Noonan, visiting author, told 30 students about all the steps it took for her fictional character Moses to reach his goal to eventually become a writer. She also told them all the steps it took for her daughter to become an FBI agent. Then she challenged them to write all the steps it would take them to reach a future goal of theirs. This is indeed a rare experience, enabling students to meet a writer up close and personal and learn of the art of writing.

Wyoming County Reads also came to an end this last week when all gathered at the Tunkhannock Public Library for the final discussion of “Out of Africa” by Isak Dinesen. Discussion leader Bill Chapla reiterated why this is such an important book and movie, especially for the beauty of its language, but also for its affirmation of the importance of preserving out beautiful earth. Chapla received an ovation at the end of the session, as he always does. Stay tuned to announcements about the book to be chosen for Wyoming County Reads 2018. You will be the first to know.

After School Players was one of the very first programs we brought to the Wyoming County Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater. Sponsored by The Overlook Estate Foundation this year, it is a free theatre arts program for middle and high school students. Many canceled classes, due to all the school closings this year, have really challenged the students and director, but they are sure to come through as they always do. Brenda Fager, director, and Mary Troy, assistant, work miracles with the students who were so enthusiastic about the performance on March 4.

Looking ahead to the next weeks, the Dietrich is still in a flurry of activity.

If you did not see “Amadeus,” you have one more chance at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 12. National Theatre Live will blow you away with its stunning cast and innovative version of the story of Salieri and his obsessive jealousy of young Mozart. Totally unique is the onstage presence of the orchestra and its role in the production.

National Theatre Live will be back again at 2 p.m. the next Sunday, March 19, with the Henrik Ibsen classic play of “Hedda Gabler.” Just back from her honeymoon, Hedda is already bored with her marriage and feeling trapped. Come and see Ruth Wilson bring a new interpretation of that role to the screen.

And just as we conclude Winter Fest, we are announcing our Spring Film Festival beginning April 7: A three-week foreign and independent film festival, lasting until April 27. People are already reserving seats for the opening night gala. To get a heads-up about the featured films, come to the free Preview Day at 1 or 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23. So many good films concentrated in a three-week feast. Preview Day features all the trailers of the films – a wonderful way to whet your appetite.

Whew! Hold on to your hats as the March winds blow and the Dietrich features so many events you won’t want to miss. For information or reservations for any of them, call 570-996-1500.

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More Than Movies

Margie Young

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or news@s24528.p831.sites.pressdns.com.