More than 400 preschool children “stormed the stage” for the Tom Knight Puppet Show last Thursday. Not all at once, of course, but at three performances, to celebrate the Month of the Young Child.

These three performances, sponsored by Toni Hockman, enable all preschools in the area to experience the art of Tom Knight, puppeteer, song composer and singer – a one man show that has a theater full of children singing, moving and dancing. Many of the preschools teach his songs, so the little ones arrive ready to sing along. Tom Knight is a true rock star of the preschool set. He has the gift of total communication with this age group, teaching lessons and even charming adults.

This was Tom’s 16th year of performances at the Dietrich Theater.

For those little ones going through Tom Knight withdrawal or little ones who would love to sing and play instruments, Abi Zieger and Music for Littles is the answer. Music for Littles is scheduled for 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesdays in May and July and is free for children accompanied by adults. Sponsored by the Tunkhannock Rotary Club, this class is pure fun for ages 3-5, accompanied by their caretakers. They will have hands-on experiences with simple instruments and learn songs to share at home.

Last Thursday night, 25 film festival goers had the unique opportunity to hear screenwriter Heather Davis tell the story of the making of the movie “Completely Normal.” Introduced by her former high school teacher, Bill Chapla, she told how she was asked by a friend to write a screenplay about the relationship of two individuals, a man and a woman, who are not considered in conventional ways to be “normal.” Greg is a stalker and Gwen has a multiple personality disorder.

It was commented at the Q and A after the film that it is so important to show that people who have challenges like these can still desire and have surprisingly normal relationships. The Dietrich Theater is so pleased to feature local artists like Heather Davis and her film crew. It was a very special night.

Our Super Hero workshop with Everhart Museum educator Michael is winding up this month, but all are invited to take a bus trip to the Everhart Museum in Scranton to see the exhibit that inspired the workshop. The Everhart Museum Superhero Bus Trip from the Dietrich to Nay Aug Park in Scranton is on Saturday, July 15, leaving the theater at 9:30 a.m. and returning at 2 p.m.

Sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation, the trip costs $7 per person which includes the bus and lunch, and the chance to tour Nay Aug Park to see the enchanting tree house and walk down to the breathtaking gorge. Reservations are required.

Our big news is that we have a special event for the whole family at 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day – and it is free!

A special friend of the Dietrich is sponsoring a phenomenal concert, featuring the Madison String Quartet, four renowned musicians who play the violin, viola and cello. They will be joined by a French Horn player, a unique addition to the concert. This will be a concert involving the audience, a concert that explores music in a way that is energetic and inventive. A perfect treat for everyone and a very special treat for mom and the whole family.

Just a reminder that our “George Washington Slept Here” performances are cancelled due to circumstances not in our control.

So much has happened in the last week at the Dietrich. So much is planned for the spring and summer. Information about it all is available online at dietrichtheater.com or by picking up a brochure in our lobby.

For reservations or information, 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.