Michael Troy stands by some of his collection of play posters that his godfather gave him from the Morris A Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore and are now on display at the Dietrich. (Submitted Photo)
“It is a repeat of Barbenheimer! But this time it is Glicked!” says Ronnie Harvey. “And Moana II is soon to be here, too!” Ronnie is the Dietrich Theater General Manager and Movie Booker. “Yes, all of the magic of the Wizard of Oz prequel of the musical Wicked and the action and adventure of Gladiator II is onscreen at the same time and Moana II arrives tomorrow.” Come join the ultimate in musical and action-adventure extravaganzas. Right here at the Dietrich.
As I arrive at the theater to write this column Ronnie is at the concession stand helping prepare 200 bags of popcorn for Dallas Area School District students who will soon be arriving to see “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a perfect film for elementary and middle school students, based on a popular book by Barbara Robinson. The most misbehaving kids are in the Christmas pageant. Will they ruin it for everyone?
This morning not only is the popcorn popping and being bagged, but also the theater galleries are alive with volunteers, at least 15 of them who are hanging ornaments, decorating garlands and trees, installing giant candy canes to greet everyone. A true community effort, indeed!
In just a week, on Dec. 6, the Dietrich’s 12 Movies of Christmas begins – 2 weeks of holiday favorite movies that are all free, thanks to so many sponsors, 22 organizations, individuals and businesses who want to make sure all our children and adults have a beautiful holiday. You can find the entire schedule and the listing of all the sponsors at www.dietrichtheater.com or pick up a brochure at the theater.
23 years ago, the first year the Dietrich Theater reopened after it had gone dark for 15 years, was the first free showing of the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. This was the way we could thank our community for helping us bring back our beloved movie theater. This year there will be three showings of the beloved film on Tuesday, December 17 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Free small popcorn and small sodas are included, thanks again to Ace-Robbins. Don’t be surprised if you attend a showing when the entire audience breaks out in the singing of the song “Auld Lang Syne” at the end, a moving end to a very special community experience. You are invited to come and bring your family and friends. It is our community’s gift to you.
For me the holiday season will begin with the Golden Days of Radio Players performance on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. It is another of our community’s gifts to you. I remember when we had our first performance in Father Nallin Hall across the street. Now we are able to use our own space with a stage where everyone can see the magic of “theater of the mind.” Our actors dress in period clothing of the 1930’s and 1940’s and they read the radio scripts at the microphones, just as they would have back then. Esther Harmatz, Director and Sound Engineer, can be seen providing all of the music, and sounds, such as telephone ringing, door knocking, etc., entertainment in itself. One of the best features of the performance is that Esther finds roles for everyone who wishes to be part of this community theater. That is what we do at the Dietrich. We include everyone. Come and join us for this free performance of three radio plays that will take you back to simpler times. And make sure to stay for a reception for all after the performance, a wonderful way to meet the cast. Make your reservations at 570-836-1022 x3 or just come and enjoy. We will be so glad to see you.
