The Dietrich Theater was the place to be last weekend.
Two movies everyone wants to see, “Hidden Figures” and “La La Land,” brought in crowds. Jeff Mitchell’s photos of the Natural Beauty of Pennsylvania inspired 120 armchair and practicing hikers. And the reception for Rock and Roll in Art and Music, in partnership with the Kitson Arts Alliance, attracted 175 appreciators of the art of Erika Bertram-Gibson, Catrina King, Jessie Romero, Sam Watson and Joe Welden, as well as the music of Bob Zamber, the Sperazza Duo and the J.P. Williams Blues Band. You could wend your way from gallery to gallery, then sit back and listen to favorite Rock and Roll songs in the Evans Theater. We have pronounced this first time immersion event to be a great success.
In the Fassett Studio at the same time, there was another happening. Director Hoyt Keiser held auditions for “George Washington Slept Here,” the community theater performance set for April 28, 29 and 30. I just spoke to Hoyt and he is thrilled with the response, saying the play is cast with very talented actors, some new and some returning. He still needs help backstage and with painting. Those who are interested should call him at 570-466-9407.
Wyoming County Reads has begun with real flair. Bill Chapla, discussion leader, came to the first discussion dressed up in all but his waders and related how he became a fly fisherman. Showing three different fly rods and how he graduated from one to the other, he explained how he got “hooked” on fly fishing and why “A River Runs Through It” by Norman Maclean mirrors his life in many ways. He motivated all to make sure to see the movie at the Dietrich at 1 or 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. And we hope you will want to attend one of these free showings.
Bill says, “The book is not about fly fishing,” so come to the Tunkhannock Public Library at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 to join the discussion and talk about the movie and/or the book and what it is really about.
The very first Film Festival Preview Day last Thursday brought 40 film-goers to the Dietrich to see the 14 trailers of movies featured in Winter Fest 2017. All who attended checked off the movies they wanted to see after the sneak peek of the trailers. High on my list are: “A Man Called Ove,” “Loving,” “Dressmaker,” “Queen of Katwe,” “Eagle Huntress,” “Moonlight,” and “Seasons.” Have you picked up your Winter Fest brochure and checked off your must see movies and added them to your schedule? Friday, Feb. 17 is Opening Night. Good tickets are still available if you call 570-996-1500. Then two weeks of the best recent foreign and independent movies.
And while you are at it, don’t forget to add the National Theatre Live filmed play of “Amadeus” at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 or March 12. Whether or not you saw the 1984 movie “Amadeus,” you will want to see this stunning production from London.
So much has been going on at the Dietrich this past week, but so much is coming up in the next few weeks. Book discussions, movies, a London theatre production and more.
All right here in downtown Tunkhannock.
Just for you.
