Abington Journal

Move than the Movies: Puppeteer Tom Knight delights youngsters

Squeals of delight filled the Dietrich Theater last week as puppeteer Tom Knight was back with his Alligator Jump, Little Elephant’s Lullaby, Garbage Monster and much more to help celebrate the Month of the Young Child. Three shows for 600+ preschoolers and their caregivers were sponsored by Toni Hockman. Thank you, Toni. You made so many little ones happy. They will be singing and dancing to Tom Knight’s songs for months to come.

Spring Film Festival Opening Night Gala was as festive as always as 225 attendees raved about the hors d’oeuvres from Epicurean Delight, Twigs Café, the Fireplace Restaurant, Ma Greenley’s BBQ, and the exquisite choice of wines and beers from Nimble Hill Winery and Brewery. Then the movies started – “I, Tonya” im the Evans Theater and “Molly’s Game” in the Murray Theater.

After the first movie, all enjoyed a spectacular array of desserts and coffee by Epicurean Delight in the galleries, then returned to the theaters for the second movie. What was the general consensus about the evening? All I heard was – “wonderful choice of movies” and “great hors d’oeuvres and wine as usual.”

So how does an Opening Night Gala happen? In the 16 years that we have had them, we at the Dietrich have evolved into an amazingly smooth operation, thanks to many volunteers and a wonderful staff. We joke that we almost go into “automatic pilot” from the planning stage through the actual evening. It is really like a well-oiled machine, except that all the people who are part of that machine are having fun and looking forward to the evening. The enthusiasm and festivity is infectious. And it happens four times every year at the Dietrich: four film festivals in winter, spring, summer and fall.

Events at the Dietrich coming up include a free movie for children and their families, a London performance on screen of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role and a Mother’s Day concert.

The Kintner family treats everyone to a free movie, soda, and popcorn in loving memory of “Jeeterbug” at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5. This year the movie is “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” the 1971 Gene Wilder classic. Everyone is invited. Reservations are not necessary.

The National Theatre Live production of “Hamlet” returns to the Dietrich Theater by popular demand at 2 p.m. on Sundays, May 6 and 20. Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet will blow you away with a thoroughly new interpretation of the role.

The Madison String Quartet returns for the second year at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, Mother’s Day. Last year we were not sure if people would come to a concert on Mother’s Day and we were thrilled when we came close to filling the theater. Everyone loved the artistry and energy of this renowned quartet, and the concert was a perfect way to honor Mom. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10. Make reservations by calling 570-996-1500 or tickets may be picked up at the ticket booth.

Will we see you at any of these events? We planned them with you in mind, so we hope so. All of us at the Dietrich really want to see you soon and often.

Young
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Margie-Young-2.jpg.optimal.jpgYoung

More than

the Movies

Margie Young

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or by email at news@theabingtonjournal.com.