The preschool kids enter the theater with skips and bounds on their way to “Music for Littles” and “Little People and Nature” classes. Their parents and caregivers follow close behind as their little ones rush to greet music teacher Lauren Scavone and naturalist Rebecca Lesko who have all kinds of explorations planned for them.
Lauren begins the class with the “Hello Song,” including all the names of the dozen little learners. She ends the session with an introduction to the ukulele, allowing all to try it.
Rebecca has planned a class about seeds and how they grow enacted as a game, and each child goes home with a pot they plant with lettuce seeds, extending the lesson to a home observation.
We also provide preschool art classes with Amy Colley, the next session coming up starting April 11, “Preschool Pottery and Sculpture.” I will tell you more about that class in a couple of weeks. All our preschool classes are free, because they are funded by the hardworking Dietrich Theater Fundraising Committee.
The most coveted seat in town is one in the Fassett Theater for Chair Yoga, taught by Donna Fetzko. Paid for by Wyoming County Community Health Foundation, AllOne Charities and the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. Chair Yoga is held Mondays and Fridays. Because of space, we ask that people come to just one a week. That way we can accommodate the more than 50 people who have discovered the benefits of Chair Yoga.
Twenty-five came to hear all about Argentina from Mayra Munoz, Keystone College Fullbright Scholar. We learned about the culture and customs, including the ritual of the drink called Mate, a tea only enjoyed as a social drink. The audience of all ages had many questions for Mayra, and they came away with a much better understanding of life in Argentina.
News flash! I have written about some of the films in our Spring Film Festival 2019 beginning April 12, but Ronnie Harvey who chooses our films with film buyer Jeffrey Jacobs just came into my office with his take on why this film festival is so special. He says it is an electic group of films, “a deep dive into the world of Art House cinema.” Many of the films show what’s happening in our world, the good and the bad.
“Capernaum” tells the heartbreaking story of a Lebanese boy in the hellish world he has found himself, becoming his own advocate. “Birds of Passage” takes us to Colombia and a crash of cultures, the traditional one and the world of drug trafficking. “If Beale Street Could Talk” shows the beauty and power of an African American family in the midst of injustice in the legal system.
It is not too late to reserve your seats for Spring Festival Opening Night at the Dietrich on Friday, April 12, just $40 a ticket. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Wine and beer from Nimble Hill Winery and Nimble Hill Brewing Company, delectable hors d’oeuvres from Twigs Restaurant and Cafe, Epicurean Delight, Ma Greenley’s BBQ, and the Fireplace Restaurant. See two movies – “Stan and Ollie,” the life and times of the famous comedy team of Laurel and Hardy, and “The Favourite,” with Academy Award winning actress Olivia Colman. Dessert by Epicurean Delight in between the two movies. An extravaganza of an evening. Just call 570-996-1500 to pick your seat.
We are hoping to see you at the Dietrich soon. Remember – we do it all for you!
In ‘Music for Littles’ at the Dietrich Theater preschoolers Matthew Schwenk, standing with a new instrument, Zachary Schwenk, and Allison Place explore the sounds of the ukulele with music educator Lauren Scavone.
