Tom Hanks stars in the film ‘A Man Called Otto.’
Submitted Photo
Live at the Dietrich
I am back at my desk at the Dietrich after the snow plow finally arrived to enable me to get out. How did you survive this last snow event? I have so much gratitude and respect for all who keep our roads cleared and safe. All I had to do was shovel a path so my aging dog did not get stuck in it.
The Dietrich Theater closed for Sunday and Monday, a wonderful excuse for Erica Rogler, our executive director extraordinaire, to catch up on revisiting our Wyoming County Reads book for 2026 — “A Man Called Ove” by Frederik Backman. Several years ago, Erica saw the Swedish movie based on the book, the opener for one of our film festivals. She was inspired to read the book after seeing the movie, and now she is listening to the recording of the book voiced by J.K. Simmons. And she is really looking forward to the first discussion of the book at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Mary Zbegner will lead us in discussion, and you are invited.
I always learn so much from other people’s perspectives. And I am really looking forward to seeing the American version of the story with Tom Hanks, called “A Man Called Otto,” right here at the Dietrich at 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. Discussions and the movie are free.
You will be pleased that you have another chance to see the National Theatre Live production of “Life of Pi.” Last Sunday’s showing was cancelled due to the snow, but it is rescheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. I plan to be there to see a unique interpretation of the book, told with life-sized puppets. A production from London on our screen! A sixteen-year-old boy, a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger — all in a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!
—Margie Young
Onscreen at the Dietrich
I am officially back in the office after a much-needed and much-appreciated snow break. I’m the first person to say that it looks beautiful out, but I’m also the first person to let you know that I hate it when my plans of any kind are hindered by the weather. A 48-hour break from being able to access the outside world is enough for me, so this last weekend was just the right amount of downtime. Now we’re back, and we have so much entertainment ahead to tell you about.
The Oscar nominations were last Thursday, and as expected, there are some upcoming Winterfest films represented on Hollywood’s biggest night. I haven’t seen everything yet, but I try to see as much as possible before the ceremony, so my odds are strong when I fill out my Oscar ballot. I’m crossing my fingers for a “Sinners” upset this year because I have had that as my favorite film since way back in April, and my love for it has never faltered. With 16 nominations, “Sinners” made history with the most nominations for one film, beating the likes of “All About Eve” and “Titanic.” Will that translate to Oscar gold? I guess we will have to wait and find out together.
In the meantime, Stellan Skarsgard was nominated for his moving and emotional portrayal of a father trying to reconnect with his daughters after abandoning them in “Sentimental Value,” Rose Byrne was nominated for her intense emotional portrayal of a mother on the verge in “If I had Legs I’d Kick You,” and Wagner Moura was nominated for his harrowing portrayal of a professor caught in political turmoil in “The Secret Agent.” All these fantastic performances and more can be seen right here starting Feb. 20 during our Winter Film Festival. Preview Day is right around the corner, so make sure to stop in and see all the trailers at 1 and 6 p.m. Feb. 12. Sometimes, the previews are the best part.
This upcoming weekend, we have three new films — “Iron Lung,” “Send Help,” and “Shelter,” plus we are keeping “Song Sung Blue” and “The Housemaid” for some final shows. If you haven’t seen them, this will be your last chance.
Bundle up, shovel yourself out, and come and catch a movie. The popcorn is hot and fresh. Always.
—Ronnie Harvey
A note from Margie
Because this is the 25th anniversary of the reopening of the Dietrich, Ronnie and I will occasionally tell you some of the stories of our early days and how the Dietrich became the Wyoming County Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater. I came across a quote that, in a way, tells the story. It is a quote by theologian William Sloan Coffin, and here it is. I love the recklessness of faith: “First you leap, then you grow wings.”
It was like that when Hildy Morgan had faith that the Dietrich Theater could be saved, and the community responded, and the theater reopened. After a year, the effort grew wings to become a theater and a true cultural center. Thank you to all who were a little reckless to think it could happen, because it did happen. Come and celebrate our anniversary with us all year.
We hope to see you at the Dietrich!
