First Posted: 3/21/2014
Have you selected what festival films you want to see yet? There are so many good ones to choose from. I will definitely see “The Lunchbox” and “August: Osage County” at the Opening Night Gala this Friday, but I also want to make sure I see “Philomena,” “Great Expectations,” “Gloria,” “Tim’s Vermeer,” “La Camioneta,” “Nebraska,” “Kids for Cash” and “The Invisible Woman.”
Last fall I saw seven of the festival movies, and this spring I’m aiming to catch 10 of the 18 films. I’ll have to let you know if I do it. I’m always amazed by all of the super-dedicated festival goers that try to see all or almost all of the festival films.
In addition to great films, I’m excited to let you know that Robert May, director of “Kids for Cash” will be at the Dietrich Monday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. for a discussion following the showing of his film. What an honor. Right? I can’t wait to hear how he made the film. He will also be joined by courtroom photographer Ted Michalowski who covered the “Kids for Cash” trial. His illustrations from the trial will be on display during the festival. I always thought being a courtroom artist would be interesting work.
Tickets to the April 7 showing of “Kids for Cash” are $9 and they can be purchased at www.dietrichtheater.com or at the Dietrich Theater ticket booth.
Just as we offered folks an opportunity to share their thoughts on the festival selections in the fall, we’re doing that again this spring with a Post-Festival Film Discussion Friday, April 11 at 1 p.m. Join us as we discuss the content and significance of some of the festival movies and ask questions about parts of the movies that we may not have understood. This discussion will be facilitated by the Dietrich’s own Hildy Morgan and Ronnie Harvey. There’s no need to register so just show up and share your opinions. What a great way to close out a festival.
In addition to readying for our Spring Film Festival, which is just days away, the Dietrich Theater and Keystone College are gearing up for a co-production of “The Laramie Project.” This live theatre event is the true story of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student who was kidnapped, severely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die because he was gay. The play details the effects of his death told by the residents of a small town that was forever changed by a hate crime.
Directed by Jane Honchell and Jennifer Jenkins, performances will be held at the Keystone College Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. and at the Dietrich Theater Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each or $5 for students and seniors.
I had the opportunity to read the script recently and found it very powerful and moving. It will be wonderful to see it performed live by community members and students. The production is supported by a Lackawanna County Community Arts and Culture Grant, a program of Lackawanna County Commissioners Corey D. O’Brien, Jim Wansacz and Patrick M. O’Malley; the M & T Charitable Foundation and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Call 570-945-8454 for reservations and tickets to the Keystone College performances and call 570-996-1500 for reservations and tickets to the Dietrich Theater performances.
As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies.