I have been to Broadway a handful of times to see musicals since the summer before I entered fifth grade. All of the shows I have seen, including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Wonderful Town,” “Cinderella,” “Sister Act” and “Kinky Boots” were magical. I always wanted to go to Broadway more often, but the cost of show tickets makes it something I can only do as a treat.

Not anymore.

With National Theatre Live on screen at the Dietrich Theater, these productions now come to us at an affordable price.

I recently attended our first National Theatre Live screening of John Steinbeck’s Nobel Prize winning play “Of Mice and Men.”

It was just as magical as Broadway.

Once the lights went down, you felt transported to the theatre where the play was performed and, due to the camera angles, it felt like your seats were better than sitting in the very front. You could see all the actors’ facial expressions and tears. You could hear the hum of the live audience before the show and during intermission. You found yourself laughing and crying along with the audience that experienced it live.

I had never seen “Of Mice and Men” before and can see why James Franco’s and Chris O’Dowd’s performances are critically acclaimed. They really get to the meat of Steinbeck’s tale which is all about strong friendships, dreams and a portrayal of life in the west during the Depression era.

We will show it again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Do try to see it. I promise you it’s worth your time.

Our next National Theatre Live production is “Hamlet,” which will play at 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 1 and 15 at the Dietrich. Not only is “Hamlet” one of my favorite Shakespeare plays because of its accessibility, but one of my favorite stars, Benedict Cumberbatch, plays the title role. I loved him in “Sherlock” on Masterpiece Mysteries and in “The Imitation Game,” one of my top Dietrich Film Festival movies of all time.

Tickets may be reserved for “Hamlet” at the Dietrich by calling 570-996-1500 or at online at dietrichtheater.com. They will also be available at the door.

In addition to theatre, the Endless Mountains Barbershop Chorus will be back at the Dietrich in October and November for its annual Vocal Clinic. This clinic is for anyone who likes to sing. During these workshops, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and 14, participants will learn how to care for the singer’s voice, sing in harmony without reading musi, and learn the mechanical, technical and performance elements of good quality singing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear local barbershop quartet Vocal Accord perform.

Admission is free. For more information or to register, call 570-836-8595.

The Dietrich will also host its first-ever Celebrate Sobriety at the Movies night at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4. Anyone whose life has been affected by addiction is invited to come out for this free movie night featuring the 80’s Stephen Spielberg classic “The Goonies.”

Admission, soda and popcorn are free — first come, first served. This film event is sponsored by Wyoming County C.A.R.E.S., Wyoming /Sullivan Treatment Program, Commissioner Tom Henry, Mile Hill Auto Parts, Dunk Inspections, Clearbrook Treatment Center , Morrison Contracting, PS Bank, Attorney Tom Daniels, Mayflower Florist, Ebbs Candy Jar, the Downtown Deli, Morrison Salon and Spa, The Freeze, Curry Donuts, Endless Mountain Skydivers, D&L Railhouse, Monzies Floral, Hampton Inn, Newsies Pizza, Seasons Restaurant, The Hair Flair and J. R’sHallmark.

As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!

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More Than Movies

Erica Rogler

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or news@s24528.p831.sites.pressdns.com