Bravo to the cast and crew of the Dietrich Theater’s community theatre production of “Arsenic and Old Lace!” The actors did a fantastic job and I just loved the costuming and set. It was director Hoyt Keiser’s idea to bring this play to life on the Dietrich stage and we thank him for it. He and all those involved in the production brought our region a wonderful weekend of live entertainment and we are grateful.

Live entertainment will continue this weekend at the Dietrich with a concert featuring singer/songwriter Jay Smar. Join us at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15 for Northeastern Pennsylvania Coal and Folk Music. Jay Smar is a multitalented musician playing a variety of instruments including guitar, claw-hammer banjo, and fiddle. He’s also a great vocalist and does flat-footing, a form of clog-dancing. During this show he will provide us with an “acoustic buffet” of traditional American and original folk, old time mountain music, bluegrass and gospel tunes as well as coal mining songs of our northeastern Pennsylvania. He will also share stories of their origin.

Admission is by free will offering. Tickets will be available at the door or can be reserved by calling the theater at 570-996-1500. Jay has played a few times in the past at the Dietrich, so I can tell you first hand you are in for a treat. Don’t miss out on this free concert event.

We will show National Theatre Live’s production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” on the big screen at 2 p.m. the following Sunday, May 22. Since this year is the 400th anniversary of the Great Bard’s death, we invite you to join us for a piece of cake and this acclaimed performance. “As You Like It” is a comedy of love and change that tells the story of Rosalind who with her cousin Celia journey into the Forest of Arden. There, Rosalind experiences liberation from convention, disguises herself as a boy, embraces a different way of life and falls in love.

General admission is $14, senior/member tickets are $12, and child/student tickets are $10. Tickets will be available at the door or can be reserved by calling the theater.

Before then, the Dietrich will be hosting a special movie event with Wyoming County C.A.R.E.S. featuring the film “Basketball Diaries.” This is the story of street tough Jim Carroll as he finds his dreams of becoming a basketball star threatened by his drug addiction. “Basketball Diaries” will be followed by a panel discussion with Mike Donahue of Luzerne and Wyoming County Drug and Alcohol, Barb Landon of Wyoming County C.A.R.E.S., and Nick and Trish Colangelo of Clearbrook Treatment Center. There will also be people there in recovery to complete the panel.

Admission to the movie, popcorn and soda is free. Tickets are available by calling the theater or at the door.

If you are looking for classes or camps for your kids or yourself, visit dietrichtheater.com. The Dietrich has a variety of offerings for spring in summer. For adults there is jewelry making, plein air painting, photography, and yoga just to name a few. There is also a host a classes for kids from LEGO Maniacs to Star Tours Theatre and Visual Arts Camp to Pottery and Sculpture Camp to Music for Littles and many more. Be sure to check it out.

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.