“Local history beats Hollywood today!” observed Erica Rogler as she introduced presenters Ed McMullen and Andrea Smith at last Sunday’s Sullivan’s March: Our Heritage presentation.

At least 240 people showed up to hear the story of an historic march that came right through Tunkhannock. You could have heard a pin drop in the packed Evans Theater as we all learned about the march to eradicate the Iroquois nation, ordered by George Washington after the Wyoming Valley Massacre resulted in the loss of over 300 settlers.

McMullen is a master storyteller, bringing history to life with facts, figures, and poetry. Smith is a cultural anthropologist at Layfayette University, who has studied the impact on memory of historic markers commemorating Sullivan’s March. They made a perfect team for engaging an attentive audience of those interested in local history. At the reception following the presentation, an unexpected treat was to see the mounted horn engraved with a map of Sullivan’s Trail that belonged to Lt. John Jenkins, brought here by a collector.

This is the first of a series of presentations at the Dietrich sponsored by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region with funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Last Saturday you could feel the pride of parents, teachers, and students at curtain call of the After School Players performance onstage in the Evans Theater. Rising to the occasion of missing eight rehearsals because of snow days or sickness, 19 high school and middle school students outdid themselves by performing the play “Third Class” by Brad Slaight, all about lessons learned outside the classroom. Brenda Fager, director, and Mary Troy, assistant, and amazing kids did it again! What a very rich experience for all.

Thank you Overlook Estate Foundation for your sponsorship of this program.

Now it is time to get your calendars out to make sure you don’t miss what is coming up.

Leprechaun Lore with Hal Pratt is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18. Did you ever wish you could catch a leprechaun? Would you know what to do if you did? Hal Pratt will share years of research to show you what leprechauns really look like, how they dress, where they live, how to catch one and what to do if you do catch one. Catching a leprechaun is one thing, but getting his gold? Well, that’s another thing entirely.

For the first time ever, the Dietrich Theater is hosting a true leprechaun expert just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Bring your family and friends to meet Hal Pratt, storyteller and leprechaun expert, and learn the truth about leprechauns. This free presentation is suitable for all ages.

You just have to be wise enough to believe, according to Pratt.

Coming up are chances to see “Hedda Gabler,” the National Theatre Live production of Henrik Ibsen’s classic show, at 2 p.m. Sundays, March 19 and 26. Actress Ruth Wilson garnered rave reviews for her interpretation of the frustration and boredom of newly married Hedda.

Spring Film Festival Preview Day will be held at 1 and 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23. It is free, with discounted concession, and a wonderful chance to get a sneak peak at all the 23 trailers of movies in the upcoming Film Fest, which begins April 7 and continues until April 27.

Open Mic starts up again with featured performer Ben Keiser at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24.

Is your calendar filled up? Can we expect to see you soon? In the meantime, “Top o’the morning to you!”

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More Than Movies

Margie Young

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