Winter storm, March 14, 2017. What is your story? As for the Dietrich Theater, this storm caused us to be closed for two days for the first time since the flood of 2011. Only acts of nature cause the Dietrich to close. It is because of the good old Tunkhannock community spirit the theater opened on time for the Tunkhannock premier of “Beauty and the Beast” for 120 patrons two days after the storm. So the lyrics to the song in the movie resonate: “Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test!”

Because of so many, the Dietrich reopened with a flourish.

So how did 29.2” of snow get removed from the streets and parking lots? Our good neighbor Ebb’s Creative Landscape Design always comes through for us, and did so once again. With plows and backhoes, parking behind the theater was restored in time. And the town crew actually hauled away snow from the streets so street parking was restored.

Now that the reminders of the winter storm of March 14, 2017, are relegated to rapidly melting snow piles, we are ready for the wonders of springtime, such as the Dietrich Spring Film Festival, a veritable banquet of the best foreign and independent films of the last few months. And it all begins on Friday, April 7, with the Opening Night Gala, with the best feast of wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts from Tunkhannock’s popular Nimble Hill Brewing Company, Nimble Hill Vineyard and Winery, Epicurean Delight, The Fireplace Restaurant, Ma Greenley’s BBQ, and Twigs Restaurant & Café.

It is not too late to reserve your favorite seats for the opening night movies of the acclaimed “Lion” and “20th Century Women.” To make those reservations, call 570-996-1500.

If you have not received one in the mail, pick up a Spring Film Festival brochure at the Dietrich. Start checking off the films that pique your interest. And I bet there will be many.

As for me, I want to see both opening night films, and I have to see at least eight more. I have heard so much about Viola Davis and Denzel Washington in “Fences,” the August Wilson play, so that’s a must see. I just have to see “Manchester By the Sea” with Casey Affleck. In addition, there are three films nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards: “The Salesman” in Persian, “Toni Erdman” in German and “Land of Mine” in German and Danish. I love to be immersed in different cultures. And how about “All in Time,” a locally produced film set in Wilkes-Barre. The director Chris Fetchko will be present for a question and answer session at each of three showings.

That’s eight must-see films. But I have found at least five more I must see. I’ll tell you which ones next week.

Meanwhile, “Beauty and the Beast” is an inter-generational phenomenon to get you out of the house after a snowbound week. Bring the whole family. Bring your friends. Enjoy this enduring classic newly created for your viewing pleasure. Allow us at the Dietrich Theater to invite you to “Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test!”

We are here, just waiting to welcome 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.