This historic building, built in 1936, was saved from the wrecker’s ball by a group of public-spirited people who had courage, vision, determination and a dream.

It is one of the treasures in our part of the state. At one time there were many others. In fact, some towns like Wilkes-Barre had several beautiful movie theaters.

In another life, my brother I spent endless hours in theaters with very exotic names to a six-year old; Orpheum, Penn, Comerford, Paramount, Strand and Family.

In the 1940s’ and 50’s these grand buildings brought Main Street to life. They could not survive the historical carnage called redevelopment in the 1970’s, a euphemism for the modernization of our inner cities.

As Kitch and I entered the Dietrich Theater, images of those grand buildings of my childhood and what I experienced there flashed through my mind.

In the lobby, I thought about the people who saved and restored this magical place.

On this night, Kitch and I would have the pleasure of meeting some of these incredible people who gave the Dietrich Theater a second chance at life as an impressive cultural center.

I am certain the 200 hundred people who attended the first concert at the Dietrich that was staged to benefit the theater felt the same appreciation we did.

As I made my way toward the popcorn vendor, my eyes moved frenetically trying to take in every detail of this place. I wanted to see it, feel it and record it for others to see, especially the parents of the person who was the main event.

Kitch and I were there to celebrate a friend; someone who entered our life several years ago, someone who has filled our life with wonderful moments of conversation, creative partnership, kindness and genuine friendship.

Mike Lewis is a familiar name in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To many he is a celebrity. To us he is our brother. Together we have entertained at Mercy Center in Dallas, an event that brought joy to people who, in their day, were the backbone of our community. (www.windsorparktheater.com)

Together we traveled to Nashville to record music, some of which has become the sound track for Windsor Park Stories. (www.windsorparktheater.com)

Together we share one another’s company in Windsor Park with friends and relatives. We celebrate special birthdays and events together, and we entertain wonderful out of town guests like Byron Joyce together.

Together we shared the final semester of my teaching career. In fact, it was the Miracle At Lake Placid Project that launched the musical theme for our farewell to teaching. Appropriately titled, “I Say Fly,” it is a musical tribute to the 1980 US Olympic Team and its coach, Herb Brooks. (www.miracleatplacid.com)

All this was done without notice, but with great happiness and joy.

It was, as the title suggests, a time of miracles, memories and magic for three people who are tied together in a special way.

On this night, we were front row center to watch a master of lyrics perform his music at a benefit concert.

Quite honestly, the evening was simply wonderful. The performers were at the top of their game.

Erin Canedy and her special renditions of popular songs and Broadway classics brought applause and cheers from a very receptive audience. My personal favorite was "Where the Boys Are."

John Baldino sang, danced and talked his way through his duties

as emcee of the event.

Martin Young and Peter Young brought depth and substance to the performance.

The evening, however, belonged to Mike Lewis. He was better than we have ever heard him.

He is a masterful songwriter and a natural performer. No matter what the situation his reaction is always the same, comforting, relaxing and reassuring.

His duet with Erica Lee was one of several high points during the evening. Although this was their first performance together, you would have thought they had performed “Found My Home,” a hundred times before.

Only one word can accurately describe this moment, magical.

For Kitch and me the introduction to “I Say Fly” was very special, and the performance was simply unbelievable. Hearing the words and the sounds took us back to a very special time that was born of a dream and realized with hard work, dedication and true grit.

Thanks to the expertise of Carl Canedy, the sounds that filled the Dietrich Theater on this winter evening were crisp, clear and very entertaining. It is always a treat to watch a professional work, and that’s a description that fits Carl Canedy to a tee.

An “Evening at the Dietrich Theater” was one of three nights out for Kitch and me since my surgery. After three weeks of complications of many kinds, it was just what the doctor ordered.

It was two hours of peace, calm, relaxation and wonderful entertainment.

Thank you Carl Canedy.

Thank you Erin Canedy.

Thank you Peter Young and Martin Young.

Thank you Erica Lee.

Thank you Mike Lewis.

Thank you Margie Young and members of the Dietrich Theater Cultural Society.

Nietzsche was right:

"Without music life would be a mistake."

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