Based on the New York Times bestseller, “Wonder” tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie’s extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

Andrea Mandell, in USA Today, calls the film “a much-needed reminder that kindness exists in this fractured world.” Bruce Demara, in the Toronto Star, calls it “a film that’s going to touch a lot of people in all the right ways with a life-affirming message about looking beyond the obvious differences to see the person behind the mask.” Calvin Wilson, in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, calls it “a family film in the best sense.” Chris Nashawaty, in Entertainment Weekly, says “you’re guaranteed to spend nearly two hours with a lump the size of a nectarine in your throat without resenting it.” Rated PG for thematic elements including bullying, and some mild language, “Wonder” runs one hour, 53 minutes.

In connection with the Saturday screening, Lynda Sandoval, of Yoga Underground, will hold a relaxing “cinema stretch” yoga class at 5:45 p.m. on the Opera House stage. Participants in the $10 hour-long class receive a voucher for discounted $5 admission to the movie that night! And, a portion of the $10 fee benefits the Opera House. “So, if you like to sit around in yoga clothes and watch movies on Saturday nights – and who doesn’t?” asks Sandoval. “Here’s your chance to do just that, AND help raise money for one of the jewels of the village.”

The Opera House Cinema Series is sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank. Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. A book of 10 movie passes is available for $60 at the door or online at www.fredopera.org. For more information, call the Opera House Box Office at 716-679-1891.

The Opera House is equipped with individualized closed captioning headsets for the deaf as well as with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.

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