Submitted Photo “Julia” will be screened Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The next film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is the documentary “Julia.” It will be screened Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis notes that “due to the continued high positivity rate of COVID in Chautauqua County, and in accordance with CDC, local and State guidelines, we are requiring all patrons to wear masks before, during and after Opera House events. Masks must securely and snugly cover the nose and mouth entirely. Neck gaiters and bandanas are not permitted.”

“Julia” tells the story of the legendary cookbook author and television superstar who changed the way Americans think about food, television, and even about women. Using never-before-seen archival footage, personal photos, first-person narratives, and cutting-edge, mouth-watering food cinematography, the film traces Julia Child’s surprising path, from her struggles to create and publish the revolutionary Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) which has sold more than 2.5 million copies to date, to her empowering story of a woman who found fame in her 50s, and her calling as an unlikely television sensation.

Kate Taylor, in the Toronto Globe & Mail, calls the film “irresistible viewing.” Glenn Kenny, in The New York Times, calls it “an apt tribute to a life well-lived.” Peter Rainer, in the Christian Science Monitor calls it “good for the soul.” Moira MacDonald, in the Seattle Times, says the film is “full of irresistible clips and interviews with its subject, trilling and burbling with her trademark enthusiasm, reminding her viewers that anything was possible and that mistakes are how cooks learn.” Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements, sexual references and brief strong language, “Julia” runs one hour, 35 minutes.

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 Cinema Series is sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank.

The Opera House is equipped with individualized closed captioning eyeglasses 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 Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.