×

Opera House to screen ‘Battle of the Sexes’

The next feature film in the Opera House Cinema Series is “Battle of the Sexes,” about the historic 1970s tennis battle between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. It stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell, and will be screened this Saturday, Nov. 4, and Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

In the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women’s movement, the 1973 tennis match between women’s World No. 1-ranked Billie Jean King (Stone) and former men’s champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Carell) became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world. While, off-court, each was fighting more personal and complex battles, together, King and Riggs served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis court, sparking discussions in bedrooms and boardrooms that continue to reverberate today.

Rex Reed, in the New York Observer, calls the film “an exhilarating movie propelled by two mesmerizing star performances.” Todd McCarthy, in the Hollywood Reporter, calls it “game, set and match for ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ a massively entertaining account of the momentous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs that also deftly deals with the numerous social issues inherent in the carnival-like contest!” Adam Graham, in the Detroit News, says “slick and fun, ‘Battle of the Sexes’ is an ace.” Calvin Wilson, in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, calls it “mainstream filmmaking at the top of its game.'”

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and partial nudity, “Battle of the Sexes” runs two hours, one minute.

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 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.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today