Submitted Photo “Respect” will be shown Saturday and Tuesday at the Fredonia

The next film in the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center Cinema Series is the high energy biopic “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson It will be screened Saturday, Sept. 18, and Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m.

Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis notes that “due to the increase in COVID cases in Chautauqua County and the change in designation of its Level of Community Transmission to HIGH, we are requiring all patrons to wear masks before, during and after Opera House events.”

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s (Hudson) career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, “Respect” is the remarkable true story of Franklin’s journey to find her voice. The film stars Hudson, hand-picked by Franklin before her death, to portray her.

Pete Hammond, in Deadline Hollywood, calls the film “Jennifer Hudson’s triumph merged with the spirit and guidance from an even greater voice above.” Richard Roeper, in the Chicago Sun Times, says “Hudson is the perfect choice to live Aretha Franklin’s story with powerful acting and vocals that sound authentic but not copied.” Peter Travers, on ABC News, says “as the legendary Queen of Soul, Hudson does not, will not, cannot hit a wrong note, making ‘Respect’ a tribute to both their radiant talents.” Rated PG-13 for racial epithets, mature thematic content, violence, smoking, strong language and suggestive material, “Respect” runs two hours, 25 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.