Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in “Wicked.”

The Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center resumes after the theatre had been closed for six weeks to allow for the replacement of seats, with screenings of the hit musical film “Wicked” on Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. The film was nominated for 10 Oscars including Best Picture.

In “Wicked,” Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, has yet to discover her true power. Glinda (Ariana Grande) is a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely friendship.

Following an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, has unexpected and shocking consequences. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Newsday calls the film “percolating and popping with energy, it’s just about everything a movie musical should be.” Baltimore Magazine calls it “a wickedly good time at the movies.” The Wall Street Journal calls it “the most entertaining film of the year and the most dazzling live-action Hollywood musical since ‘Chicago.’ To put it in the kind of lingo used in Oz, I pronuncify it magnifical.” Rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material, “Wicked” runs two hours, 40 minutes.

Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or staff member. The Opera House Cinema Series is generously sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank.

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.