WEST SIDE STORY, Ariana DeBose (foreground), 2020. ph: Niko Tavernise / © 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection

The next film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is the widely acclaimed “West Side Story.” 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.”

Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of the beloved musical tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love. Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks – two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.

Randy Myers, in the San Jose Mercury News, calls the film “one of Hollywood’s best musical adaptations ever.”

Mara Reinstein, in US Weekly, says it “dazzles the senses.” Richard Roeper, in the Chicago Sun Times, says the film “pulsates with life, thanks to the director’s artistry and a sensational cast led by Rachel Zegler in a star-making feature debut as Maria.”

Rated PG-13 for some strong violence, strong language, thematic content, suggestive material and brief smoking, “West Side Story” runs two hours, 36 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.