FREDONIA – The next film in the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center Cinema Series is the
independent film “Swan Song.” It will be screened this Sat., Sept. 4, and Tues., Sept. 7, 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.”
Legendary actor Udo Kier stars as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who escapes the confines of his small-town
Sandusky, OH, nursing home after learning of his former client’s dying wish for him to style her final hairdo. Soon,
Pat embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past – and collect the beauty supplies necessary for the job.
“Swan Song” is a comical and bittersweet journey about rediscovering one’s sparkle, and looking gorgeous while
doing so. The film stars Kier, Jennifer Coolidge, Linda Evans, and Michael Urie.
Joe Friar, in the Fort Worth Report, calls Kier’s performance “touching, funny, relevant, and authentic in so many
ways. Kier is enchanting in the performance of a lifetime.” David Rooney, in the Hollywood Reporter, calls the
film a “heartfelt salute to a real-life local legend.” Kimber Myers, in the Los Angeles Times, says the film “smartly
balances its excesses with small, sweet moments that leave an impression.” Allison Willmore, in New York
magazine, says “it’s the 76-year-old Kier’s tremendous performance that centers the movie.” Unrated, “Swan
Song” runs one hour, 45 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 .