El Capitan Theatre to Offer Unique Experience of Disney’s “Queen of Katwe”
It’s rare to find a more natural partnership than the one that Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre and Disney’s newest extravaganza, “Queen of Katwe,” are about to have when the historic architectural marvel begins to screen the true-to-life film starting on Friday, September 23rd. Until Thursday, October 6th, audiences will have the opportunity to witness a story that is wonderfully symbolic of the big-dream-becomes-reality mythos that Tinseltown, or Hollywood, has stood for since the dawn of the movie age inside a 1926-constructed theatre that has been through it all.
The proscenium at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Photo credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Representative of unbelievable triumph, the Mira Nair-directed and William Wheeler-written “Queen of Katwe” is based on the true story of a young girl named Phiona Mutesi (portrayed by newcomer Madina Nalwanga) who, with the help of mentor Robert Katende (played by David Oyelowo) transcends her roots in rural Uganda en route to becoming an international chess champion. Certainly, no story about exultation is truly satisfying without the struggles inherent in it, and this retelling beautifully demonstrates how Phiona wins over the support of her doubting, though loving, mother Nakku Harriet (portrayed by Academy Award-Winner Lupita Nyong’o) as the final piece of the puzzle to everlasting achievement.
Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” poster. Image courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Yet, while simply screening the film would be enough to compel and rouse, prospective attendees may want to see “Queen of Katwe” on opening weekend (Sept. 23-25) because there will be an amazing addition to what is already promised to be a memorable experience. The No. 7-ranked chess player in the nation, 20-year-old Daniel Naroditsky of San Mateo, CA, will take on two audience members simultaneously prior to each showing of “Queen of Katwe,” provide chess tips, and answer questions following the film over the course of those three days. Naroditsky’s reputation will precede him, and his live presence will not only make the movie experience more enthralling, but add an excitingly interactive element.
Moreover, the family-friendly film will also be agreeable to individuals of all ages, including small children, who, with their parents, will have the benefit of watching “Queen of Katwe” at a 10 a.m. “Tiny Tot Tuesday” special engagement of the motion picture on September 27th and October 4th. For those two screenings, the film will play at moderate sound levels and the theatre will be dimmed as opposed to entirely darkened.
“Queen of Katwe” daily showtimes are scheduled to be at 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.elcapitantickets.com or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6
The El Capitan Theatre is located at 6838 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 and can be contacted by calling (818) 845-3110
