Squirrels Host Advance Screening of '42'
RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the 2012 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, are pleased to announce that they will host a special advance screening of the movie "42" prior to Opening Night 2013 presented by Jani-King on Thursday, April 4. The advance screening will take place at Bow Tie Cinemas Movieland at Boulevard Square at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available by invitation and through various Richmond-based media outlets.
"42" is a biographical film, chronicling the life and baseball career of the iconic Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color-barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The film is titled in honor of Robinson's uniform number, which was universally retired by Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball in 1997. The film will be released in theaters on April 12th, three days before the 66th anniversary of Robinson becoming the first African-American player to appear in Major League Baseball.
"We are thrilled that Minor League Baseball has chosen Richmond (and the Flying Squirrels) to host this special screening," said Flying Squirrels Vice President/COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "Jackie Robinson's impact on not only baseball, but the progression of American society as a whole is unparalleled. His story is one that needs to be seen and heard, and we're very proud to have the opportunity to showcase it in Richmond."
The screening of "42" begins a day-long celebration of the beginning of the 2013 season of Flying Squirrels baseball. Opening Night 2013 presented by Jani-King will also feature an appearance by former Richmond and Atlanta Braves' great Javy Lopez, as well as a ceremonial first pitch thrown out by Washington Redskins' Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan. Gates at The Diamond will open at 4:30 p.m., with first pitch against the New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota Twins) scheduled for 6:35 p.m. The evening will also include a post-game Fireworks Extravaganza.
"Every opening night is special, but all the elements that have come together this year are going to make April 4 truly memorable," added Parnell. "We feel very blessed to have the ability to bring so many unique experiences to our fan base, and we are using opening night to demonstrate that in year four our commitment to doing so is stronger than ever."
A limited number of tickets are available for Opening Night 2013 presented by Jani-King. To purchase tickets, log on to SquirrelsBaseball.com, call (804) 359-FUNN (3866) or visit the Flying Squirrels' Ticket Office at The Diamond.
About "42"
Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland ("L.A. Confidential") wrote and directed the drama "42," starring Chadwick Boseman ("The Express") and Oscar® nominee Harrison Ford ("Witness"). Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. "42" tells the story of two men-the great Jackie Robinson and trailblazing Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey-whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball.
In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team, breaking Major League Baseball's infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing blatant racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey's hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking-ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.
In 1997, Major League Baseball retired the number 42 for all teams, making it the first number in sports to be universally retired. The only exception is April 15th-Jackie Robinson Day-commemorating the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. On that day alone, players from every team proudly wear Number 42 to honor the man who altered the course of history.
Rounding out the main cast of "42" are Nicole Beharie as Rachel Robinson, Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher, Andre Holland as Wendell Smith, Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese, Hamish Linklater as Ralph Branca, and Ryan Merriman as Dixie Walker.
The film is produced by Thomas Tull, with Dick Cook, Jon Jashni and Jason Clark serving as executive producers, and Darryl Pryor and Jillian Zaks co-producing.
Helgeland's behind-the-scenes collaborators included Oscar®-nominated director of photography Don Burgess ("Forrest Gump"), production designer Richard Hoover, costume designer Caroline Harris, and editors Kevin Stitt and Peter McNulty. The music is composed by Oscar® nominee Mark Isham ("A River Runs Through It").
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present, a Legendary Pictures Production, a Brian Helgeland film, "42." Slated for release April 12, 2013, the film will open in time to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day-April 15, the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. This film has been rated PG-13 for thematic elements, including language. Watch the trailer at www.42movie.com.