“Napoleon Dynamite Live!” brings Napoleon, Pedro and Uncle Rico to campus Feb. 3
What is better than watching “Napoleon Dynamite” on the big screen? Eating tater tots while watching the movie, then interacting live with beloved characters Napoleon, Pedro and Uncle Rico. Sweet!
The Hanover College Enrichment Series will present “Napoleon Dynamite Live Comes to Indiana,” at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, in Collier Arena. The event will feature a full screening of the movie, followed by an in-person, free-wheeling 90-minute interactive question-and-answer session with film stars Jon Heder (Napoleon), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico).
“NAPOLEON DYNAMITE LIVE!” tickets
Created with an estimated $400,000 budget, “Napoleon Dynamite” generated more than $46 million at the U.S. box office and has earned cult classic status by appealing to the inner teenager in all of us. The relatable storyline, endearing characters and dialogue combine to make the film one of the most-quoted movies of the past 20 years.
Powered by its success at the box office, “Napoleon Dynamite” was nominated for more than 20 awards, ranging from best direction and production to top comedy, musical score and breakout performances. The movie was praised from the Sundance Film Festival, U.S. Comedy Festival and Grammys Awards to the MTV Movie and Television Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
“Napoleon Dynamite” captured MTV’s honor for best movie in 2005. Heder earned the award for top breakthrough male. He also received the best musical performance honor for his iconic “election dance.”
That same year, the film dominated the Teen Choice Awards, earning 13 nominations and eight awards. “Napoleon Dynamite” captured the best comedy honor. Heder, meanwhile, received five awards, including best comedy actor, best dance scene and best hissy fit.
Well known for his role as Napoleon Dynamite, Heder has also appeared in films including “Blades of Glory” alongside Will Ferrell, “Just Like Heaven” with Reese Witherspoon and the cult favorite, “The Benchwarmers.” He was also the voice of Chicken Joe in the animated movie “Surf’s Up.”
Ramirez’s career has included diverse roles on film and television, spanning comedy, drama, action and animation. He was featured in the romantic comedy “Employee of the Month” with Dane Cook and Dax Shepard and was cast as Airman Díaz in Disney and Pixar’s hit animated film “Lightyear.”
Gries’ acting career spans more than 40 years. His film roles include “Men in Black,” “Get Shorty” and “Real Genius,” while his television credits include “Seinfeld” and “Lost.” He is currently featured on season two of the Emmy Award-winning HBO dark comedy series “The White Lotus.”
General admission tickets are now available online. Seats cost $25 each for adults, while tickets for students of any age – from any school – are free with a student ID (shown upon entry).
“NAPOLEON DYNAMITE LIVE!” tickets
The Hanover Enrichment Series is made possible through the generosity of Tricia and Will Hagenah.
