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'Cars 2' opens at the Sebastiani

Lightning McQueen and Mater are back, along with some new friends, for the much-anticipated sequel to the 2006 smash, "Cars." The Disney/Pixar flick "Cars 2" races into Sonoma during NASCAR weekend at Infineon Raceway, opening on Friday, June 24.

As always, the latest cartoon creation will open locally at the Sebastiani Theatre, where Glen Ellen resident and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter has been known to pop in to surprise movie-goers by introducing the film.

"Last year he (Lasseter) came and brought John Ratzenberger to introduce 'Toy Story 3' before the

6 p.m. show," said Roger Rhoten, operator of the Sebastiani Theatre. Ratzenberger is former "Cheers" star and a popular actor who has voiced characters in every Pixar film. Lasseter and Ratzenberger are expected to attend the NASCAR Grand Marshal's Dinner at Cline Cellars that night - it's yet to be seen if they'll make an appearance at the Plaza theater before the gala.

"I've heard two rumors, one that he may not come and one that he definitely is coming," Rhoten said. "They never tell me for sure. But if I had to guess, I'd guess he'd be at the 6 p.m. show."

Throughout the weekend, audiences will get raffle tickets, with several "Cars 2" posters given away during each show. Showtimes at the Sebastiani Theatre are 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 

"The theater is air conditioned now, so that's a plus, especially this weekend," Rhoten said.

In "Cars 2," Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) leaves the desert racetrack and heads overseas to participate in the World Grand Prix race. His trusty sidekick, a tow-truck named Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy), comes along for the ride but finds himself caught up in his own adventure of international espionage. The film was co-written and co-directed by Lasseter, who came up with the "Cars" concept during a cross-country road trip with his wife and three young sons.

The Sebastiani Theatre is located at 476 E. Napa St. For show times next week or more details, visit www.sebastianitheatre.com or call 996-9756.