Purple Rain (Prince's Birthday Party)

9:45pm - Wednesday, Jun 7, 2023

Dearly beloved We are gathered here today To get through this thing called "life" Electric word, life It means forever and that's a mighty long time But I'm here to tell you There's something else The afterworld... Join us at the Rio Theatre on Wednesday, June 7 for a screening of The Purple One's cinematic and musical triumph, PURPLE RAIN, on what would have been Prince Roger Nelson's 65th birthday. The indelible, Oscar-winning rock musical for which Prince is so loved is getting some big screen love - and we're turning the volume up, children. (Get ready to go crazy with the beautiful ones in the Rio Theatre audience - 80's-inspired birthday party attire is very welcome and oh-so-very encouraged. Also: You best be wearing purple, people!) Based loosely on his own life story, Prince's film debut in PURPLE RAIN cast him as "The Kid," the talented but troubled musician in Minneapolis struggling to make it big with his band, The Revolution. The film was a box office hit, and possessed a fantastic soundtrack (including Oscar-winner 'When Doves Cry') that forever altered the course of his career. Many fans and critics consider the music of PURPLE RAIN signature work, spawning numerous hit singles that would dominate airwaves for years to come. "'Purple Rain' became a generational manifesto, while providing the largest megaphone yet for one of the greatest geniuses in pop music." (NPR) Wednesday, June 7 Doors 9:15 pm | Movie 9:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Even better? Why not purify yourself by bringing along friend, date, or fellow purple-loving pal to this 80's-themed birthday party screening, and get two-for-one entry! PURPLE RAIN (Albert Magnoli, 1984 / 111 mins / 18A) | A talented young musician in Minneapolis, tormented by an abusive, bold father and a mother who is never satisfied, must contend with a rival singer, a darling romance, and his own dissatisfied bandmates - while his own star (and baby, he is one) begins to rise. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Cinema Paradiso

6:30pm - Thursday, Jun 8, 2023

Young Salvatore Di Vita (Salvatore Cascio) discovers the perfect escape from life in his war-torn Sicilian village: the CINEMA PARADISO movie house, where projectionist Alfredo (Philippe Noiret) instills in the boy a deep love of films. When Salvatore grows up, falls in love with a beautiful local girl (Agnese Nano) and takes over as the Paradiso's projectionist, Alfredo must convince Salvatore to leave his small town and pursue his passion for filmmaking. "Still rapturous after all these years, CINEMA PARADISO stands as one of the great films about movie love." (The Washington Post) "One of the most delightful and affecting of all movie endings." (The Daily Mail) Thursday, June 8 Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change. CINEMA PARADISO “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” (Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988 / 124 mins / Italian with English subs) | With sweeping cinematography, gorgeous performances, and a heart-tugging nostalgic storyline about childhood and coming-of-age, CINEMA PARADISO remains one of Italy’s most beloved cinematic exports. Loosely based on writer/director Giuseppe Tornatore’s own life, the story follows a prominent filmmaker recalling the days of his magical boyhood, when he fell in love with movies and formed a deep friendship with the projectionist at his village’s theatre. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Sisu

9:15pm - Thursday, Jun 8, 2023

During the last desperate days of WWII, a solitary prospector (Jorma Tommila) crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northern Finland. When the Nazis steal his gold, they quickly discover that they have just tangled with no ordinary miner. While there is no direct translation for the Finnish word "sisu", this legendary ex-commando will embody what sisu means: a white-knuckled form of courage and unimaginable determination in the face of overwhelming odds. And no matter what the Nazis throw at him, the one-man death squad will go to outrageous lengths to get his gold back -- even if it means killing every last Nazi in his path. "Sometimes all you want is a grizzled Finnish gold prospector relentlessly slaughtering cartoon evil Nazis in a variety of inventive and messy ways." (Observer UK) "Serving up stone-cold multiplex mayhem, 'Sisu' makes no bones about it — this is a film about one mad bastard killing a gazillion Nazis. It’s almost impossible not to love it." (Empire Magazine) "'Sisu' is a true-blue B-movie with no greater purpose than indulging fantasies of dispatching sneering and terminally stupid fascist scumf—s from this mortal coil." (Decider) Thursday, June 8 Doors 8:45 pm | Movie 9:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. SISU (Jalmari Helander, 2022 / 92 mins / 18A / Finnish with English subtitles) When an ex-soldier who discovers gold in the Lapland wilderness tries to take the loot into the city, Nazi soldiers led by a brutal SS officer battle him. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)

6:15pm - Friday, Jun 9, 2023

elebrated photographer, creative director and filmmaker Anton Corbijn's first feature documentary SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) tells the story of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, the creative geniuses behind the iconic album art design studio, Hipgnosis, responsible for some of the most recognizable album covers of all time. They formed Hipgnosis in Cambridge during the ferment of the sixties and became rock royalty during the boom time of the seventies. They conjured into existence sights that no one had previously thought possible, produced visuals which popularized music that had previously been considered fringe, and were at the white-hot center of the maddest, funniest and most creative era in the history of popular music. During this period, record companies didn't dictate to acts like Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney what their LP covers should look like -- Storm and Po did. They made money; they lost money. They did great things; they did silly things. They fell out bitterly; they made up. They never played a note, but they changed music. "Corbijn manages to capture their you-know-it-when-you-see-it Hipgnosis style through his own crystalline lens, even in his archival selections." (Austin Chronicle) "“Squaring the Circle” is kind of most fun when it gets into the album jackets you may recognize but never spent more than three seconds thinking about before." (Variety) "A treat for anyone with a taste for rock, for rock imagery and for the glories that can be found in that piece of cardboard wrapped around a record." (The Wrap) "A fun ride for anyone with any affection for that era of music, especially those who miss the days when album cover art mattered." (Tilt Magazine) Friday, June 9 Doors 5:45 pm | Movie 6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) (Anton Corbijn, 2023 / 100 mins / PG) Whether you’re a fan of Pink Floyd or not, chances are you know exactly what the album covers of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here look like. But you might not be familiar with the creative duo behind those iconic images: Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell, aka the innovative design studio Hipgnosis. Hipgnosius went from making covers for their mates (the likes of David Gilmour and Syd Barrett) to establishing themselves as the driving force behind visual identities of some of the most popular artists of the 1970s (think Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney). Their methods were unconventional, their budgets often unreasonable, but they were fearless visionaries who artfully manipulated photographic images long before computer graphics became ubiquitous. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome

9:00pm - Friday, Jun 9, 2023

"We don't need another hero..." Join us at the Rio Theatre on Friday, June 9 as we pay tribute to a true icon, the incomparable Tina Turner, with a screening of MAD MAX 3: BEYOND THUNDERDOME. In George Miller's third installment of the franchise, Turner not only steals the show as the cunning, tyrannical villain Aunty Entity, but she also created two original songs for the movie: "One of the Living," which plays over the opening credits, and "We Don't Need Another Hero," which plays in the closing credits. (Of note: Both songs are complete and total bangers, the former earning her a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1986, and the latter becoming a commercial success as well as receiving a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Original Song.) Aunty Entity rules a desert trading post called Bartertown, a post-apocalyptic community emulative of the wild west, a haven for scum and criminal held together by a frail rule of law. In this desolate place, civilization perseveres by harvesting methane for energy and justice is served through violence. At the beginning of the film, wandering Max (Mel Gibson) arrives in the town looking for his stolen vehicle, and seeks shelter. He makes an impression on Aunty with his brute strength and becomes embroiled in a power struggle. She then recruits him into killing the methane miners' muscle, thus quelling a labor rebellion. When he escapes with his life, just, back in the desert he discovers an oasis populated by children. "There is something to get excited about in this third chapter of the Mad Max series: the powerhouse presence of Tina Turner." (People Magazine) "The action thrums away happily, the performances crackle, and the movie proves properly thought out top to tail, gathering up a mythic quality." (Empire Magazine) "An astonishing display of virtuoso cinema that is destined to take its place among the most vivid and freshly imagined fist-to-groin contests in the medium's history." (Time Magazine) Friday, June 9 Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. MAD MAX 3: BEYOND THUNDERDOME (George Miller, 1985 / 107 mins / PG 13) | In the third of the "Mad Max" movies, Max (Mel Gibson) drifts into an evil town ruled by Turner. There he becomes a gladiator and gets dumped in the desert where he is rescued by a band of feral orphans who have been looking for help for years. When several of them take his appearance as a sign and go off into the desert, he follows them back to the town. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Suspiria

11:30pm - Friday, Jun 9, 2023

We're getting into the spirit of Italian Day on the Drive (one of our favourite annual events - we're do glad it's back!) with a Friday Late Night Movie screening of Dario Argento's giallo-infused, "candy-coloured," phantasmagoric nightmare of a horror icon SUSPIRIA ("the most terrifying movie ever made!"). This genre-defining cult-classic has been lovingly restored and remastered in glorious 4K - the film's bizarre colour schemes come alive in a whole new way. Buoyed by a phenomenal soundtrack from the Italian band Goblin, SUSPIRIA is "nightmare fuel" for the senses - and can only be truly enjoyed on the big screen... If you dare! Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place... "It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them." (Time Out) "The blood pours freely in Argento's classic SUSPIRIA, a giallo horror as grandiose and glossy as it is gory." (Rotten Tomatoes) "From stormy start to fiery finish, it's a stylish, compelling, phantasmagoric movie." (The Observer) Friday, June 9 Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Late Night Date Night! Bring a date, pal, or bud and get two-for-one entry to SUSPIRIA! SUSPIRIA (Dario Argento, 1977 / 92 mins/ 18A) | A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Big Fight in Little Chinatown

2:00pm - Saturday, Jun 10, 2023

BIG FIGHT IN LITTLE CHINATOWN is a story of community resistance and resilience. Set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic and an unprecedented rise in anti-Asian racism, the documentary takes us into the lives of residents, businesses and community organizers whose neighborhoods are facing active erasure. Coast to Coast the film follows Chinatown communities resisting the pressures around them. From the construction of the world’s largest vertical jail in New York, Montreal’s fight against developers swallowing up the most historic block of their Chinatown, big box chains and gentrification forces displacing Toronto’s community, to a Vancouver Chinatown business holding steadfast, the film reveals how Chinatown is both a stand-in for other communities who’ve been wiped off the city map, and the blueprint for inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods of the future. In 2018, the Rio Theatre put up its own fight against encroaching development when the property was listed for sale, which triggered the launch of our (very successful!) #SavetheRio Campaign that eventually resulted in our being able to buy the building outright - preserving the business and venue for the people of Vancouver. We stand in solidarity with our neighbors in Vancouver's Chinatown, who are currently dealing with this very urgent and pressing issue of gentrification, and welcome our friends at #SaveChinatownYVR to the screening on June 11. They will be on hand providing important and useful information and context to this issue. "Showcasing the people, places, businesses, and history that make up the pillars of Chinatowns in Vancouver, Montreal, and New York, 'Big Fight in Little Chinatown' focuses on the consistent effort required to preserve the essence of the storied communities." (Georgia Straight) Saturday, June 10 Doors 1:30 pm | Movie 2:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Can't make it to our screening on June 10? BIG FIGHT IN LITTLE CHINATOWN will also be screening downtown at the beautiful VIFF Centre. Go to www.viff.org to see their list of showtimes and for advance ticketing info. BIG FIGHT IN LITTLE CHINATOWN (Karen Cho, 2022 / 82 mins / G / In English and Cantonese with English subtitles) With the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and city redevelopment, Chinatowns in New York City, Montreal and Vancouver search for innovative ways to keep their communities thriving. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Beau Is Afraid

4:30pm - Saturday, Jun 10, 2023

Joaquin Phoenix stars as a mild-mannered yet paranoid man who embarks on an epic odyssey to get home to his mother in this bold and ingeniously depraved new film from writer/director Ari Aster (MIDSOMMAR, HEREDITARY). With Nathan Lane, Patti LuPone, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Parker Posey, Amy Ryan. "There’s more than enough absurdist madness here to delight, infuriate and exasperate in equal measure." (Observer UK) "[Ari] Aster’s film takes the so-traumatic-it’s-funny sequences of his previous work and spins them into a three-hour comedy of bad vibes and ritual humiliation. It’s as memorable, audacious, and indulgent as you’d hope from A24’s most expensive film to date." (Independent UK) "Some trips are worth the destination and, running a fully felt three hours, this film is one of them." (The Arts Desk) "The story of the guy telling everybody not to applaud during the credits of 'Beau Is Afraid' only gets funnier—and more profound—once you’ve seen it and can picture the precise backdrop of his plea." (The Ringer) "It’s not that the laughter is set against the despair. It is the despair itself that is so funny – so absurd, so pointless, so pathetic." (Irish Times) Saturday, June 10 Doors 4:00 pm | Movie 4:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. BEAU IS AFRAID (Ari Aster, 2023 / 179 mins /18A) Following the sudden death of his mother, a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man confronts his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque odyssey back home. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Alien (Single Film or Double Creature Feature)

8:15pm - Saturday, Jun 10, 2023

"Listen to me! If we break quarantine, we could all die." As one of – if not the – greatest action heroines to ever hit the silver screen, Sigourney Weaver’s unstoppable Ellen Ripley kicks all the asses and takes all the names throughout one of the most iconic sci-fi action franchises films of all time. In this modern horror classic set in deep space, the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo is awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules halfway through their journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The terror begins when the crew encounters a nest of eggs inside the alien ship. An organism from inside an egg leaps out and attaches itself to one of the crew, causing him to fall into a coma.... Also starring Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton, and Veronica Cartwright. "The first part of the movie is essentially Marx in space, and the second part of the movie is Darwin in space." (The Stranger) "We marvel at how the filmmaker generates so much tension and sweat with a bare minimum of moving parts." (Globe and Mail) Saturday, June 10 ALIEN (The Director's Cut) Doors 7:45 pm | Movie 8:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Why not make it a Double Creature Feature with James Cameron's 1986 follow up, ALIENS, at 10:40 pm for one sweet price? ALIEN (Ridley Scott, 1979 / DCP, 117 mins / 14A / Director's Cut) The commercial vessel Nostromo receives a distress call from an unexplored planet. After searching for survivors, the crew heads home only to realize that a deadly bioform has joined them. *Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Aliens

10:40pm - Saturday, Jun 10, 2023

"Get away from her, you bitch!" As one of – if not the – greatest action heroines to ever hit the silver screen, Sigourney Weaver’s unstoppable Ellen Ripley kicks all the asses and takes all the names throughout one of the most iconic sci-fi action franchises films of all time. In this sequel to Scott's game-changing work of sci-fi, Lt. Ripley's (Weaver) shuttle is found by a deep space salvage team after floating in space for 57 years,. Upon arriving at LV-426, the marines find only one survivor, a nine year old girl named Newt (Carrie Henn). But even these battle-hardened marines with all the latest weaponry are no match for the hundreds of aliens that have invaded the colony. "While Alien was a marvel of slow-building, atmospheric tension, Aliens packs a much more visceral punch, and features a typically strong performance from Sigourney Weaver." (Rotten Tomatoes) "Beyond dispute, however, is the film's timeless worth as a cathartic work, especially in terms of its accidentally commentary on the sexism of the corporate structure." (Salon.com) "Scene to scene, encounter to encounter, its tension builds unrelentingly. So, fasten your seat belts. It`s a blast." (Chicago Tribune) Saturday, June 10 ALIENS Movie 10:40 pm *As this is a double feature, the start time is subject to change. Please arrive on time. ALIENS (James Cameron, 1986 / 137 mins / PG / DCP) When Ripley's lifepod is found by a salvage crew over 50 years later, she finds that terra-formers are on the very planet they found the alien species. When the company sends a family of colonists out to investigate her story, all contact is lost with the planet and colonists. They enlist Ripley and the colonial marines to return and search for answers. *Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Circus

11:00am - Sunday, Jun 11, 2023

Presented by Tulu Koota Canada Sunday, June 11 Doors 10:30 am | Movie 11:00 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Adult tickets $19.99+ s/c | $22 at the door Kids tickets $12.99+ s/c | $15 at the door [more]

Cinema Paradiso

2:45pm - Sunday, Jun 11, 2023

Join us at the Rio Theatre as we get into the Italian Day on the Drive spirit (it's finally returning to Commercial Drive on Sunday, June 11!) with family-friendly screenings of one of our all-time favourites, CINEMA PARADISO, on Thursday, June 8 with an encore on Sunday, June 11! Young Salvatore Di Vita (Salvatore Cascio) discovers the perfect escape from life in his war-torn Sicilian village: the CINEMA PARADISO movie house, where projectionist Alfredo (Philippe Noiret) instills in the boy a deep love of films. When Salvatore grows up, falls in love with a beautiful local girl (Agnese Nano) and takes over as the Paradiso's projectionist, Alfredo must convince Salvatore to leave his small town and pursue his passion for filmmaking. "Still rapturous after all these years, CINEMA PARADISO stands as one of the great films about movie love." (The Washington Post) "One of the most delightful and affecting of all movie endings." (The Daily Mail) Sunday, June 11 Doors 2:15 pm | Movie 2:45 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change. Italian Day Pricing in Effect! Tickets Just $8. CINEMA PARADISO “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” (Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988 / 124 mins / Italian with English subs) | With sweeping cinematography, gorgeous performances, and a heart-tugging nostalgic storyline about childhood and coming-of-age, CINEMA PARADISO remains one of Italy’s most beloved cinematic exports. Loosely based on writer/director Giuseppe Tornatore’s own life, the story follows a prominent filmmaker recalling the days of his magical boyhood, when he fell in love with movies and formed a deep friendship with the projectionist at his village’s theatre. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Federico Fellini's 8 1/2 (60th Anniversary Screening!)

5:30pm - Sunday, Jun 11, 2023

One of our favourite annual events that we adore participating in and being a part of is Italian Day on the Drive. Like everyone in Vancouver, we have really missed this East Vancouver tradition, and are celebrating its return with one our most requested titles - a 60th Anniversary screening of Federico Fellini's masterfully surreal, semi-autobiographical take on the trials and tribulations of the film-making, 8 1/2. Even better? Italian Day on the Drive pricing is in effect! No less than Fellini himself declared 8 1/2 as one of his favorite films ever. Marcello Mastroianni delivers one of his best-loved, career-high performances as troubled Italian filmmaker Guido Anselmi, a harried man struggling with creative stasis as he attempts to get a new movie off the ground. Overwhelmed by his work and personal life, the director retreats into his thoughts, which often focus on his loves, both past and present, and frequently wander into fantastical territory. As he tries to sort out his many entanglements, romantic and otherwise, Anselmi finds his production becoming more and more autobiographical. One of the greatest films about film ever made, 8 1/2 ("Otto e mezzo") turns one man’s artistic crisis into a grand epic of the cinema. An early working title for 8 1/2 was "The Beautiful Confusion," and Fellini’s masterpiece is exactly that: a shimmering dream, a circus, and a magic act. Also starring Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimée, Sandra Milo, Barbra Steele. "Here is a piece of entertainment that will really make you sit up straight and think, a movie endowed with the challenge of a fascinating intellectual game." (The New York Times) "Inventive, thought-provoking, and funny, 8 1/2 represents the arguable peak of Federico Fellini's many towering feats of cinema." (Rotten Tomatoes) Sunday, June 11 Doors 5:00 pm | Movie 5:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Italian Day on the Drive pricing is in effect! Tickets just $8. 8 1/2 "Otto e mezzo" (Federico Fellini, 1963 / 138 mins / 18A / In Italian with English subtitles) Harried movie director Guido, when trying to relax after his last big hit, retreats into his memories and fantasies, but He can't get a moment's peace when the people who have worked with him in the past constantly look to him for more work. He wrestles with his conscience, but is unable to come up with a new idea. While thinking, he starts to recall major happenings in his life, and all the women he has loved and left. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Sisu (Final Screening)

8:45pm - Sunday, Jun 11, 2023

During the last desperate days of WWII, a solitary prospector (Jorma Tommila) crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northern Finland. When the Nazis steal his gold, they quickly discover that they have just tangled with no ordinary miner. While there is no direct translation for the Finnish word "sisu", this legendary ex-commando will embody what sisu means: a white-knuckled form of courage and unimaginable determination in the face of overwhelming odds. And no matter what the Nazis throw at him, the one-man death squad will go to outrageous lengths to get his gold back -- even if it means killing every last Nazi in his path. "Sometimes all you want is a grizzled Finnish gold prospector relentlessly slaughtering cartoon evil Nazis in a variety of inventive and messy ways." (Observer UK) "Serving up stone-cold multiplex mayhem, 'Sisu' makes no bones about it — this is a film about one mad bastard killing a gazillion Nazis. It’s almost impossible not to love it." (Empire Magazine) "'Sisu' is a true-blue B-movie with no greater purpose than indulging fantasies of dispatching sneering and terminally stupid fascist scumf—s from this mortal coil." (Decider) Sunday, June 11 Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. SISU (Jalmari Helander, 2022 / 92 mins / 18A / Finnish with English subtitles) When an ex-soldier who discovers gold in the Lapland wilderness tries to take the loot into the city, Nazi soldiers led by a brutal SS officer battle him. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)

6:00pm - Monday, Jun 12, 2023

elebrated photographer, creative director and filmmaker Anton Corbijn's first feature documentary SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) tells the story of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, the creative geniuses behind the iconic album art design studio, Hipgnosis, responsible for some of the most recognizable album covers of all time. They formed Hipgnosis in Cambridge during the ferment of the sixties and became rock royalty during the boom time of the seventies. They conjured into existence sights that no one had previously thought possible, produced visuals which popularized music that had previously been considered fringe, and were at the white-hot center of the maddest, funniest and most creative era in the history of popular music. During this period, record companies didn't dictate to acts like Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney what their LP covers should look like -- Storm and Po did. They made money; they lost money. They did great things; they did silly things. They fell out bitterly; they made up. They never played a note, but they changed music. "Corbijn manages to capture their you-know-it-when-you-see-it Hipgnosis style through his own crystalline lens, even in his archival selections." (Austin Chronicle) "“Squaring the Circle” is kind of most fun when it gets into the album jackets you may recognize but never spent more than three seconds thinking about before." (Variety) "A treat for anyone with a taste for rock, for rock imagery and for the glories that can be found in that piece of cardboard wrapped around a record." (The Wrap) "A fun ride for anyone with any affection for that era of music, especially those who miss the days when album cover art mattered." (Tilt Magazine) #MusicMonday, June 12 Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) (Anton Corbijn, 2023 / 100 mins / PG) Whether you’re a fan of Pink Floyd or not, chances are you know exactly what the album covers of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here look like. But you might not be familiar with the creative duo behind those iconic images: Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell, aka the innovative design studio Hipgnosis. Hipgnosius went from making covers for their mates (the likes of David Gilmour and Syd Barrett) to establishing themselves as the driving force behind visual identities of some of the most popular artists of the 1970s (think Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney). Their methods were unconventional, their budgets often unreasonable, but they were fearless visionaries who artfully manipulated photographic images long before computer graphics became ubiquitous. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

8:30pm - Monday, Jun 12, 2023

Ukraine Harmony Foundation is happy to invite you to the boisterous Ukrainian comedy film LUXEMBOURG, LUXEMBOURG from writer/director Antonio Lukich. Ukraine Harmony Foundation рада запросити вас на бурхливу українську комедію «Люксембург. Люксембург» від сценариста/режисера Антоніо Лукіча. Synopsis: Kolya and Vasily go in search of their father after they come to know that he is dying in Luxembourg, who left them when they were children. Kolya considers him a hero, while Vasily thinks he is a scoundrel. Синопсис: Коля та Василь вирушають на пошуки батька після того, як дізнаються, що він помирає в Люксембурзі. Він покинув їх, коли вони були дітьми. Коля вважає його героєм, а Василь — негідником. The film would be screened in Ukrainian with English subtitles. Фільм українською мовою з англійськими субтитрами. Monday, June 12 Doors open 8:00 pm | Film starts 8:30 pm SHARP (Please arrive on time) Q&A with Antonio Lukach at 10:15pm Advance tickets $21+ s/c | $25 at the door More information about the film https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19783714/ Понеділок, 12 червня - Двері відчиняються о 20:00 | Початок фільму о 20:30 (не запізнюйтесь) Питання та відповіді з Антоніо Лукачем о 22:15 Онлайн-квитки $21+ s/c | 25 доларів на касі Детальніше про фільм https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19783714/ Movie rated PG 16+ Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. Please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats - and time for treats! *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. *Advance ticket sales end an hour before showtime. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime (subject to availability). All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds. Вікове обмеження 16+ років [more]

The Best of DreamBig Productions

6:30pm - Tuesday, Jun 13, 2023

The Best of DreamBig Productions 2023 Templeton Secondary’s Award Winning Film Program Tuesday, June 13 Doors 6:00 | Event 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets | $20 at the door Please note: Not all films are suitable for younger audiences Check www.afterschoolfilm.ca for full list of films *Minors welcome (viewer discretion is advised). Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. *Online sales end an hour before showtimes. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are also available for purchase at the door on the day of the show. [more]

Identikit (aka, 'The Driver's Seat')

6:45pm - Wednesday, Jun 14, 2023

In keeping with the spirit of Italian Heritage Month and the return of Italian Day on the Drive (which returns to our neighbourhood on Sunday, June 11!) join us at the Rio Theatre on Wednesday, June 14 for a special screening of director Giuseppe Patroni Griffi's newly restored Italian oddity IDENTIKIT (aka, "The Driver's Seat") starring Elizabeth Taylor. We will be joined by celebrated genre programmer, critic, producer, and "House of Psychotic Women" author Kier-La Janisse for an intro of this legendary camp classic. In what remains the most obscure, bizarre, and wildly misunderstood film of her entire career—and perhaps even 1970s Italian cinema—IDENTIKIT (aka THE DRIVER'S SEAT) stars Elizabeth Taylor as a disturbed woman who arrives in Rome to find a fragmented city. From there, Taylor navigates autocratic law, leftist violence, and her own increasingly unhinged mission to find the most dangerous liaison of all. Academy Award® nominee Ian Bannen (THE OFFENCE), Mona Washbourne (THE COLLECTOR) and Andy Warhol co-star in this hallucinatory neo-noir, which was photographed by three-time Oscar® winner Vittorio Storaro (APOCALYPSE NOW, THE LAST EMPEROR). New restoration in 4K by Cinematheque of Bologna and Severin Films! "... rivals the likes of 'Valley of the Dolls' or 'Mommie Dearest' with its wild, no-holds-barred over-the-top lunacy." (Film Threat) "Playing with non-linear storytelling and perception, this chaotic human study works thanks to a strong, believable performance by Elizabeth Taylor. Regardless of how little sense some of this movie makes, Taylor is phenomenal." (Morbidly Beautiful) Wednesday, June 14 Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. In 2012 Kier-La Janisse published 'House of Psychotic Women', billed as “an autobiographical topography of female neurosis in horror and exploitation films.” It soon became one of the most “vital” (Tim Lucas, Video Watchdog) and “astonishing” (Daily Grindhouse) genre tomes of all time, with beloved actress and singer Molly Ringwald saying she “devoured this compelling, surprising, and moving book.” IDENTIKIT "The Driver's Seat" (Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, 1974 / 102 min / Italian and German with English subtitles / 18A) A woman with an existential threat flies to Rome on a reckless quest, ostensibly on a search for love but for death. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Beau Is Afraid (Final Screening)

7:00pm - Thursday, Jun 15, 2023

Joaquin Phoenix stars as a mild-mannered yet paranoid man who embarks on an epic odyssey to get home to his mother in this bold and ingeniously depraved new film from writer/director Ari Aster (MIDSOMMAR, HEREDITARY). With Nathan Lane, Patti LuPone, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Parker Posey, Amy Ryan. "There’s more than enough absurdist madness here to delight, infuriate and exasperate in equal measure." (Observer UK) "[Ari] Aster’s film takes the so-traumatic-it’s-funny sequences of his previous work and spins them into a three-hour comedy of bad vibes and ritual humiliation. It’s as memorable, audacious, and indulgent as you’d hope from A24’s most expensive film to date." (Independent UK) "Some trips are worth the destination and, running a fully felt three hours, this film is one of them." (The Arts Desk) "The story of the guy telling everybody not to applaud during the credits of 'Beau Is Afraid' only gets funnier—and more profound—once you’ve seen it and can picture the precise backdrop of his plea." (The Ringer) "It’s not that the laughter is set against the despair. It is the despair itself that is so funny – so absurd, so pointless, so pathetic." (Irish Times) Thursday, June 15 Doors 6:30 pm | Movie 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. BEAU IS AFRAID (Ari Aster, 2023 / 179 mins /18A) Following the sudden death of his mother, a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man confronts his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque odyssey back home. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

July Talk: Love Lives Here (With Filmmaker Q&A!)

6:30pm - Friday, Jun 16, 2023

What is essential in a time of upheaval? As July Talk plans for its only live shows of 2020, the band confronts deep uncertainties: a public health emergency, financial risk and the sudden onset of a chronic illness in one of its members. Emerging director Brittany Farhat documents the months of panic and epiphany as the drive-in shows take shape. Combining the real-time concert with unreleased archival footage of the band's highs and lows over a decade, Farhat follows a thoughtful group of artists to a crossroads of identity and circumstance. They are traveling far from the familiar: staring out at a field of cars in the middle of nowhere, finding their strength under a summer meteor shower. July Talk is a three-time JUNO Award winning band from Toronto, Canada. They have toured the world for the last decade with purpose and poise, delivering churning and fiercely physical performances at every turn. From their iconic three night sold out stand at Massey Hall to unforgettable appearances at festivals like Wayhome and Field Trip, the band has a storied history with their hometown. As the recipients of the Hi-Fidelity Prism Prize award in 2017 (given to a recording artist who has used video art to represent their work in a consistently creative and innovative way), the band is made up of filmmakers and performance artists. They have created groundbreaking music videos for every one of their carefully crafted singles, often presented as love letters to the city they call home. Filmmakers including director Brittany Farhat will be joining us for a live Q&A following the screening. Friday, June 16 Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. JULY TALK: LOVE LIVES HERE (Brittany Farhat, 2023 / 83 mins / PG) Grappling with a global pandemic and a live music shutdown, hard touring band July Talk books Out of crisis comes magic. July Talk built their fan base through relentless high-energy shows, which ground to a halt during the pandemic. Forced to pause and take stock, Leah Fay and Peter Dreimanis plan a one-of-a-kind drive-in theatre show in August 2020. the Stardust Drive-In Theatre north of Toronto for two nights in August, 2020. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Moonrise Kingdom

9:15pm - Friday, Jun 16, 2023

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, MOONRISE KINGDOM tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl's parents. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the boy and girl. "Warm, whimsical, and poignant, the immaculately framed and beautifully acted MOONRISE KINGDOM presents writer/director Wes Anderson at his idiosyncratic best." (Rotten Tomatoes) "Anderson's movie is a musical, composed work about how all of the instruments play together; what it achieves is a rare harmony of form, tone, and subject." (MUBI) Friday, June 16 Doors 8:45 pm | Movie 9:15 pm *Start tine subject to change. Please arrive on time. MOONRISE KINGDOM (Wes Anderson, 2012 / 94 mins /PG) A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out to find them. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Dazed and Confused (30th Aniversary Screening)

11:30pm - Friday, Jun 16, 2023

Alright, alright, alright! Why go cruising the strip or climbing the moon tower on a Friday night when you could spend it at your favourite indie movie theatre instead? Join us at the Rio Theatre for a 30th Anniversary screening of a slice of cult-classic nostalgia that celebrates the best day of high school you never had: Richard Linklater’s DAZED AND CONFUSED. As fresh today as it was when it was released in 1993, Linklater's infinitely quotable coming-of-age tale features a truly excellent ensemble cast, an authentically groovy 70s feel, and a pretty killer soundtrack, man. DAZED AN CONFUSED might be Linklater's best-loved work, and really showcases his signature rambling, naturalistic style and an approach to storytelling that was so memorable in his breakthrough 1991 indie hit, Slacker. Dazed and Confused manages to take a peek into the cliques and characters of high school in a smart, heartfelt, and often very funny way, revealing an endearing and occasionally profound picture of, "the best years of your life." Starring Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, Joey Lauren Adams, Rory Cochrane, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Marissa Ribisi, Milla Jovovovovich, and Ben Affleck. "Bet it makes you wanna dance." (TIME Magazine) Friday, June 16 Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Late Night Date Night! Bring a friend, date, or bud and get 2-for-1 entry to our Friday Late Night Movies! DAZED AND CONFUSED (Richard Linklater, 1993 / 102 mins, 14A) | The adventures of a group of Texas teens on their last day of school in 1976, centering on student Randall Floyd, who moves easily among stoners, jocks and geeks. Floyd is a star athlete, but he also likes smoking weed, which presents a conundrum when his football coach demands he sign a "no drugs" pledge. *Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Online ticket sales end an hour before any given showtime. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are available for purchase at the door. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Please arrive 20-30 minutes before showtime to ensure time for great seats - and treats! *Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *If you are looking to redeem your tickets to either a canceled Rio Theatre screening or a Rio Theatre gift certificate, please email with info including your name, canceled receipt number, gift certificate info, what you are wanting to see and when, and we can make the switch for you in advance. Alternately, you can bring this information with you to the venue, and we will do our best to help you at the box office. [more]

Animal Attraction: A Wild Night of Burlesque

9:00pm - Saturday, Jun 17, 2023

Welcome to the jungle! Get ready to howl for April O’Peel Productions‘ ANIMAL ATTRACTION: A Wild Night of Burlesque on Saturday, June 17. This wild night showcases the beast of Vancouver burlesque in an uncaged experience full of free-range striptease. Featuring feral femmes and carnal creatures, you won’t want to miss a second of this animal spank-tuary. Saturday, June 17 Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Tickets $30 in advance | $35 at the door VIP $40 advance Featuring performances from: Androsia Wilde Charlotte Strudel Clare Voyeur & April O'Peel Gushy Miss Kiss Mz B Haven Rainbow Glitz Ruthe Ordare Sailor Chubby Moon Sensi Kat Hosted by Cookie Craven [more]

The Royal Tenenbaums

7:00pm - Sunday, Jun 18, 2023

Writer-director Wes Anderson's unique, signature narrative and visual style are front and center in his offbeat 2001 comedy, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS; the extraordinary story of one family's sudden, unexpected reunion. Royal Tenenbaum and his wife Etheline had three children--Chas, Richie, and Margot--they were a family of geniuses and then they separated. Chas started buying real estate in his early teens and seemed to have had a preternatural understanding of international finance. Margot was a playwright and received a Braverman grant of fifty thousand dollars in the ninth grade. Richie was a junior champion tennis player and won the U.S. Nationals three years in a row. Virtually all memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums was subsequently erased by two decades of betrayal, failure and disaster. Most of this was generally considered to be their father's fault. The tale follows the family's sudden and unexpected reunion one recent winter. Starring Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Danny Glover, Bill Murray, and Alec Baldwin. Sunday, June 18 Doors 6:30 pm | Movie 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (Wes Anderson, 2001 / 110 mins / PG) Three siblings, gifted in their own way, have experienced success but are distant from each other. Their family has to reunite when their estranged father announces he is dying. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Eraserhead

9:30pm - Sunday, Jun 18, 2023

A dream of dark and troubling things . . . David Lynch's debut feature, ERASERHEAD is a strange surreal examination of male paranoia with a serious underlying "creep factor," making it a perfect choice for prime time Father's Day viewing on Sunday, June 18. While Lynch famously refuses to overly deconstruct his films, "stubbornly" insisting instead that all interpretations are subjective and therefor equally valid, it i widely appreciated that ERASERHEAD is a nightmarish analogy for the discomforts and fears of a new father accepting the role of fatherhood. Our hero and title character, Henry, faces a number of horrifying obstacles in meeting someone of the opposite sex, meeting her parents, and procreating. Produced during a one-and-a-half-year period while director Lynch was a student at the American Film Institute, the film launched him as a major new talent admired by cinephiles and filmmakers all over the world. It stands today as a milestone in personal, independent filmmaking. Henry (John Nance) resides alone in a bleak apartment surrounded by industrial gloom. When he discovers that an earlier fling with Mary X (Charlotte Stewart) left her pregnant, he marries the expectant mother and has her move in with him. Things take a decidedly strange turn when the couple's baby turns out to be a bizarre lizard-like creature that won't stop wailing. Other characters, including a disfigured lady who lives inside a radiator, inhabit the building and add to Henry's troubles. "Despite constant ambiguity within it, a key part of 'Eraserhead's' meaning relates to the fear of fatherhood. It depicts the anxiety of becoming a parent and taking on the responsibilities involved. It's not a passive fear either, but rather a full-blown terror about the entire process from start to finish. After the baby comes into his life, Henry's world becomes a rolling nightmare." (ScreenRant) "David Lynch's surreal ERASERHEAD uses detailed visuals and a creepy score to create a bizarre and disturbing look into a man's fear of parenthood." (Rotten Tomatoes) "What makes EREASERHEAD great -- and still, perhaps the best of all Lynch's films? Intensity. Nightmare clarity. And perhaps also it's the single-mindedness of its vision." (Chicago Tribune) "What a masterpiece of texture, a feat of artisanal attention, an ingenious assemblage of damp, dust, rock, wood, hair, flesh, metal, ooze." (Village Voice) Sunday, June 18 Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. ERASERHEAD (David Lynch, 1977 / 89 mins / Henry Spencer tries to survive his industrial environment, his angry girlfriend, and the unbearable screams of his newly born mutant child. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Hedwig and the Angry Inch #MusicMonday

6:45pm - Monday, Jun 19, 2023

Join us at the Rio Theatre for a special #MusicMonday Pride Month screening of John Cameron Mitchell's gorgeously remastered cult-classic musical, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. The phenomenally talented (not to mention very sparkly!) Mitchell wrote, directed, and stars in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, the cult rock musical about a transgender punk-rock girl from East Berlin who tours the U.S. with her band, while recounting her life story. Starring John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shore, Andrea Martin. "'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' is a powerful story about identity and creation and pain and love." (Birth.Movies.Death.) #MusicMonday, June 19 Doors 6:15 pm Movie 6:45 pm *Please arrive on time! Start time subject to change. HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (John Cameron Mitchell, 2001 / 95 mins / 14A) | Hedwig, born male as Hansel in East Berlin, fell in love with an American G.I. and underwent a Gender Reassignment Surgery in order to marry him and flee to the West. Unfortunately, nothing worked out quite as it was supposed to - years later, Hedwig is leading her rock band on a tour of the U.S., telling her life story through a series of concerts at Bilgewater Inn seafood restaurants. Her tour dates coincide with those of arena-rock star Tommy Gnosis, a wide-eyed boy who once loved Hedwig - but then left with all her songs. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Alien (The Director's Cut) #MonsterMonday

9:00pm - Monday, Jun 19, 2023

"Listen to me! If we break quarantine, we could all die." As one of – if not the – greatest action heroines to ever hit the silver screen, Sigourney Weaver’s unstoppable Ellen Ripley kicks all the asses and takes all the names throughout one of the most iconic sci-fi action franchises films of all time. In this modern horror classic set in deep space, the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo is awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules halfway through their journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The terror begins when the crew encounters a nest of eggs inside the alien ship. An organism from inside an egg leaps out and attaches itself to one of the crew, causing him to fall into a coma.... Also starring Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton, and Veronica Cartwright. "The first part of the movie is essentially Marx in space, and the second part of the movie is Darwin in space." (The Stranger) "We marvel at how the filmmaker generates so much tension and sweat with a bare minimum of moving parts." (Globe and Mail) #MonsterMonday, June 19 Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. ALIEN (Ridley Scott, 1979 / DCP, 117 mins / 14A / Director's Cut) The commercial vessel Nostromo receives a distress call from an unexplored planet. After searching for survivors, the crew heads home only to realize that a deadly bioform has joined them. *Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

The Wicker Man (50th Anniversary 4K Restoration)

6:45pm - Wednesday, Jun 21, 2023

The summer solstice is has been revered in countless cultures, many of which incorporate mystical and pagan rituals to mark the important date on the calendar. On Wednesday, June 21, we're going to mark it Rio Theatre-style, with a screening of Robin Hardy's endlessly unsettling 1973 classic, THE WICKER MAN. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of this truly iconic work of British folkloric cinema, the film has been beautifully "reborn" in glorious 4K. Edward Woodward stars as Sgt. Howie, a righteous, puritanical, staunchly Christian police officer investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a secluded Scottish Island. Upon being dispatched at the behest of an anonymous letter, he comes into conflict with the unusual residents of Summerisle, and is surprised to discover that the inhabitants suspiciously dene the missing girl's very existence. Even more shocking, at least to the traditionally pious law officer, is that the island seems to be ruled by a libertarian society organized around pagan rituals. With Christopher Lee, Britt Eklund. "Remains as bizarre and bewitching a fable as when it first appeared.... once seen, never forgotten!" (The Hollywood Reporter) "A British golden-oldie worthy to be placed alongside classics such as Ira Levin's 'The Stepford Wives' or 'Rosemary's Baby'." (The Guardian) "The Wicker Man's genre-bending, thematic daring, and tortuous history have made it the U.K.'s definitive cult movie." (The Village Voice) "The 'Citizen Kane' of horror movies.” (Cinefantastique Magazine) "Mauled by the studio, obsessed over by fans, deconstructed by academics, remade with Nicolas Cage – yet the pagan British weirdness of 'The Wicker Man' remains fresh. Now, four decades since release, reappraised, scrutinised, analysed, deconstructed and obsessed over, it is the subject of painstakingly researched books and worthy academic treatises, and it features on the media studies ‘A’ level syllabus. You can buy the soundtrack – an essential purchase – or the Hollywood remake featuring Nicolas Cage in a bear suit, which is possibly not so essential." (BFI.org) Wednesday, June 21 Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. THE WICKER MAN (Robin Hardy, 1973 / 94 mins "Final Cut" / 18A) After receiving an anonymous letter about a missing 12-year-old girl, devoutly Christian Police Sergeant Neil Howie travels by seaplane to a remote Scottish island to investigate. But the islanders welcome neither his badge nor religious devotion, for Lord Summerisle and his devoted followers worship only the pagan gods of old - and those gods demand a sacrifice. Howie fears for the missing girl's life and follows every possible lead to find her - despite the islanders' interference - before she becomes a human sacrificial lamb. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Planet Terror: Tequila & Grindhouse

9:30pm - Wednesday, Jun 21, 2023

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Wednesday, June 21 for a wild night hosted by Vancouver's own Luchagore Productions to taste the amazing new flavors from Cinco Drink Co. Come watch Robert Rodriguez' 2007 grindhouse classic PLANET TERROR and enjoy Rodriguez-style tequila as part of a Mexican movie night - and yes, there will be hot sauce for popcorn! VÁMONOS! Special guest DJ HUBZZ to cumbia the night away. An ordinary evening in a small Texas town becomes a grisly nightmare when a horde of flesh-eating zombies goes on the prowl. Cherry (Rose McGowan), a go-go dancer, and Wray (Freddy Rodriguez), her ex-lover, band together with other survivors in a no-holds barred effort to escape the carnage. The odds become a bit more even when Cherry, who lost her leg to a hungry ghoul, gets a machine-gun appendage and lets the bullets fly. With Josh Brolin, Marley Shelton, Michael Biehn. "Gloopy and outrageous, this schlock horror tribute is pure trash... in the best possible sense." (BBC.com) "Rodriguez just wants viewers to have a good time, and it comes across in the film -- which is an extremely affectionate homage to seventies exploitation films." (IONCinema.com) Wednesday, June 21 Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Approximate start time. Subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets HERE PLANET TERROR (Robert Rodriguez, 2007 / 105 mins / 18A) After an experimental bio-weapon is released, turning thousands into zombie-like creatures, it's up to a rag-tag group of survivors to stop the infected and those behind its release. *Must be 19+ w/ID for entry and bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Midsommar (Director's Cut)

9:30pm - Thursday, Jun 22, 2023

From the visionary mind of Ari Aster (HEREDITARY, BEAU IS AFRAID) comes a dread-soaked cinematic fairytale, where a world of darkness unfolds in broad daylight... MIDSOMMAR remains one of our favourite arthouse horror films of the past few years... What better way to pay homage to the start of summer than with a screening of this modern horror classic than with this particular work of nightmare fuel? Dani and Christian are a young American couple with a relationship on the brink of falling apart. But after a family tragedy keeps them together, a grieving Dani invites herself to join Christian and his friends on a trip to a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village. What begins as a carefree summer holiday in a land of eternal sunlight takes a sinister turn when the insular villagers invite their guests to partake in festivities that render the pastoral paradise increasingly unnerving and viscerally disturbing. With Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor. "'Midsommar' is a dark horror (though shot in bright sunlight), full of disturbing images that will follow you home and possibly inhabit your nightmares." (The National Post) "'Midsommar' isn't just a great horror movie... It is also one of the best movies ever made about living with mental illness." (Salon.com) Thursday, June 22 Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets available HERE MIDSOMMAR (Ari Aster, 2019 / 151 mins / 18A / In English & Swedish with subtitles) A young couple travels to Sweden to visit their friend’s rural hometown and attend its mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly descends into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult. *Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. This film is rated 18A for graphic violence. *Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats! All seating is General Admission. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. *If you are looking to redeem a Groupon or Rio Theatre gift certificate, please email with info including your name, canceled receipt number, gift certificate info, what you are wanting to see and when, and we can make the switch for you in advance. Alternately, you can bring this information with you to the venue, and we will do our best to help you at the box office. [more]

Grease Sing-A-Long! (45th Anniversary Screening!)

7:00pm - Friday, Jun 23, 2023

"Hopelessly devoted to you..." There's no better way to experience GREASE - which has been rockin' and rollin' and what-not for an incredible 45 years - than at the Rio Theatre, surrounded by lovers of the film who are as excited to see it as you are, and on the biggest screen in town! This is the one that you want... Complete with lyrics on the screen, the bouncing ball, prop bags, a crazy-fun costume contest, and so much more! All ages are very welcome, costumes are highly encouraged, and audience participation is absolutely essential. Experience the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. Welcome to the singing and dancing world of "Grease," the most successful movie musical of all time. A wholesome exchange student (Olivia Newton-John) and a leather-clad Danny (John Travolta) have a summer romance, but will it cross clique lines? Please note: A hickey from Kinickie is like a Hallmark card. Hosted by Tik Tok & Instagram superstar, DANDY! Friday, June 23 Doors 6:00 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please note: This event will include a costume contest directly prior to the screening, includes a brief intermission. Please arrive on time to ensure great seats! GREASE (Randal Kleiser, 1978 / 110 mins / PG) Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance? [more]

Mad Heidi

11:15pm - Friday, Jun 23, 2023

In a dystopian Switzerland that has fallen under the fascist rule of a cheese magnate, Heidi lives as a simple young woman in the Alps. Grandfather Alpöhi does his best to protect his granddaughter from the dictatorship, but soon her yearning for freedom causes all hell to break loose. The naive girl must transform into a fierce fighter before setting out to liberate the country from the cheese fascists. An action-adventure spoof based on the popular children's book character Heidi. With Alice Lucy, Max Rüdlinger, Casper Van Dien. "Bound to become a cult classic!" (Telluride Horror Show) "The gonzo action movie lover should find much here to appreciate, while those versed in independent film production will likely find themselves admiring its technical soundness." (Paste Magazine) "A perfect film for a crowd, Mad Heidi feeds off of the energy of those watching, bouncing it back at them. Mad Heidi is a ton of fun and is sure to delight genre fans with a silly sense of humour." (THN) "Fondue torture is rife." (Digitec.com) Friday, June 23 Doors 10:45 pm | Movie 11:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Late Night Date Night! Bring your best bloody friend, a date, or your favourite Swiss cheese-loving pal and get two-for-one entry! MAD HEIDI (Johannes Hartmann, Sandro Klopfstein, 2023 / 92 mins / 18A) Swiss mountain girl Heidi is all grown up and goes on a crusade against a megalomaniac cheese magnate after her boyfriend is killed for illegal trading. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Drag Attack! The Biggest Drag Show East Van Has Ever Seen

9:00pm - Saturday, Jun 24, 2023

The Biggest Drag Show East Van Has Ever Seen! Not since the beginning of time has the world ever known gla-mour like this...Shock! Frenzy! Devastation! Glitz! It’s DRAG ATTACK. Join your host, TikTok superstar Dandy, as he presents some of the best drag performers the City has to offer. There are Queens, Kings, and things performing riveting show stoppers, duet battles, and even an army of group numbers... The rumors are true! Drag performers are terrorizing our community…. With TALENT! Even more thrilling? That this night of sequined chaos is being headlined by Genesis, the winner of Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar 2023! Saturday, June 24 Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Early Bird Tickets $30+ s/c (Limited number available until June 11!) General Admission $35+ s/c | $40 at the door VIP Royalty Seating $40+ s/c | $45 at the door (Priority seating in the first 6 rows, centre section & interactive prop bag) Come dressed in DRAG for a special surprise! This performance is directing partial proceeds to benefit the Dogwood Monarch Society. STARRING: Genesis Effervessa Karmella Barr Deedee LaCraze Queen Miss October Banana Delvey Scorpio King Whoreia Estefan Mya Nimrat Valentina Vanity Jerriana Selene Ophelia Alias Babby *Minors 16+ permitted with adult accompaniment (mild content warning). Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. *Online sales end an hour before door time. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are available for purchase at the box office on show day. *General Admission seating is first come, first served. VIP ticket-holders will receive a wristband upon entry that allows them access to the VIP seating. All seating is unassigned, so please arrive 45-60 minutes before showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. [more]

REO Brothers

8:00pm - Sunday, Jun 25, 2023

The Rio Theatre is excited to welcome the REO Brothers to our stage on Sunday, June 25. Sunday, June 25 Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. General Admission Tickets $110 + s/c VIP with Photo Op Tickets $135 + s/c Widely acknowledged as the Philippines finest Beatle tribute band, the REO Brothers has astonished the music world with their phenomenal success shortly after breaking into Manila’s music scene when their hometown of Tacloban was ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) in November 2013. The REO Brothers started, originally, with 4 real-life siblings in 2006 using hand-me-down guitars and a crude homemade drum to form a rock and roll band to help their large family of 11 with day-to-day needs. Their shared passion for music enabled the band to eventually a good demand for their services as performers which became a vital lifeline for the family’s livelihood. The devastation of Tacloban and the consequent loss of income from performances, however, forced the band and the family to evacuate to Manila for survival. Their incredible talent was quickly discovered and a one-time gig in a music lounge, two weeks after their arrival, led to national TV appearance within a month, which made them overnight sensations in Manila’s active social circles! Because of social media, their reputation as talented Tacloban survivors led to local and overseas fund-raising concerts organized by charitable groups, as well as entertainment promoters always looking for fresh talents to showcase. Over the next few years, the band did extensive performances around the country, cut a record album, and travelled overseas to admiring audiences eager to watch them perform “live.” Concert audiences and social media fans from all over the world are amazed at how such relatively young performers can render, almost to perfection, cover songs of iconic rock and roll legends, who are almost a generation away from their age! Their reputation as an outstanding Beatle tribute band is their main appeal, although their regular repertoire includes songs from legends such as the Bee Gees, Beach Boys, America, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Elvis Presley, Bill Haley and Cliff Richards. These days, 8 years after they first broke into Manila’s music scene, the band continues to have the same energy and enthusiasm in their performances. They are, after all, still very young mostly still in their 20s, except the eldest, now 32 years old band drummer- and retain the same zeal and joy for music, as the day they auditioned for a Manila gig. The REO Brothers are Reno Evasco Otic, 32; Ronjoseph Evasco Otic, 29; Raymart Evasco Otic, 27; and Ralph Evasco Otic, 25. [more]

HUB Cycling Presents: The Engine Inside

6:30pm - Monday, Jun 26, 2023

THE ENGINE INSIDE - a new feature-length documentary from Anthill Films, presented by Shimano, Pon.Bike and PeopleForBikes—uncovers the overlooked potential of the bicycle, our noblest invention, in all its forms. Telling the stories of six people from all corners of the world, the documentary shows us how this amazing, relatively simple, 200-year-old machine can help us build a better future for everyone. Exploring topics across climate change, social justice, mental and physical health, safer cities, indigenous trauma, economic development and women's equality all over the planet, we discover how the bicycle is the key to unlocking our #EngineInside and creating a better world. However you choose to—road, trail or commute—The Engine Inside shows us how in the face of our seemingly insurmountable global challenges, hope lies in the simple act of riding our bikes. “Never before have we experienced as many converging problems: the climate crisis, social and economic inequality, cultural trauma, and transportation issues. The Engine Inside is about unlocking the bicycle as a simple solution. The timing and the message of this film have never been as poignant or urgent as now.” — Darcy Wittenburg, Director of THE ENGINE INSIDE Shimano, Pon.Bike and PeopleForBikes present an Anthill Films production, narrated by the voice of cycling, Phil Liggett. Featuring Jay Bearhead, Nouran Salah, RRDBlocks, Janice Tower, Megan Hottman and Kwabena Danso, with Danny MacAskill and Robert Gesink. Monday, June 26 Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. General Admission Advance Tickets (+ s/c) | $18 at the door Partial proceeds from this event to benefit HUB Cycle Vancouver THE ENGINE INSIDE: A Documentary About Using Bicycles to Build a Better Future (Darcy Wittenberg, 2023) *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. [more]

Maria Bamford LIVE!

Maria Bamford LIVE!

7:00pm - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2023

The Rio Theatre is pleased to present comedian Maria Bamford on Tuesday, Jun2 27. Tuesday, June 27 Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change. *Must be 19+ w/ID for entry. Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. All seating is General Admission. Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special! Maria was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series The Comedians of Comedy and Netflix’s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, in which she plays all the characters. Maria is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, Bob’s Burgers, Legend of Korra, Puss in Boots, CatDog and PBS’s Emmy-winning series Word Girl. She also stars as Tilly Mulch in Team Coco’s scripted podcast Frontier Tween. Maria played DeBrie Bardeaux on Netflix’s Arrested Development and recurred on the ABC hit series Fresh off the Boat. She is the 2014 winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic. Maria’s late night appearances include CONAN, The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Official Website www.mariabamford.com Instagram @mariabamfordcomedy Twitter @mariabamfoo [more]

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Maria Bamford LIVE! (Later Show)

9:30pm - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2023

The Rio Theatre is pleased to present comedian Maria Bamford on Tuesday, June 27. Tuesday, June 27 (Second Show!) Doors 8:30 pm | Show 9:30 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change. *Must be 19+ w/ID for entry. Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. All seating is General Admission. Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special! Maria was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series The Comedians of Comedy and Netflix’s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, in which she plays all the characters. Maria is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, Bob’s Burgers, Legend of Korra, Puss in Boots, CatDog and PBS’s Emmy-winning series Word Girl. She also stars as Tilly Mulch in Team Coco’s scripted podcast Frontier Tween. Maria played DeBrie Bardeaux on Netflix’s Arrested Development and recurred on the ABC hit series Fresh off the Boat. She is the 2014 winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic. Maria’s late night appearances include CONAN, The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Official Website www.mariabamford.com Instagram @mariabamfordcomedy Twitter @mariabamfoo [more]

The Critical Hit Show: A #DNDLive Improvised Epic Fantasy

7:00pm - Wednesday, Jun 28, 2023

The live, smash hit epic comedy THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW returns to the Rio Theatre's stage on Wednesday, March 29 for more monstrous seasonal merriment (and snacks!). Prepare yourself for a night of laughter, as some of Vancouver’s best comedic performers grace the stage in a night featuring intrepid cosplayers on a gallant quest for comedy glory (and more snacks!) in a hilariously epic adventure that has been running continuously since 2012. Spanning over 100 live performances in both Canada and the United States, two years of “at-home” streaming, and frequent festival appearances, The Critical Hit Show is one of the longest running comedy shows around. #DNDLive is an improvised adventure that takes its inspiration from tabletop role-playing games, fantasy film and TV, and (most importantly) you! Whether you’re a longtime fan, you’ve been enjoying our live streamed shows, or you’re brand new to The Critical Hit Show - you’re going to have a great time. Wednesday, June 28 Doors 6:15 pm | Show 7:00 pm *SHARP! Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $17 +s/c | $20 at the door THE ADVENTURERS Eric Fell as The Dungeon Master Ian Boothby as Benoit the Anointed, the Half-Elf Cleric Joanna Gaskell as Freya, the Elf Warlock Barbara Beall as Ingrid, the Halfling Fighter Ellen MacNevin as Belle Strummer, the Half-Elf Ranger Allen Morrison as Spitz Lube’n, the Human Wizard Shaun Stewart as Brask Hellbeard, the Dwarf Bard More monsters! More Magic! More Mayhem! More Off-Brand soda! Twitter: @critshow www.criticalhitshow.com www.facebook.com/dndlive *Ages 16+ OK! (Language warning.) Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Sorry, no Rio Theatre Groupons or passes accepted for this show. *All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. *Online sales end an hour before showtime. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are also available for purchase at the box office on the day of the show. [more]

Spy

9:30pm - Wednesday, Jun 28, 2023

Join us at the Rio Theatre for exclusive Vancouver screenings of the Telugu-language action thriller SPY, starring Nikhil Siddharth, Iswarya Menon, Aryan Rajesh, Makrand Deshpande. Wednesday, June 28 Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance online Adult tickets $18+ s/c | $20 at the door Advance online Kids (under 15) tickets $12+ s/c | $14 at the door SPY (Gary BH, 2023 / 122 mins / PG / Telugu with English subtitles) The unsolved mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's death. *Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats - and time for treats! *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. *Advance ticket sales end an hour before showtime. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime (subject to availability). *All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds. [more]

Vancouver Burlesque Co.'s Summer Student Showcase

8:00pm - Thursday, Jun 29, 2023

It's the Vancouver Burlesque Company's end of season Student Showcase, and we can't wait to adore our amazing students who are going to put on one hell of show! Grab a friend, a neighbour and the person in line with you for coffee - they're all coming out for a major night of fun. Get ready to cheer and scream for a new round of special group performances, and some heavenly solo acts. Hosted by Miss Kiss Thursday, June 29 Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm Advance tickets $25 + s/c | $30 at the door Please note: Due to high demand, this event tends to sell out well in advance. We strongly suggest purchasing tickets in advance to ensure entry and avoid disappointment. *Must be 19+ w/ID for entry.. *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. *Online sales and an hour before showtime. Unless otherwise noted, tickets will be available for purchase at the door. *All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. All seating is General Admission. *Please arrive 30-60 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats - and time for treats! [more]

Ghost In The Shell (95)

11:30pm - Friday, Jun 30, 2023

Join us for a Friday Late Night Movie screening of one of the all-time must see anime films ever made, Mamoru Oshii’s original landmark GHOST IN THE SHELL, which has itself developed into a cultural phenomenon that has spawned sequels, remakes, and even a live action film. The story follows a cyborg policewoman named Motoko Kusanagi, who is herself a "ghost in a shell" (meaning her living consciousness is somewhere being projected into a organic/mechanical body). She struggles with what it means to be "alive" while searching for a master hacker known as “the Puppet Master” whose motivation goes beyond merely disrupting the status quo. Full of action, pathos, and glorious vistas of a city mixing tradition and futurism, GHOST IN THE SHELL is best experienced and appreciated when viewed on the big screen. "... a pillar of the cyberpunk movement and a testament to visual realism in animation." (Nerdist) "A stunning feat of modern animation, GHOST IN THE SHELL offers a thoughtful, complex treat for anime fans, as well as a perfect introduction for viewers new to the genre." (Rotten Tomatoes) "For sheer mind-expanding sci-fi strangeness this is hard to beat." (Time Out) "Most alluring are the crumbling neon cityscapes, real world/cyberspace fusion and the musings on identity." (Total Film) Friday, June 30 Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time Late Night Date Night! Bring a friend, pal, or your favourite cyborg buddy and get two-for-one entry! GHOST IN THE SHELL (Mamoru Oshii,1995, 83 mins / PG / Japanese with English subs) In the year 2029, the barriers of our world have been broken down by the net and by cybernetics, but this brings new vulnerability to humans in the form of brain-hacking. When a highly-wanted hacker known as 'The Puppetmaster' begins involving them in politics, Section 9, a group of cybernetically enhanced cops, are called in to investigate and stop the Puppetmaster. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Spy

1:00pm - Saturday, Jul 1, 2023

Join us at the Rio Theatre for exclusive Vancouver screenings of the Telugu-language action thriller SPY, starring Nikhil Siddharth, Iswarya Menon, Aryan Rajesh, Makrand Deshpande. Wednesday, June 28 Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance online Adult tickets $18+ s/c | $20 at the door Advance online Kids (under 15) tickets $12+ s/c | $14 at the door SPY (Gary BH, 2023 / 122 mins / PG / Telugu with English subtitles) The unsolved mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's death. *Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats - and time for treats! *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. *Advance ticket sales end an hour before showtime. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime (subject to availability). *All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds. [more]

The Bratpack present The B Factor

8:00pm - Friday, Jul 7, 2023

The BRATPACK present THE B FACTOR Ever wonder how you create a drag supergroup? This summer, get ready for the unofficial story on how three queens from Vancouver became one of the biggest drag groups, in THE B FACTOR. Get ready for Kendall Gender, Gia Metric & Synthia Kiss to take you on a journey of world famous trios as they become the ultimate drag group...THE BRATPACK. Friday, July 7 Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. General Admission Tickets $35+ s/c advance | $40 at the door VIP Meet n' Greet (Includes Front 8 rows, Centre Section Seating) *The meet n' greet will take place at 6:00 pm $55+ s/c advance $60 at the door THE B FACTOR Starring The Brat Pack Gia Metric * Kendall Gender * Synthia Kiss Catch the Canada's Drag Race Season 2 superstars The Brat Pack live in their newest drag extravaganza! [more]

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Hosted by the Geekenders)

11:00pm - Friday, Jul 7, 2023

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again! Our Friday Late Night Movie series continues on July 7 with one of the most notorious cult-movie experiences you can possibly have in a darkened theatre - THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. This cult-classic rock musical has been giving absolute pleasure to adoring audiences "spaced out on sensations like they’re under sedation" for over four decades, and there's absolutely no better time to see and experience this pop-culture landmark than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are. Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast! Even better? Vancouver's fabulous Geekenders will be on-hand to host and guide all the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential show. As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too. Your own props are also, of course, very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE! Friday, July 7 Doors 10:15 pm | Event 11:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change. Late Night Date Night! Bring a friend, date, or that weirdo you met at a castle and get two-for-one entry! THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 | (100 mins, PG) | A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Run n Gun 2023: Summer Session

7:00pm - Tuesday, Jul 11, 2023

Run n' Gun 2023 is back with another wild event at the Rio Theatre, from July 11-13. Details on the short film screenings and ticketing info available soon. [more]

Run n Gun 2023: Summer Session

7:00pm - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2023

Run n' Gun 2023 is back with another wild event at the Rio Theatre, from July 11-13. Details on the short film screenings and ticketing info available soon. [more]

Run n Gun 2023: Summer Session

7:00pm - Thursday, Jul 13, 2023

Run n' Gun 2023 is back with another wild event at the Rio Theatre, from July 11-13. Details on the short film screenings and ticketing info available soon. [more]

Fantastic Planet

11:00pm - Friday, Jul 14, 2023

The Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movie series continues on July 14 (Bastille Day!), as we take "a sublime trip to a fine new world," with one of the all-time great midnight movies, director René Laloux's 1973 animated marvel FANTASTIC PLANET. Nothing else has ever looked or felt like this film, a politically minded and visually inventive work of science fiction. The film is set on a distant planet called Ygam, where enslaved humans (Oms) are the playthings of giant blue native inhabitants (Draags). After Terr, kept as a pet since infancy, escapes from his gigantic child captor, he is swept up by a band of radical fellow Oms who are resisting the Draags' oppression and violence. With its eerie, coolly surreal cutout animation by Roland Topor, brilliant psychedelic jazz score by Alain Goraguer, and wondrous creatures and landscapes, this Cannes-awarded counterculture classic is a perennially compelling statement against conformity and violence. "Surreal and wonderful." (Empire Magazine) "A beautiful mixture of art, theme, story, and symbolism." (Nerdist) "An animated epic that is by turns surreal and lovely, fantastic and graceful." (Rotten Tomatoes) "It's not every fancifully encoded cautionary tale that can survive the demise of its historical villains, and it's not every stoner midnight movie that can stand a second viewing in the sober light of day." (Village Voice) Friday, July 14 Doors 10:30 pm | Movie 11:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Late Night Date Night! Bring your best friend, date, or fellow sci-fi lover and get two for one entry! FANTASTIC PLANET "La Planète sauvage" (René Laloux, 1973, 72 mins / PG / French with English subs) This futuristic story takes place on a faraway planet where giants rule, and oppressed humanoids rebel against the machine-like leaders. *Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. *Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office. *Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. *If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.) [more]

Brad Williams LIVE!

Brad Williams LIVE!

7:00pm - Friday, Jul 21, 2023

The East Van Laugh Riot is thrilled to welcome comedian Brad Williams back to the Rio Theatre's stage on Friday, July 21. Friday, July 21 Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $35 | $40 at the door Tickets on sale starting February 3 at 10:00 am Pound for pound, Brad Williams is the funniest comedian in the country right now, and has become one of the most in-demand comedians working today. A California native, Williams started doing stand-up comedy as a teenager and has been touring successfully ever since, routinely selling out shows all over the country and the world. Brad Williams has parlayed his live performances into a multitude of stand-up television appearances, including The Tonight Show, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. His first one-hour special, Fun Size, was the highest rated special on Showtime, and a year later, he followed that up with his second one, Daddy Issues, which was even more successful than the first. His third special in three years was an uproarious one, hosting some of the edgiest comedians in the country from the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. His last groundbreaking special on Netflix, The Degenerates, garnered more huge ratings and rave reviews. Also an accomplished actor, Williams has appeared on numerous TV shows and feature films, including FX’s Legit, Sam and Cat, Mind of Mencia, Pitboss, a recurring role on the Hulu original show Deadbeat, and memorable roles in a plethora of movies, including Little Evil, produced by Scott Stuber (Ted), as well as the Netflix original Christopher Guest film, Mascots, and most recently Reno 911: It’s A Wonderful Heist. Recently, Brad became the first stand-up comedian to headline a Cirque de Soleil show in their 30 year history, when he agreed to launch—and do a three month run of—their newest show Mad Apple, at the magnificent 1200 seat New York New York Theater in Las Vegas. The show became an immediate smash hit to rave revues, singling out Williams for his incredible ability to captivate his audiences with his extraordinary performances. In addition to stand-up and acting, Williams co-created and co-hosted one of the most successful podcasts in the world, with friend and fellow comic Adam Ray, entitled About Last Night, which was always a mainstay on the iTunes charts during their five year run. Additionally, he is also a regular contributor with a series of incredibly funny appearances on several national radio and podcast platforms, including KROQ’s Kevin and Bean Show and The Adam Carolla Show. Williams’ humorous and inspiring observations on disability, relationships, sex, and race consistently win over audiences; proving anyone can overcome their shortcomings. His high energy live performances frequently produce standing ovations from audience members; which prompted the late Robin Williams to call him “Prozac with a head.” TWITTER: @funnybrad INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bradwilliamscomic/ [more]

Sold Out

Brad Williams LIVE! (Later Show)

9:30pm - Friday, Jul 21, 2023

The East Van Laugh Riot is thrilled to welcome comedian Brad Williams back to the Rio Theatre's stage on Friday, July 21. Friday, July 21 Second Show Added! Doors 9:00 pm | Show 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $35+ s/c | $40 at the door Pound for pound, Brad Williams is the funniest comedian in the country right now, and has become one of the most in-demand comedians working today. A California native, Williams started doing stand-up comedy as a teenager and has been touring successfully ever since, routinely selling out shows all over the country and the world. Brad Williams has parlayed his live performances into a multitude of stand-up television appearances, including The Tonight Show, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. His first one-hour special, Fun Size, was the highest rated special on Showtime, and a year later, he followed that up with his second one, Daddy Issues, which was even more successful than the first. His third special in three years was an uproarious one, hosting some of the edgiest comedians in the country from the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. His last groundbreaking special on Netflix, The Degenerates, garnered more huge ratings and rave reviews. Also an accomplished actor, Williams has appeared on numerous TV shows and feature films, including FX’s Legit, Sam and Cat, Mind of Mencia, Pitboss, a recurring role on the Hulu original show Deadbeat, and memorable roles in a plethora of movies, including Little Evil, produced by Scott Stuber (Ted), as well as the Netflix original Christopher Guest film, Mascots, and most recently Reno 911: It’s A Wonderful Heist. Recently, Brad became the first stand-up comedian to headline a Cirque de Soleil show in their 30 year history, when he agreed to launch—and do a three month run of—their newest show Mad Apple, at the magnificent 1200 seat New York New York Theater in Las Vegas. The show became an immediate smash hit to rave revues, singling out Williams for his incredible ability to captivate his audiences with his extraordinary performances. In addition to stand-up and acting, Williams co-created and co-hosted one of the most successful podcasts in the world, with friend and fellow comic Adam Ray, entitled About Last Night, which was always a mainstay on the iTunes charts during their five year run. Additionally, he is also a regular contributor with a series of incredibly funny appearances on several national radio and podcast platforms, including KROQ’s Kevin and Bean Show and The Adam Carolla Show. Williams’ humorous and inspiring observations on disability, relationships, sex, and race consistently win over audiences; proving anyone can overcome their shortcomings. His high energy live performances frequently produce standing ovations from audience members; which prompted the late Robin Williams to call him “Prozac with a head.” TWITTER: @funnybrad INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bradwilliamscomic/ Must be 19+ w/ID for entry and bar service. Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. All seating is General Admission. Please arrive on time to ensure time for great seats - and time for treats! [more]

Diogo Portugal

7:00pm - Saturday, Jul 22, 2023

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Saturday, July 22 for Brazilian comedian Diogo Portugal. Saturday, July 22 Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Please note: This performance is in Portuguese. Neste show de Stand Up, com textos totalmente novos e atuais, Diogo brinca com os acontecimentos do momento no Brasil e no mundo, além de abordar com irreverência temas cotidianos como o uso da tecnologia no dia a dia, relacionamentos, profissões, filhos, cachorro e até o dia em que fez exame de toque! Escrito e dirigido pelo próprio comediante", Diogo optou por resumir o nome do show que também será bastante interativo, com a participação da plateia. Um dos pontos altos do show, é o momento stand up city, estudando a região que o recebe, e as observações da vida do brasileiro no Canadá. [more]

Victor Sarro LIVE!

7:00pm - Thursday, Aug 10, 2023

Bracan Events presents Victor Sarro Thursday, August 10 Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. General Admission Tickets $35 + s/c | $39 at the door VIP (Rows 2-4, Centre Section) $45 +s/c | $49 at the door *Please note: This performance is in Portuguese. VICTOR SARRO EM "A QUINTA SÉRIE AINDA VIVE" O SHOW​​​ A Quinta Série Ainda Vive traz ao palco um Victor Sarro ainda mais ácido e com piadas novas a cada show, interagindo com o público para criar uma experiência sem igual no stand-up comedy. Desperte a 5ª série que existe em você! SOBRE VICTOR SARRO O paulista Victor Sarro nunca coube dentro de uma só caixa: ele nasceu em São Bernardo do Campo, mas sempre morou em São Paulo, onde descobriu que o que fazia de melhor era os outros rirem. Com isso, veio uma carreira que incluiu desde palhaço até apresentador, roteirista e ator, rendendo colaborações com grandes nomes do entretenimento como Fábio Porchat e Anitta. Além disso, integrou elencos e apresentou programas em diversos canais de televisão. Em seu retorno aos palcos, Victor Sarro busca resgatar aquele humor que conhece tão bem e o fez tão reconhecido: o da quinta série. *16+ OK (mild content warning). Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. Please arrive 30-60 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats - and time for treats! *Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event. *Advance ticket sales end an hour before showtime. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office on the day of the show (subject to availability). *All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. [more]

Rodrigo Marques: Paz de Darwin

Rodrigo Marques: Paz de Darwin

7:00pm - Saturday, Aug 26, 2023

You Can! Productions Presents Rodrigo Marques: Paz de Darwin Critical and public success, recifense brings laughter to the world. Possessing a unique talent, Rodrigo Marques, from Recife, accumulates in his curriculum several works that accredit him as one of the main names of humor in Brazil. Despite his journalist degree, Rodrigo has been in Stand Up comedy since 2008 and is currently one of the hosts of the show A Culpa é do Cabral, on Comedy Central. His good mood on stage has already taken Rodrigo to several cities in Brazil and the world. On his social networks, Rodrigo accumulates millions of followers and views, numbers that increase daily due to the recognition and success of public and critics in his presentations. After recording his second comedy special, Rodrigo Marques returns to the stage with his new show, “Paz de Darwin”, in which he talks about the prejudice he suffered for being an atheist throughout his life and about the process of deconstruction regarding monogamy . With his far-fetched vocabulary and a lot of frankness, RM's trademark, Rodrigo talks about the most varied topics from a new perspective based on his experiences. Please note: This show is in Portugese. Saturday August 26 Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. General Admission Tickets $35+ s/c VIP (First four rows, centre section & Meet n' Greet) $50 + s/c Rodrigo Marques mostra porque é um dos maiores humoristas do Brasil. Sucesso de crítica e público, recifense leva gargalhadas para o mundo Dono de um talento único, o recifense Rodrigo Marques acumula em seu currículo diversos trabalhos que o credenciam como um dos principais nomes do humor no Brasil. Apesar do diploma de jornalista, Rodrigo está no Stand Up Comedy desde 2008 e atualmente é um dos apresentadores do programa A Culpa é do Cabral, no Comedy Central. Seu bom humor no palco já levou Rodrigo para diversas cidades do Brasil e do mundo, inclusive fazendo uma turnê com shows em Portugal, na Irlanda, na Espanha e na Inglaterra no ano de 2022. Em suas redes sociais, Rodrigo acumula milhões de seguidores e visualizações, números que aumentam diariamente devido ao reconhecimento e sucesso de público e crítica em suas apresentações. Após gravar seu segundo especial de comédia e lançar na Netflix, Rodrigo Marques retorna aos palcos com seu novo show, “Paz de Darwin”, em que ele fala sobre o preconceito que sofreu por ser ateu ao longo de sua vida em meio a uma sociedade religiosa. Com seu vocabulário rebuscado e muita franqueza, a marca registrada do RM, Rodrigo fala dos mais variados temas sob uma nova perspectiva a partir de suas experiências. Facebook.com/rodrigomarquespage Instagram.com/rodrigoomarques Twitter: @rodrigomarques Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/ycwuskwp [more]

Sold Out

Rodrigo Marques: Paz de Darwin

9:30pm - Saturday, Aug 26, 2023

You Can! Productions Presents Rodrigo Marques: Paz de Darwin Critical and public success, recifense brings laughter to the world. Possessing a unique talent, Rodrigo Marques, from Recife, accumulates in his curriculum several works that accredit him as one of the main names of humor in Brazil. Despite his journalist degree, Rodrigo has been in Stand Up comedy since 2008 and is currently one of the hosts of the show A Culpa é do Cabral, on Comedy Central. His good mood on stage has already taken Rodrigo to several cities in Brazil and the world. On his social networks, Rodrigo accumulates millions of followers and views, numbers that increase daily due to the recognition and success of public and critics in his presentations. After recording his second comedy special, Rodrigo Marques returns to the stage with his new show, “Paz de Darwin”, in which he talks about the prejudice he suffered for being an atheist throughout his life and about the process of deconstruction regarding monogamy . With his far-fetched vocabulary and a lot of frankness, RM's trademark, Rodrigo talks about the most varied topics from a new perspective based on his experiences. Please note: This show is in Portugese. Saturday August 26 Doors 9:00 pm | Show 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. General Admission Tickets $35+ s/c VIP (First four rows, centre section & Meet n' Greet) $50 + s/c Rodrigo Marques mostra porque é um dos maiores humoristas do Brasil. Sucesso de crítica e público, recifense leva gargalhadas para o mundo Dono de um talento único, o recifense Rodrigo Marques acumula em seu currículo diversos trabalhos que o credenciam como um dos principais nomes do humor no Brasil. Apesar do diploma de jornalista, Rodrigo está no Stand Up Comedy desde 2008 e atualmente é um dos apresentadores do programa A Culpa é do Cabral, no Comedy Central. Seu bom humor no palco já levou Rodrigo para diversas cidades do Brasil e do mundo, inclusive fazendo uma turnê com shows em Portugal, na Irlanda, na Espanha e na Inglaterra no ano de 2022. Em suas redes sociais, Rodrigo acumula milhões de seguidores e visualizações, números que aumentam diariamente devido ao reconhecimento e sucesso de público e crítica em suas apresentações. Após gravar seu segundo especial de comédia e lançar na Netflix, Rodrigo Marques retorna aos palcos com seu novo show, “Paz de Darwin”, em que ele fala sobre o preconceito que sofreu por ser ateu ao longo de sua vida em meio a uma sociedade religiosa. Com seu vocabulário rebuscado e muita franqueza, a marca registrada do RM, Rodrigo fala dos mais variados temas sob uma nova perspectiva a partir de suas experiências. Facebook.com/rodrigomarquespage Instagram.com/rodrigoomarques Twitter: @rodrigomarques Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/ycwuskwp [more]

Gift Certificate: Single Movie Pass

Share the love! Support the Rio Theatre in 2023 with a Gift Certificate

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular film screening. [more]

Gift Certificate: Movie Pass For Two & Concession

Share the love! Support the Rio Theatre in 2023 with a Gift Certificate

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry for two people to any single, regular screening and includes two medium popcorn bags, two medium fountain beverages, and two small candies. [more]

Gift Certificate: Single Movie Pass & Concession

Share the love! Support the Rio Theatre in 2023 with a Gift Certificate

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular screening and includes one medium popcorn, one medium fountain beverage, and one small candy. [more]

Vancouver Story Slam: Championship Finals

8:00pm - Thursday, Dec 14, 2023

The grande finale of a long-running live storytelling competition. Ten of Vancouver's best writers and performers tell original stories and compete for the title of 2023 Story Slam Champion. Founded in 2004, Vancouver Story Slam is the longest-running live storytelling event of its kind in Canada - and the second-longest-running in the world! Throughout the year, over 100 people sign up to share their original writing live onstage. Audience members vote for their favourite stories; top storytellers are invited to participate in this, the annual championship. Over $2,000 in cash prizes are awarded annually. Tuesday, December 14 Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm Tickets $20 in advance | $22 at the door What people are saying: “Great, original entertainment. You will laugh, cry, get angry and then laugh again. And you are part of the show by voting for the best storytellers of the evening. Very well run and fun!” -Kathrin Lake "This story slam...is not just an event. This is something that creates one of the most welcoming, nurturing, and mind opening communities I have encountered in Vancouver/Canada and also one that I felt like I would like to be a part of.” -Senay Cebioglu “Fantastic, raucous event...enthusiastic hosts. Ideal if you want to see what a slam is about, but are confused by poetry. Most of the stories will make you laugh, but there's tremendous diversity in tone, subject matter and experience levels. Welcoming to fresh talent and seasoned performers. Stories are short so the pace never lags, and it'll leave you feeling entertained, cultured, and part of a community in ways binge-watching Netflix just can't compete with.” -Jovian Francey “I’m so happy to have been introduced to the Vancouver Story Slam; it has been such an amazing place to work on and perform stories….It's a very safe and open space and it allows for someone to explore some scarier or more vulnerable stories….I felt truly vulnerable and loved and warm from the crowd. It was a surreal experience; I have been performing in theatre and film for years but never had an experience quite like that.” -Cory Thibert The stories presented in this show are not prescreened or censored, and may include adult language or references to controversial or sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VancouverStorySlamVancouver Story Slam is produced by Susan Cormier and hosted by Bryant Ross. For more information, email vancouverstoryslam at yahoo dot com. [more]