The Vancouver Burlesque Co. welcomes you to the finale show of their Winter 2026 season - and their first student showcase event of the year at the Rio Theatre!

Join us as we celebrate our students in all their magic and glory. Prepare yourself for amazing large group acts, stunning soloists, and some extra special guests...

Full lineup coming soon!

Thursday, April 16
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Advance tickets $30+ s/c | $35+ s/c at the door

These shows tend to sell out prior to showtime, so we strongly encourage purchasing tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at the door.

From the Oscar-winning director of NAVALNY, a father-to-be who tries to figure out what is happening with the AI insanity, exploring the existential dangers and stunning promise of this technology that humanity has created.

There’s something deeply compelling about art born out of acute anxiety — perhaps because it stems from vulnerability and a need for clarity. THE A.I. DOC: OR HOW I BECAME A APOCALOPTIMIST grew out of co-director Daniel Roher’s profound unease about the future, especially the role artificial intelligence will play in shaping it. Together with Charlie Tyrell, Roher explores both the dazzling possibilities and risks of these fast-evolving tools, along with the price they may carry.

Combining expert interviews, home videos and animations, the film meets this pressing AI discourse with curiosity and heart, clarifying complex ideas while acknowledging how much remains uncertain and deeply human. Rather than claiming to have all the answers, THE AI DOC offers a conversation that feels urgent, hopeful, and impossible to ignore.

"A scary, dizzying and essential documentary. If you have any interest in artificial intelligence (which is to say: the future), you should go out and see it right now." (Variety)

''The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist' is a panic attack, in a good way." (Mashable)

"Parenting isn’t for everyone, but the specificity of Roher’s story becomes universal when you realize that we all have to navigate the peaks and valleys of our own lives while also finding a way to think about the definitive topic of our era." (IndieWire)

"For all its scattered focus, this is when the film is at its most persuasive, showing how a once‑fringe worry has become a serious global project." (Toronto Star)

Friday, April 17
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE AI DOC: OR HOW I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST (Daniel Roher, Charlie Tyrell / 2026 / PG / 104 mins) Hoping to figure out what's happening with artificial intelligence, a father-to-be embarks on an eye-opening journey to learn more about the most powerful technology humanity has ever created -- and what's at stake if we get it wrong.

Canadian auteur David Cronenberg occupies a very special place in all of our hearts - and minds. His catalogue of films is both varied and unique - offerings ranging from straight-up splatter to bodice-ripping costume dramas - and are frequently requested from our dedicated core of regular Rio Theatre audience members, who will appreciate a #CanadianFilmWeek screening of his 1983 classic VIDEODROME.

In this seminal example of "Cronenberg-esque" horror sci-fi, James Woods stars as Max Renn, the president of a trashy TV channel, who is desperate for new programming to attract viewers. When he happens upon "Videodrome," a TV show dedicated to gratuitous torture and punishment, Max sees a potential hit and broadcasts the show on his channel. However, after his girlfriend (the always sexy and slightly kinky Deborah Harry) auditions for the show and never returns, Max investigates the strange truth behind Videodrome and discovers that the graphic violence may not be as fake as he thought. Also starring Sonja Smits.

"Visually audacious, disorienting, and just plain weird, VIDEODROME's musings on technology, entertainment, and politics still feel fresh today." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"There's little denying that Cronenberg was way ahead of his time with much of VIDEODROME." (FEARnet)

Friday, April 17
Doors 8:00 pm | Movie 8:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIDEODROME (David Cronenberg, 1983 / 87 mins) A sleazy cable-TV programmer begins to see his life and the future of media spin out of control in a very unusual fashion when he acquires a new kind of programming for his station.

Based on the novel by acclaimed author Bret Easton Ellis ("Less Than Zero") "Rules" centers around "American Psycho" protagonist Patrick Bateman's younger brother Sean, and his college friends' bizarre mating rituals at a posh liberal college that mix sex, drugs, music and mayhem in a kaleidoscopic story about three students entangled in a curiously surreal romantic triangle.

Featuring a memorably sinister performance by the late James Van Der Beek (in a role light years away from the iconic character of TV's Dawson Leery), the film was adapted by and directed by Roger Avary, who was Quentin Tarantino's co-writer on RESERVOIR DOGS and PULP FICTION. With Ian Somerhalder, Shannyn Sossamon, Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth, Jay Baruchel, Faye Dunaway, and Swoosie Kurtz.

"This is an exercise that is in love with its own superficiality, delighted with an emptiness that was all it ever aspired to, and yet it manages to turn into a better movie than it has any right to be." (The Times UK)

Friday, April 17
Doors 10:30 pm | Movie 11:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Light! Bring a friend or date and get two-for-one entry.

THE RULES OF ATTRACTION (Roger Avary, 2002 / 110 mins / 18A) The incredibly spoiled and overprivileged students of Camden College are a backdrop for an unusual love triangle between a drug dealer, a virgin and a bisexual classmate

From the Oscar-winning director of NAVALNY, a father-to-be who tries to figure out what is happening with the AI insanity, exploring the existential dangers and stunning promise of this technology that humanity has created.

There’s something deeply compelling about art born out of acute anxiety — perhaps because it stems from vulnerability and a need for clarity. THE A.I. DOC: OR HOW I BECAME A APOCALOPTIMIST grew out of co-director Daniel Roher’s profound unease about the future, especially the role artificial intelligence will play in shaping it. Together with Charlie Tyrell, Roher explores both the dazzling possibilities and risks of these fast-evolving tools, along with the price they may carry.

Combining expert interviews, home videos and animations, the film meets this pressing AI discourse with curiosity and heart, clarifying complex ideas while acknowledging how much remains uncertain and deeply human. Rather than claiming to have all the answers, THE AI DOC offers a conversation that feels urgent, hopeful, and impossible to ignore.

"A scary, dizzying and essential documentary. If you have any interest in artificial intelligence (which is to say: the future), you should go out and see it right now." (Variety)

''The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist' is a panic attack, in a good way." (Mashable)

"Parenting isn’t for everyone, but the specificity of Roher’s story becomes universal when you realize that we all have to navigate the peaks and valleys of our own lives while also finding a way to think about the definitive topic of our era." (IndieWire)

"For all its scattered focus, this is when the film is at its most persuasive, showing how a once‑fringe worry has become a serious global project." (Toronto Star)

Saturday, April 18
Doors 11:30 am | Movie 12:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE AI DOC: OR HOW I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST (Daniel Roher, Charlie Tyrell / 2026 / PG / 104 mins) Hoping to figure out what's happening with artificial intelligence, a father-to-be embarks on an eye-opening journey to learn more about the most powerful technology humanity has ever created -- and what's at stake if we get it wrong.

After losing their son Hamnet to plague, Agnes and William Shakespeare grapple with grief in 16th-century England. A healer, Agnes must find strength to care for her surviving children while processing her devastating loss.

"While there’s dStickefinitely an anatomical study of heterosexual relationships here that sings with a modern resonance, the film’s coup de grâce frames art itself as an arcane source of mental wellbeing." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"...the film serves as a lovely reminder of why art is important, how watching something can make you feel, make you understand, make you consider." (The Film Stage)

Starring 2026 Oscar winner for Best Actress, Jessie Buckley.

Saturday, April 18
Doors: 2:15 pm | Movie: 2:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

HAMNET (Chloe Zhao | 2025 | 126 mins | PG13) The powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

Join us for an epic kickoff party for the Run N Gun 2026 season! The evening begins with a low pressure optional hour of “Cast & Crew Speed Dating,” where filmmakers and talent unite, sparking collaborations that bring unique visions to life. Following this networking session, get hyped for a throwback screening of ‘Run N Gun: David vs Golliath’ with a special screening showcasing some of the most ambitious films made by big crews as well as some small but mighty teams that made huge splashes in previous years.

The excitement ends with a lively party where you can mingle with fellow film nerds and start planning your next big Run N Gun film!

Saturday, April 18
The Evening’s Agenda

Happy Hour Cast & Crew Speed Dating 
Doors 6:00 pm | 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Run N Gun Screening
7:30 pm

After Party Drinks and Raffle
10:00 pm

Tickets $20 in advance | $25 at the door

Join us at the Rio Theatre for an encore screening of HEARD, a Vancouver made TELUS Originals film that chronicles five Hard of Hearing people searching for community in the space between Hearing and Deaf. This ALL AGES film is followed by a live Q&A with the cast.

HEARD is a documentary film about the collective experience of the space between hearing and Deafness. Hearing is a fundamental component to the way society is structured. We’ve built infrastructure, activities, culture and communication based on the ability to hear.  And on the other end of our spectrum, society has seen Deaf individuals develop a sophisticated language and culture built around Deafness. That leaves a gap between two distinct cultures where many Hard of Hearing (HoH) people lie. Heard follows Hard of Hearing filmmaker Brian Ceci as he grapples with accepting his own condition by connecting with other people on the HoH spectrum to create a small support community.

HEARD is proud to include all Hard of Hearing and Deaf individuals for this screening. Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility has generously donated ASL interpretation of the film as well as open captions and Auracast throughout the evening. The cast Q&A following the film will also include open captions and ASL interpreters. Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - BC Chapter has generously rented out the theatre for the remainder of the evening for connecting and mingling with other Hard of Hearing and Deaf folks.

Sunday, April 19
Doors 12:00 pm | Movie 12:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Q&A will follow the screening. Runtime is 72 mins.

HEARD features filmmaker Brian Ceci's quest to accept his own hearing loss, a condition he's dealt with since birth but unconsciously avoided throughout his life to blend in. Searching for community, Brian connects with four other people whose unique hearing experiences help him connect the dots and move forward with his own hearing. This event has been made accessible for all Hard of Hearing and Deaf folks.

The film itself is open captioned, and will feature Auracast to stream audio directly into user's hearing aids. The Q&A will also have open captions and ASL interpretation.

Paloma Housing Co-op was founded in 1983 by a group of Vancouverites who were interested in finding an alternative to the real estate market. Working with Inner City Housing, a developer involved in the co-op sector, and with help from government grants and low-interest loans aimed at creating affordable housing, the early members of Paloma built the co-op literally from the ground up. In the process, they learned the skills necessary to self-govern and maintain a 44 unit apartment building.

Forty years later, Vancouver has become one of the most expensive cites in North America, and the need for affordable housing is greater than ever. As the price of Vancouver real estate skyrockets, attitudes have changed around affordable housing, and many of the programs that made the co-op movement possible no longer exist or have altered significantly. IN IT TOGETHER: STORIES FROM PALOMA HOUSING CO-OP argues for the value of co-op housing as a model that empowers ordinary people, builds community, and encourages self-determination.

Sunday, April 19
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 4:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

IN IT TOGETHER: STORIES FROM PALOMA HOUSING CO-OP (Benjamin Walsh, 2026 / 59 mins / G)

Welcome to San Zokyo. Intersecting stories unfold in a fractured cyberpunk city where a young hacker takes on the corporation behind “Meme,” a drug that mines users’ psyches to deliver personalized psychedelic trips—and hyper-targeted ads. As detectives, streamers, pop stars, and hitmen collide in a strange near-future, reality blurs into something unstable, addictive, and darkly absurd.

The latest feature from American filmmaker Tucker Bennett (PLANET HEAVEN) is a lo-fi, high-concept sci-fi comedy that channels internet culture, gamer logic, and algorithmic anxiety into a singular, handcrafted vision. Set in a world that feels both just ahead of and strangely behind our own, In the Glow of Darkness blends humor and unease into a dense, subversive portrait of life inside the feed. Featuring an ensemble cast including Groovin, Lucas Bennett, Carmen Escobar, Phillip Gladkov, Li-Ming Hu, Samantha Dela Cruz, Danny Helms, and Kat Toledo.

“One of a tiny handful I watched a second time—for pure pleasure.” (Eric Allen Hatch, New/Next Film Festival)

“A sprawling, hand-made cyberpunk ensemble film… a truly unique strain of humor.” (Filmmaker Magazine)

Director Tucker Bennett will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

Sunday, April 19
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

IN THE GLOW OF DARKNESS (Tucker Bennett, 2025 / 80 mins / NR )Intersecting stories unfold in the cyberpunk city of San Zokyo, where a young hacker takes on the corporation behind “Meme,” a drug that mines users’ psyches to deliver personalized psychedelic trips and hyper-targeted ads.

Almost 20 years into their fruitless quest to book their band a gig at a hallowed Toronto venue, co-creators Matt (writer-director Matt Johnson) and Jay (writer-composer Jay McCarrol) decide it’s time to pull out all the stops. Displaced in the past, these serial bumblers inadvertently wreak havoc on the timeline, dramatically (and hilariously) rewriting their futures.

Overflowing with pop culture references, wild gags, and inspired set pieces, NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE is gloriously ridiculous, endlessly clever, and riotously entertaining. This one is for all the deranged dreamers out there.

"The shrewd visual trickery and sleight-of-hand editing that collapse the distance between the original series’ zero-budget aesthetic and this more comfortably subsidized version can’t actually erase the passage of time. If anything, they deepen it. Content collapsed." (The Ringer)

"A thrilling, roof-shaking blast." (A thrilling, roof-shaking blast." (Slate)

Sunday, April 19 - FINAL SCREENING
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE (Jay McCarrol &Matt Johnson, 2025 / 98 mins / 14A) When their plan to book a show at the Rivoli goes horribly wrong, Matt and Jay accidentally travel back to the year 2008.

MIDDLE LIFE follows Andie (Leah Fay Goldstein), a perfectionist wedding planner in her mid-thirties and new mother, who has meticulously crafted her life but still feels unfulfilled. Fresh off maternity leave, she saves Ryan (Peter Dreimanis, SINNERS), a blue-collar plumber, from a roadside accident. As their paths intertwine over the next year, her craving for change and his newfound perspective on life spark an unexpected connection, leading them to discover that life could be great. Toronto Premiere.

Written and directed by Pavan Moondi ('Schitt's Creek,' 'Sundowners,' 'Diamond Tongues'), MIDDLE LIFE stars July Talk bandmates Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis. Goldstein was previously Canadian Screen Award-nominated for her starring turn in DIAMOND TONGUES, while Dreimanis made his screen debut earlier this year in Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS. Luke Lalonde, front man of the indie rock band Born Ruffians, co-stars. With Norah Sadava and Colin Burgess.

"A charming and fresh rom-com." (The Globe and Mail)

July Talk bandmaes / castmates Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis will be joining us live via the interwebs for a post-show Q&A following the screening.

Monday, April 20
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

MIDDLE LIFE (Pavan Moondi, 2026 / 84 mins / NR) Andie saves Ryan from a car wreck, sparking a tumultuous year that might just prove life could be great.

“That’s just, like, your opinion, man.”

In 1998, the Coen brothers delivered THE BIG LEBOWSKI into the movie universe, and we've all been collectively quoting it ever since.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI has really grown into its status as a true "cult classic." A quirky, quasi-neo-noir story, truly glorious visual sequences, some hilarious dialogue and standout performances from an A-list cast really tie the whole thing together, man. Jeff Bridges abides as unemployed stoner Jeff Lebowski (aka, "The Dude"), a laid-back, easygoing burnout who just happens to have the same name as a millionaire whose wife Bunny owes a lot of dangerous people (nihilists?) a whole bunch of money. When some bad guys break into The Dude's house and pee on his rug, he seeks out the other Lebowski, which sends him spiraling into a weird trip through Los Angeles' even weirder underworld. Also starring John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman, David Huddleston, John Turturro, Tara Reid, and Flea.

This fan favourite is best enjoyed chillin' with friends (maybe in your pajamas, an old bathrobe, or a comfy Cowichan sweater - your call, we can abide with however you roll) and maybe an adult beverage (perhaps a delicious White Russian or two - you deserve it! And yes, they will be on special at the bar!)

"A typical Coen brothers film is like no film you've ever seen." (The Globe & Mail)

Monday, April 20
Doors 8:45 pm | Movie 9:15 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.

All tickets just $10, man.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI (Joel and Ethan Coen, 1998 / 117 minutes / 14A) | Jeff `The Dude' Leboswki is mistaken for Jeffrey Lebowski, who is The Big Lebowski. Which explains why he's roughed up and has his precious rug peed on. In search of recompense, The Dude tracks down his namesake, who offers him a job. His wife has been kidnapped and he needs a reliable bagman. Aided and hindered by his pals Walter Sobchak, a Vietnam vet, and Donny, master of stupidity.

Colin (Harry Melling) is a young gay man who lives with his parents and sings in a barbershop quartet. He meets Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), a leather-clad, hyper-masculine biker straight out of a Tom of Finland drawing. They hook up in a dark alleyway — a one-way transaction that sets the power dynamic for their relationship. Colin naturally adopts the role of submissive, learning to cook and clean alongside whatever else Ray tasks him with. Despite his aptitude for obedience, Colin grows tired of sleeping on the floor and begins to wish for more.

Call Me by Your Name meets Phantom Thread in leather chaps. Harry Lighton’s debut feature is a horny, wickedly funny exploration of the sub-dom relationship. Melling and Skarsgard ignite the screen with physically and emotionally intimate performances and authentic chemistry. An orgy of sex and kink that playfully examines themes of power, autonomy, compromise, but most importantly, love.

"Even the most Netflix-gagged romcom fan will realize that [director Harry] Lighton’s film is exactly the shot in the arm the genre needed. May we all live so happily ever after." (Globe and Mail)

"The sex scenes are refreshingly graphic, but they’re never used for shock value. The real shock comes from how emotionally involved the characters become within the construct of their kink." (Boston Globe)

Tuesday, April 21
Doors 6:30 pm | Movie 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Two-for-One Tuesday. Bring your Dom, sub or barbershop buds!

PILLION (Harry Lighton, 2026 /107 mins / 18A) A timid man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.

In small-town Australia, a nightmare is brewing. Sophie (Lauren Last) is a young filmmaker obsessed with finding a thought-to-be long-lost film. Meanwhile, an earthquake unleashes ancient parasites in the area that thrive on hatred, causing outbursts of violence. Now Sophie and her friends, struggling with dating and their undesirable jobs, must also face off against an ancient evil that spreads like wildfire.

"This movie is punk rock. It’s neon colors, glitter, resistance, and is clapping back at transphobia from the first frame to the last. It’s the prettiest drink during your favorite happy hour that happens to be the strongest on the menu. T Blockers is a hit of catharsis wrapped in serotonin." -sharai bohannon dreadcentral.com

"With a predominantly queer, nonbinary, and trans cast and crew, and central characters it’s easy to love, T Blockers is a real treat for queer horror fans. It’s hard to believe that Mackay was just 17 during production. If this is the kind of movie she’s making as a teen, it’s thrilling to imagine what lies in her future." -Samantha McLaren horrorpress.com

Tuesday, April 21
Doors 8:45 pm | Film 9:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

T-BLOCKERS (Alice Maio Mackay, 2023 / 75 mins / NR) When ancient parasites rise from beneath a small town, taking the most fearful and susceptible as hosts, a young trans filmmaker finds herself the only one who can sense the possessed, and rally the resistance before the horror escapes and spreads.

The Rio Theatre concludes #CanadianFilmWeek with one of the most honoured Canadian films of all time, Atom Egoyan’s 1997 drama THE SWEET HEREAFTER.

Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes and nominated for 16 Genie Awards (it won eight - including Best Picture, Director and Actor), Egoyan’s masterful adaptation of a novel by Russell Banks traces the aftermath of a school bus accident in a small Canadian town that leaves fourteen children dead. When Mitchell Stephens (Ian Holm), a big-city lawyer, arrives to organize a class-action lawsuit, his presence stirs up tensions within the town. Garnering Academy Award nominations for Egoyan for both Best Director and Adapted Screenplay, THE SWEET HEREAFTER is a powerful, deeply empathetic exploration of what it means to go on living in the face of tragedy.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Canadian films ever made, it was voted the best Canadian film of all time in a Playback readers’ poll in 2002, and ranked in the top five in polls of the Top 10 Canadian films of all time conducted by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2004 and 2015. It was named one of 150 essential works in Canadian cinema history in a similar poll in 2016.

Wednesday, April 22
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Why not make it a #CanadianFilmWeek Double Feature with UNDERTONE for one sweet price!

THE SWEET HEREAFTER (Atom Egoyan, 1997 /112 mins / 14A) A small mountain community in Canada is devastated when a school bus accident leaves more than a dozen of its children dead. A big-city lawyer arrives to help the survivors' and victims' families prepare a class-action suit, but his efforts only seem to push the townspeople further apart. At the same time, one teenage survivor of the accident has to reckon with the loss of innocence brought about by a different kind of damage.

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

""Undertone" is the scariest movie you will ever hear, viscerally overloading your eardrums with haunts that are sure to keep you up at night and evoke a physical reaction when you hear it again." (Nerdbot)

"Of all the films that have depended on audio-instigated thrills and chills, The Undertone may be the best to have ever done it ... Flawless in execution and detail ... The Undertone is one of the best horror thrillers you will ever listen to." (Screen Anarchy)

Wednesday, April 22
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Times are approximate. Start time subject to change.

Come a little earlier and make it a Double Bill with THE SWEET HEREAFTER at 6:30 pm for one sweet price here:https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/41347-double-bill-the-sweet-hereafter-and-undertone-canadian-film-week

UNDERTONE (Ian Tuason, 2026 / 85 mins / 18A) The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

Cameron Grant was a prominent Vancouver-based vocalist, bandleader, performer, loved and respected as one of Vancouver's exceptional talents.

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Thursday, April 23 for a very special legacy event featuring performances from VOC, Sacred Linoleum, Smokin' Section, Daddy and the Smokin Soul Experience (Belmont).

Featuring Bandmates and Special Guests including: 
Randal Stoll, Kris Joss, Mike Kenney, Kelly Brock, Tim Fuller, Russ Klyne, Rebecca Shoichet, Jamie Kaufmann, Tino Zolfo, Adam Stern, Dane Deviller, Krystle Dos Santos, Mark Olexson, Tim Proznick, Brad Turner.

Thursday, April 23
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 8:00 pm

GA Tickets $25+ s/c | $30 + s/c at the door

Cam’s life was filled with love, laughter, and moments of pure joy with his family, partner Caitlyn Regehr, and two beautiful daughters, Gwendolyn, and Avery who will be will receive the proceeds of the event.

For the first time in Vancouver, Korean stand-up sensation Kim Dong Ha (김동하) brings his hit comedy tour to the Rio Theatre.

“Stand-Up Comedy Made in Korea” delivers sharp, high-energy humor rooted in Korean culture — from family dynamics and generational clashes to dating, social pressure, and the absurdities of modern life. With fearless storytelling and rapid-fire punchlines, Kim Dong Ha has sold out theatres across Korea and now takes his bold voice to North America.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience authentic Korean stand-up comedy live in Vancouver.

This performance is conducted entirely in Korean.

Friday, April 24
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early bird tickets available until March 15!

VIP (Centre section, first 3 rows) - $103.95 + s/c
Main Floor Assigned - $82.95 + s/c
Balcony General Admission - $61.95 + s/c

Tickets on sale now!

Two former geeks become 1980s punks, then party and go to concerts while deciding what to do with their lives.

"[Matthew Lillard's] performance dominates the film, and he does a subtle, tricky job of being both an obnoxious punk and a kid in search of his direction in life. He's very good." (Roger Ebert)

"A messy but engaging look at the punk scene in Salt Lake City during the Reagan years; that may sound a little specialized, but how many of us knew there ever was a punk scene—or even a single punk—in the home of the Mormons?" (The New Yorker)

Friday, April 24
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late night Date Night! Bring a friend or date and get two-for-one entry.

SLC PUNK! (James Merendino, 97 mins  / 14 A) In the early 1980s, Stevo and Heroin Bob are the only two dedicated punks in conservative Salt Lake City.

On the brink of inheriting the position of The Bearded Woman (matriarchal leader to an outcast community of circus performers), a young woman defies her overbearing mother and runs away instead.  Free from the expectations and responsibilities at home, she seeks romance and adventure with the normies in a tiny farm town.  In order to fit in, she reinvents herself with stories of a fabricated past, until the truth of who she is can no longer be concealed. With Anwen O'Driscoll, Jessica Paré, Skylar Radzion, Harrison Brown.

"A charming story about the ways in which we are both beholden to and repulsed by the traditions and family obligations laid at our feet, 'The Bearded Girl' is sure to speak to young girls in a way that will truly matter." (ScreenAnarchy)

"Director Jody Wilson’s debut feature-length film is charming, dryly funny and filled with a fairy-tale aesthetic. Led by engaging performances, 'The Bearded Girl' hits all the marks as a coming-of-age story, but draws from genre favorites like HBO’s CARNIVALE, giving us subtle magic minus the darker overtones. With a distinct Western Canadian vibe and a fresh new voice in Canadian cinema, this is a must-see for quirky performances and a lesson in loving yourself just as you are." (Fantasia Film Fest)

Filmmakers including director Jody Wilson in attendance for post-show Q&A.

Saturday, April 25
Doors 1:50 pm | Movie 2:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE BEARDED GIRL (Jody Wilson, 2025 / 110 mins / PG) A rebellious, sword-swallowing bearded girl decides to leave her carnival sideshow home behind in search of love and adventure.

A copious cavalcade of top notch talent and captivating cabaret await at The Rio Theatre Burlesque & Variety Show on Saturday, April 25!

Local luminary April O’Peel has curated a show full of wonder sure to dazzle and delight our fun loving audience! The theme is NO THEME! That’s right! These talented performers will each be performing one act of their choosing! What act will they decide to bring to The Rio Theatre Burlesque & Variety Show!? Find out on Saturday, April 25 as these stars align for one night only!

Saturday, April 25
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Save $10 with Early Bird tickets available till midnight April 6!

General Admission $30 + s/c | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP tickets (Rows 1-3, centre section) $40 + s/c
Squad Pass $100 + s/c

Featuring

April O’Peel
Bitch Sassidy
Charlotte Strudel
Clare Voyeur
Demi Reign
Disco Squad
Hotsy Flashy
La Dame Derriere
Lady Josephine
Layna Emerald
Lynx Chase
Maria Sample
Rainbow Glitz

Hosted by Karla Marx

KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE, the timeless and beloved classic from Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki and globally celebrated animation house Studio Ghibli is newly remastered in 4K for 2026.

There is no better way to appreciate the magic of Studio Ghibli than on the big screen! Movie-lovers of all ages adore Miyazaki's timeless classic, and it remains one of their most popular titles.First released in 1989 and based on the novel by Eiko Kadono, the entirely hand-drawn gem is features a musical score from Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator, the renowned composer Joe Hisaishi. The new 4K remaster highlights the great thought and care put into every frame of the film, celebrating the authentic craftsmanship of Studio Ghibli’s detailed artwork.

The film follows the story of 13-year-old Kiki, who moves to a seaside town with her talking cat Jiji to spend a year alone, in accordance with her village's tradition for witches in training. After learning to control her broomstick, Kiki sets up a flying courier service and soon becomes a fixture in the community. But when the insecure young witch begins questioning herself and loses her magic abilities, she must overcome her self-doubt to get her powers back. Perfect for movie lovers of all ages, KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE is a heartwarming, gorgeously-rendered tale of a young witch discovering her place in the world.

"A terrific alternative to the diabetic's nightmare that is most of Disney's output, Kiki's Delivery Service takes pride of place in Miyazaki's exceptional body of work." (Empire Magazine)

"The film becomes a benign guided tour of femininity ... gently broaching universal coming-of-age issues such as independence, insecurity, and even - more boldly than any Western children's movie would contemplate - sexuality." (The Guardian)

Sunday, April 26
Doors 11:30 am | Movie 12:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE "Majo no Takkyūbin" (Hayao Miyazaki, 1989 / 103 mins / G / Japanese w.EST) A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.

Presented by System Entertainment

Sportsko srce je topla komedija o sudaru dva nespojiva sveta kada mlada Maja odluči da spoji svog verenika, sofisticiranog Beograđanina Pavla, sa svojim ocem Macurom, harizmatičnim vlasnikom zemunske pečenjare. Dok Maja pokušava da "ugladi" oca za sudbonosni porodični ručak, a Pavle balansira između ljubavi i uticaja svoje dominantne majke, na površinu izbijaju generacijski jaz i duboko ukorenjene predrasude. Kroz niz komičnih nesporazuma, ova priča nas podseća da su iskrenost i prihvatanje jedini put ka zajedničkoj budućnosti, ma koliko različiti bili naši koreni.

Režiser / Directed By: Milan Karadžić
Uloge / Featuring: Mima Karadžić, Nina Nešković, Nela Mihajlović, Aleksandar Đurica, Nikola Šurbanović, Nataša Ninković...

Sport Heart is a warm comedy about the collision of two incompatible worlds when young Maja decides to unite her fiance Pavla, the sophisticated man from Belgrade, with her father Macura, the charismatic owner of a bakery in Zemun. While Maya tries to "polite" her father for the fateful family lunch, and Pavle balances the love and influence of his domineering mother, the generation gap and deep-rooted prejudices come to the surface. Through a series of comic misunderstandings, this story reminds us that honesty and acceptance are the only way to a shared future, no matter how different our roots.

Based on popular theatre play premiered at Zvezdara Theatre in Belgrade, Serbia on 4th of December 2021.

Sunday, April 26
Doors: 2:45 pm | Film 3:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission - $25.50 + s/c

SPORTSKO SRCE 'Sport Heart' (Milan Karadžić, 2026 / 89 mins / Serbian w. EST / 18A) A warm comedy about the collision of two incompatible worlds when young Maja decides to unite her fiancé, the sophisticated man from Belgrade, Pavle, with her father, Macura, the charismatic owner of a bakery in Zemun. While Maya tries to "polite" her father for the fateful family lunch, and Pavle balances the love and influence of his domineering mother, the generation gap and deep-rooted prejudices come to the surface.

Rogue Folk Club presents
Dervish

Music from the West of Ireland with passionate vocals and dazzling instrumentals.

Dervish have been bringing Irish traditional music to the world for more than 30 years, and received the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Lifetime Achievement Award. Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”, the band have played festivals from Rock in Rio to Glastonbury, toured with the Irish President and struck up tunes on the Great Wall of China.

Dervish’s lineup features some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians. Fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan, joined by some of Ireland’s finest trad musicians - Shane Mitchell (accordion), Liam Kelly (flute/whistle), Brian McDonagh (mandola/mandolin), Michael Holmes (bouzouki) and Tom Morro (fiddle).

Exceptional musicianship, breath-taking vocals, vibrant sets of tunes and instantly compelling songs all come together to make Dervish as complete a band as are to be found anywhere in the tradition.

Sunday, April 26
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets $42+ s/c (Until January 1 )
Tickets $47+ s/c | $52+ s/c at the door

Tickets on sale November 28 10:00 am

In 1957, renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and spirited biologist Bristol Foster set out on a global expedition in a rugged Land Rover they call “The Grizzly Torque”. Starting in the UK, their travels take them to the far corners of the earth. From the lush rainforests of the Congo to the vibrant landscapes of India, Bob paints the wonders they encounter, while Bristol films on his 16mm Bolex camera. Fifty-seven years later, the abandoned Grizzly Torque is rediscovered. As its hidden history emerges and a new owner restores it to its former glory, the tale of their environmental activism through art and science unfolds. 

"An awe-inspiring road trip where the car becomes the canvas." (Hollywood North Magazine)

"A bromance for the ages!" (Susan Johnston, David Suzuki Foundation)

"As much a celebration of friendship as it is of the natural world." (Vancouver Sun) 

"A heartwarming and inspirational tribute to the adventure of life itself." (Vancouver International Film Festival)

Monday, April 27
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE ART OF ADVENTURE (Alison Reid, 2026 / 86 mins / PG) In 1957, world renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and spirited biologist Bristol Foster embarked on a global expedition in a Land Rover they called “The Grizzly Torque” - a journey that ignited a deep love of our planet and set in motion a powerful story of environmental activism though art and science.

Before he transitioned, Z (Breton Lalama - The Madness, Slasher) was a rising musical theatre star struggling with his gender identity. One year into taking testosterone, he has finally started to feel at home in his body but has lost all control of his voice. At the same time, Z's long-term partner, Danielle (Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah - The Last of Us), feels she's lost the person she fell in love with. Unable to book work with his changing voice, Z starts bartending, where his new boss, Santi (Xavier Lopez - We Forgot to Break Up), emboldens him to fight for himself and his dreams. Z starts working with a singing instructor, Shelly, to learn how to use his new voice, and maybe even trust himself.

“Really Happy Someday is one of those rare gems of a film that creates a world for the audience to simply live in and then simply sits with the soul when the credits roll. It’s a world to remind the audience that no matter what, at the end of the day, one must be true to themselves and not let anything get in the way of that. When there is a will, there is a way.” (Elements of Madness)

“Really Happy Someday doesn’t offer quick happiness or simple solutions. Instead, it asks us to accept both struggles and victories, to recognize that growing isn’t always easy, and to keep believing that happiness can come, even if it feels far away. For anyone feeling stuck or unsure about being themselves, this film gently reminds us: you might not feel truly happy right now—but one day, you will.” (The Curb)

Monday, April 27
Doors 8:15 pm | Film 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

REALLY HAPPY SOMEDAY (J. Stevens, 2024 / 89 mins / NR) A rising musical theatre star struggles with his changing voice during his gender transition. With the help of a singing coach, he learns to trust himself, reclaim his career, and reconnect with the people he loves.

Witness the debut performance of 16 emerging dance and interdisciplinary artists.

A labour of experimentation, independence, and virtuosity; this performance features 15 original works that explore the individual as part of groups, constant distance, and the dedication to original thought in the styles of contemporary, jazz, hiphop, ballet, and more.

Tuesday, April 28
Doors: 7:00 pm | Event: 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

All tickets are General Admission
Seniors & Students w. ID - $16
General Admission - $26

Choreographers
Ashley Sankaran-Wee, Avery Warren, Claire Martin, Daisy de Kroon, Jeya Thiessen, Lauren Butterfield, Naz Ozlu, Reese Magnayon, Sarah Wilson, Soleil Mousseau, Sonja Kwantes, Teddy Brubacher, Vivien Dang

Dancers
Ashley Sankaran-Wee, Avery Warren, Claire Martin, Daisy de Kroon, Jeya Thiessen, Lauren Butterfield, Naz Ozlu, Reese Magnayon, Sarah WIlson, Soleil Mousseau, Sonja Kwantes, Teddy Brubacher, Vivien Dang, Hannah Latta, Elijah Sam

Stage Manager
Kady Brandel

Assistant Stage Manager
Oliver Medrano

Now in its 14th year,  the smash hit epic comedy THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW returns to the Rio Theatre's stage on Wednesday, April 29 for another night of dork-filled humour.

Prepare yourself for a generous dose of laughter and snorting out loud, as some of Vancouver’s best comedic performers grace the stage in a night featuring some of this City's most intrepid players on a gallant quest for comedy glory (and more snacks!) in a hilarious adventure saga 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 experience - you’re going to have a great time.

Wednesday, April 29
Doors 6:15 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.
Tickets $17 +s/c in advance | $20+ s/c 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

In the dystopian world of WWW.RACHELORMONT.COM, Rachel Ormont (Betsey Brown) has been confined since birth within an advertising agency, where her existence revolves around the pop star known as Mommy 6.0 (Chloe Cherry). Rachel’s entire existence comes into question when forced to confront the deepest excesses of the dark web. Boasting a daring lead performance and a wicked sense of humor, this satirical sci-fi comedy delves into themes of performance, digital existence, consumer culture, and contemporary sexuality, offering a provocative and unsettling reflection of our hyper-connected society.

Rachel Ormont lives in an all-too-familiar, decidedly dystopian, alternate universe where she tries to navigate a life of feverish
monotony. Raised in captivity in the carefully controlled and craftily curated clutches of an advertising agency, Rachel’s humanity is imprinted by and organized around commodity and perception. Her parasocial relationship with the product being advertised—a popstar named Mommy 6.0—blossoms, blooms, mutates, eats itself, is regurgitated and reconstituted in an insane sci-fi roller coaster ride.

This hellaciously satirical exploration of performance, digital life, commodity culture, and modern sexuality is as deeply disturbing as it is grotesquely entertaining. Director Peter Vack provokes, pokes fun at, and perfectly encapsulates a nearly indefinable moment of terminally online, critically anxious American life. The singularity of this jarring yet reflective world is engineered with precision, malice, and wild abandon.

Wednesday, April 29
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

WWW.RACHELORMONT.COM (Peter Vack, 2025 / 83 mins / NR) Rachel doesn't realize she has grown up in captivity working for an advertising agency where her job is to assess Mommy 6.0, her favorite pop star in the whole entire world.

In 1957, renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and spirited biologist Bristol Foster set out on a global expedition in a rugged Land Rover they call “The Grizzly Torque”. Starting in the UK, their travels take them to the far corners of the earth. From the lush rainforests of the Congo to the vibrant landscapes of India, Bob paints the wonders they encounter, while Bristol films on his 16mm Bolex camera. Fifty-seven years later, the abandoned Grizzly Torque is rediscovered. As its hidden history emerges and a new owner restores it to its former glory, the tale of their environmental activism through art and science unfolds. 

"An awe-inspiring road trip where the car becomes the canvas." (Hollywood North Magazine)

"A heartwarming and inspirational tribute to the adventure of life itself." (Vancouver International Film Festival)

Friday, May 1
Doors 5:15 pm | Movie 5:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE ART OF ADVENTURE (Alison Reid, 2026 / 86 mins / PG) In 1957, world renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and spirited biologist Bristol Foster embarked on a global expedition in a Land Rover they called “The Grizzly Torque” - a journey that ignited a deep love of our planet and set in motion a powerful story of environmental activism though art and science.

Following its world premiere at this years SXSW Festival, the highly anticipated new NOFX documentary 40 YEARS' OF FUCKIN' UP, which chronicles the chaotic four-decade history of the iconic punk band, is headed to the Rio Theatre.

Produced by NOFX frontman Fat Mike, the film features archival footage, candid interviews, and explores how the band became a successful independent act despite a history of self-destruction and controversy. The documentary covers the band’s 40-year journey from "drug-addled teenage punks" to influential rock icons. Like a real-life SPINAL TAP, the film features intimate, often shocking footage, including backstage chaos, drug use, and personal stories.

Friday, May 1
Doors 7:30 pm | Movie 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets $30 + s/c

Please note: This movie screens with a brief intermission.

NOFX: 40 YEARS OF FUCKIN' UP (James Buddy Day, 2026 / 90 mins / NR) A documentary portrait of iconic punk rock legends NOFX.

In 2006, writer-irector Jared Hess followed up his wildly popular indie cult-comedy NAPOLEON DYNAMITE with NACHO LIBRE, which find a similar groove by employing much of the same deadpan humour and sweet silliness  - plus Jack Black. Ignacio (Black), is a disrespected cook at a Mexican monastery, can barely afford to feed the orphans who live there. Inspired by a local wrestling hero, he decides to moonlight as the not-so-famous Luchador "Nacho Libre" to earn money for the monastery -- not to mention the admiration of beautiful nun Sister Encarnación.

"It's more outrageous than hilarious, yet Nacho Libre has the same kind of sweet poignancy its filmmaker Jared Hess brought to his 2004 cult hit Napoleon Dynamite." (Urban Cinefile)

Friday, May 1
Doors 10:45 pm | Movie 11:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late night Date Night! Bring a friend or date and get two-for-one entry.

NACHO LIBRE (Jared Hess, 2026 / 92 mins / PG) Berated all his life by those around him, a monk follows his dream and dons a mask to moonlight as a Luchador (Mexican wrestler).

RANGE + Sleepy Queer Productions Present<./b>

Saturday, May 2
Doors 7:30 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Outside Voices returns to the Rio Theatre with an evening of powerful choral music exploring love from the beginning and the end.

Featuring both OV choirs across two performances, the concert blends live guitar and drums with fresh arrangements and choir favorites from the Outside Voices repertoire. Audiences will hear songs by artists such as Peter Gabriel, Dionne Warwick, Fleetwood Mac, Broken Bells, Radiohead, Bonnie Light Horseman and more.

The night closes with a 180-voice super choir finale bringing both choirs together on stage.

Arranged and directed by David Beckingham

Sunday, May 3
Matinee Show
Doors: 2:00 pm | Show 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Evening Show
Doors: 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Outside Voices returns to the Rio Theatre with an evening of powerful choral music exploring love from the beginning and the end.

Featuring both OV choirs across two performances, the concert blends live guitar and drums with fresh arrangements and choir favorites from the Outside Voices repertoire. Audiences will hear songs by artists such as Peter Gabriel, Dionne Warwick, Fleetwood Mac, Broken Bells, Radiohead, Bonnie Light Horseman and more.

The night closes with a 180-voice super choir finale bringing both choirs together on stage.

Arranged and directed by David Beckingham

Sunday, May 3
Evening Show
Doors: 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

“That's no moon. It's a space station.”

This May (the) Fourth, join us at the Rio Theatre as we toast the holiest holiday among STAR WARS fans, with a prime time viewing of  George Lucas' iconic 1977 film that started it all, A NEW HOPE. Stick around for a double bill, because we will be following it up with a 10h Anniversary Screening of the 2016 standalone "prequel" ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY.

Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy in Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope. Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begin Luke’s Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire.

Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Yoda, C-3P0, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and Darth Vader.

Monday, May 4
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Why not make is a May the Fourth Double Bill with ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY!

STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE (George Lucas, 1977 / 124 mins / PG / 1997 Re-Release) Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts adistress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire.

This May (the) Fourth, join us at the Rio Theatre as we toast the holiest holiday among STAR WARS fans, with a prime time viewing of  George Lucas' iconic 1977 film that started it all, A NEW HOPE. Stick around for a double bill, because we will be following it up with a 10h Anniversary Screening of the 2016 standalone "prequel" ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY.

Former scientist Galen Erso lives on a farm with his wife and young daughter, Jyn. His peaceful existence comes crashing down when the evil Orson Krennic takes him away from his beloved family. Many years later, Galen becomes the Empire's lead engineer for the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, the Death Star. Knowing that her father holds the key to its destruction, Jyn joins forces with a spy and other resistance fighters to steal the space station's plans for the Rebel Alliance. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed and Mads Mikkelson.

"This is a movie made for fans." (Guardian)

"Its characters are largely new, which means the movie can do with them as it wants. It isn't hemmed in the way most prequels are. " (BBC.com)

Monday, May 4
Movie 9:00 pm *As this is a double bill, the start time subject is approximate and subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Why not make is a May the Fourth Double Bill with STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE:
https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/41252-double-bill-star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-and-rogue-one-a-star-wars-story

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (Gareth Edwards, 2016 / 133 mins / 14A) In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.

STEP RIGHT UP STEP RIGHT UP and join us at Rio Theatre on Tuesday, May 5, for a night of drag that will blow you away!

Vajayjay Abrams hosts an iconic lineup of Canada’s Drag Race stars from across the country including Vancouver’s very own PM, Toronto’s Star Doll and Dulce, and Montreal ICONS Johnny Jones and Sami Landri! The sideshow unleashes a lineup of jaw-dropping talent you won't see anywhere else so don’t miss out! See the cast perform their hit original song Not Sorry Aboot it LIVE for the first time together!

Tuesday, May 5
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP (Exclusive Pre-Show Meet and Greet 6:30 pm + Preferred Seating) $50 + s/c
Main Floor Seating $30 + s/c
Meet and Greet Add-On $15 (Limited Quantity Available)

Multi-award-winning stand-up comedian and one of the UK’s top-selling live acts, Paul Chowdhry brings his latest show AI: Artificial Indian to Vancouver for one night only on May 8, 2026.

Fresh off his sold-out 2025 UK arena tour Englandia, Paul delivers his signature mix of bold cultural commentary, observational humor, and razor-sharp wit. Widely regarded as one of the most successful British-Indian comedians, he has built a global following through international tours and hit comedy specials.

Friday May 8
Doors: 6:00 pm | Show: 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Main Floor, Assigned - 55.50 + s/c
Balcony, General Admission - 45.50 + s/c

Tickets on sale April 2 at 10:00 am PST

Multi-award-winning stand-up comedian and one of the UK’s top-selling live acts, Paul Chowdhry brings his latest show AI: Artificial Indian to Vancouver for one night only on May 8, 2026.

Fresh off his sold-out 2025 UK arena tour Englandia, Paul delivers his signature mix of bold cultural commentary, observational humor, and razor-sharp wit. Widely regarded as one of the most successful British-Indian comedians, he has built a global following through international tours and hit comedy specials.

Friday May 8
Doors: 9:00 pm | Show: 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Main Floor, Assigned - 55.50 + s/c
Balcony, General Admission - 45.50 + s/c

THE LAST RECKONING is a 2025 award-winning crime-drama shot in Vancouver produced, written & edited by Grant Gladish, produced & directed by Garnet Campbell, and starring Drummond Macdougall, Grant Gladish, Julien Minet and Anja Marcetic.

Set in Seattle when Washington State still had a death penalty, a morally conflicted lawyer (Gladish) on the brink of promotion conceals the murder-confession of his panic- stricken brother (Minet), only to face a haunting reckoning twelve years later when the father (Macdougall) of the innocent woman wrongfully executed for the crime returns with a calculated plan for justice.

Drama, crime, mystery ⏤ even romance with the entaglement of a femme fatale (Marcetic) ⏤ marks this slow-burning film. Life-and-death-stakes, set within a believable narrative with its whiffs of Romeo & Juliet, make this Canadian picture stand out from so many other stories.

The vision and themes of THE LAST RECKONING will haunt viewers long after its screening. THE LAST RECKONING delves into the topic of murder, cover up, justice, judgement and the wreckage remaining after selfish choices. When we see how innocent lives can be chewed up and spit out by an imperfect justice system, it begets the question of the morality of a death penalty anywhere in this world. The strongest lesson, however, is that viewers shall be reminded ⏤ in the end ⏤ of universal justice: it almost always has the final say, especially when one values one’s own life over another's.

Saturday, May 9
Doors 12:00 pm | Movie 12:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Adapted from two public domain stage plays, The First and the Last, 1918 by John Galsworthy; and The Reckoning, 1922
by Percival Wilde ⏤ THE LAST RECKONING was first theatrically screened in Tbilisi, Georgia at the Action Thriller Crime Adventure Film Festival where it won "Best Feature."

Shot on Black Magic cameras in Metro Vancouver by award-winning cinematographer and director, Joel McCarthy, THE LAST RECKONING is a throwback to a society rapidly evolving around the time of the Winnipeg General Strike and the Russian Revolution. The film has an old-time feel and style and is a faithful adaptation of the two public-domain plays which have been dovetailed into a singular, cinematic whole. The film was 100% privately funded by Canadian financing. All the major players are Canadian and its collaborators trust that this film will help establish credibility for the Indie Film community of Canada.

In 1940, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier and Leslie Banks starred in 21 DAYS, an adaptation of "The First and the Last," a 1917 short-story and a 1920 short-play by John Galsworthy. Basil Dean directed and Columbia Pictures distributed 21 DAYS. Today, THE LAST RECKONING is an adaptation of two plays, one being Galsworthy's "The First and The Last," and so it marks the second cinematic
adaptation since the play first hit the stage in 1920.

Special Screening of the Ukrainian Documentary “Second Wind” in Vancouver.

“Second Wind” is the story of five Ukrainian heroes: four veterans with lower-limb amputations and one active-duty servicewoman who climbed Africa’s highest peak — Mount Kilimanjaro.

This is a deep human story about recovery, inner transformation, dignity, and the strength to move forward despite trauma. The film follows the protagonists’ journey from pain and doubt to self-acceptance, new life direction, and a renewed sense of self-worth.

The project was created by the charitable movement “Second Wind” in partnership with the foundation “If Not Now, When?”. The film is directed by Mariia Kondakova, a French-Ukrainian documentary filmmaker known for her sensitive and honest exploration of war, trauma, and human resilience.

The screening will be in Ukrainian with English subtitles.

Following the screening, there will be a live discussion with members of the project team, including:

Oleksandr Pedan — producer and host of the project
Vladyslav “Shatya” Shatil — film protagonist and veteran

Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear firsthand about the journey from injury to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Sunday, May 10
Doors: 4:15 pm | Film 5:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

The Canadian screenings of the film carry a charitable mission. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the rehabilitation of Ukrainian veterans through the initiatives of the Canada–Ukraine Foundation, which provides comprehensive physical and mental health rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian heroes. By attending, you are not only taking part in a meaningful cultural event, but also contributing directly to the recovery of Ukraine’s defenders.

Smashed Potato Kids presents the 3rd Annual Vancouver Sketch Comedy Festival + After Party.

This year, we’re taking things to the next level.

With a stacked lineup of celebrity judges, we’ve curated a wild showcase of the best sketch comedy and video creators around. Backed by incredible sponsors, we’re awarding over $10,000 in prizes to the top creators of the night.

And when the show wraps, the night’s just getting started. Join us at the official after party at Franklin Commons’ new studio space, just down the road from the Rio Theatre, to celebrate, connect, and meet the creators behind the chaos.

Whether you're a filmmaker, performer, or just someone who loves great comedy, this is one of those nights you don’t want to miss.

Wednesday, May 13
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission $30 + s/c in advance | $35 + s/c at door

In the late 1990s, eight-year-old Sasha and her family relocate to a new home on Vancouver Island, but their fresh start is interrupted by increasingly dangerous behavior from the eldest son, Jeremy. At wit’s end, their parents are presented with a shattering choice. Award-winning director Sophy Romvari’s feature debut is a lyrical and profound testament to the things we carry with us, masterfully chronicling the haze of a languid summer and the hyaline clarity of the moments that defined it.

Long before she was making award-winning films, Ms. Romvari was popping corn, designing posters, and selling tickets in the box office of ye olde Rio Theatre. We are delighted to welcome her for a post-show Q&A following the screening of BLUE HERON on May 14.

"It’s a film that seldom comes out and tells you exactly what’s happening, but its drama is so lucid that before any real tragedy unfolds (or is even hinted at), you feel it in your bones." (Observer)

"“Blue Heron” may be the most emotionally devastating film of the year -- and also perhaps the most comforting. " (IndieWire)

Thursday, May 14
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

BLUE HERON (Sophy Romvari, 2026 / NR / 90 mins) A family of six settles into their new home on Vancouver Island as internal dynamics get revealed through the eyes of the youngest child.

Frank Zappa’s music – reimagined!

Zappostrophe’…dares to take on Zappa’s weird and wonderful world - recreating his tunes with jaw-dropping musicianship, and a wink to his irreverent humour (CHEK TV, Victoria, 2024)

Zappostrophe' is a Vancouver-based 8-piece band, playing favourites and lesser-known works from Frank Zappa's eclectic recordings.

Our shows include a variety of FZ’s music – from favourites like Don't Eat the Yellow Snow and Montana to complex compositions like Inca Roads, with some high energy instrumentals to keep things interesting. Expect virtuoso playing, tight vocals and humour!

Plus...

LUNATICS ON THE GRASS - TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD pays homage to the legendary Progressive Rock band Pink Floyd.

Get ready to immerse yourself in Pink Floyd’s mesmerizing music, and Lunatics on The Grass's visuals and mind-blowing original animations !

The band will perform The Dark Side Of The Moon in its entirety, as well as other iconic Pink Floyd classics.

The band will transport you to another dimension where the spirit of Pink Floyd lives on.

Don't miss out on this epic experience !

Saturday, May 16
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early bird tickets just $45, available till midnight March 1!

Main Floor Assigned - $50
Seniors - $45
VIP Reserved (First 5 rows) - $55

Zappostrophe’ is:

Blair Fisher  - vocals / trumpet / flute / keys
Blair Lewis – guitar / synths / vocals / rubber chicken
LJ Mounteney – vocals / kazoo
Nick Apivor – percussion / vocals
Guenter Schulz – guitar
Cole Tinney– keyboards
Brent Gubbels – bass
Jason Overy - drums

Lunatics on the Grass is:

Larry Bloom - keyboards
Joady Bell - keyboards
Carol Mason - vocals
Mike Krawchuk - vocals and sax
Lisa Dunn - vocals
Victor Yong - lead guitar
Kyle Legionhq Haynes- rhythm guitar and lap steel guitar
Kerry Paulicelli- drums
Kevin Krick - bass

The viral internet sensation THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS comes to its long-awaited conclusion in a feature-length theatrical release!Discover the fates of Pomni and the gang as they unravel the true secret & history of the Digital Circus as this show finally arrives at its last act.

 This “Last Act” combines episode 8 with the all new, hour long episode 9 for fans to see before anyone else in the world. With Caine gone and the circus dark, the cast are left with only the mistakes and traumas of their pasts to keep them company. As the prospect of eternity closes in around them, they discover the truth about the Digital Circus and its history. Will they come to terms with what they uncover, or will they make… the other choice? Also, presumably at some point someone says something funny, because this ending can’t be THAT depressing, can it? This film experience includes an exclusive intro animation packed with exciting details about the movie and other fun surprises. There will also be a special entertaining recap of the series narrated by one of the characters!

THE LAST ACT features the voices of Lizzie Freeman (Pokémon Horizons) as Pomni, Alex Rochon (Poppy’s Playtime) as Caine, Michael Kovach (Murder Drones, Lackadaisy) as Jax, Amanda Hufford (Genshin Impact) as Ragatha, Marissa Lenti (Borderlands 3) as Gangle, Sean Chiplock (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) as Kinger, Ashley Nichols (Lackadaisy) as Zooble, and more. The finale also features music composed by series’ veteran Evan Alderete (Hazbin Hotel) and art direction from Gobo3D.

Thursday, June 4
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS: THE LAST ACT (Gooseworx, 2026 / 93 mins / Rating TBD)

Join us at the Rio Theatre for an East Van Laugh RioT night of live comedy featuring a trio of standup comedy courtesy of Luke Severeid, Scott Losse and Andrew Rivers

Saturday, June 6
Doors: 6:00 pm | Show: 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets $30+ s/c (Until April 20)
Main Floor, Assigned and Balcony, General Admission - $35 + s/c
VIP (Rows A & B, Centre Section) $40+ s/c

About:

SCOTT LOSSE is a stand-up comedian and content creator from Burien, Washington. He has been featured on Dry Bar Comedy, Outside Magazine, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Scott has become well known for his short-form content and observational humor about the outdoors and living in the Pacific Northwest. His stand-up is absurd and relatable. People like it. His album "Popular Donuts" is now available on Spotify and his Dry Bar Special "Okay" in on YouTube and has a billion billion views. He's also known as "I live in the Pacific Northwest" guy on instagram ranting about the Weather or Costco or Sheds.

LUKE SEVEREID is a Hill-Hiking, Metal-Music-Loving, Chrome-Dome-Having Stand-UP Comedian from Seattle, WA. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest with the plaids and IPA-fueled husk to prove it.

Luke’s comedic style has been described as insightfully idiotic, aggressively absurd, and most accurately, unmedicated ADHD in action. Besides looking identical to your favorite bouncer and or bass player, Luke was also recently in the Big Sky Comedy Festival, a semifinalist in both the Seattle and San Francisco International Comedy Competition, and a winner of Best Comedy Film at HUMP! Film Festival.

He also just got back from a sold out Australian tour as a part of the Heavy Metal Music Festival KNOTFEST. Millions have enjoyed his stand-up videos online and we’re sure he’ll be able to get a giggle or two out of you.

ANDREW RIVERS' very personal and fun storytelling comedy, combined with his exemplary work ethic, has earned him high praise from some of the best comedians in the business.

Andrew’s comedy specials with Dry Bar Comedy and others – including Gun Enthusiasts Aren’t Funny (Dry Bar Comedy, 2018), The Second Wave of Covid Jokes (2020) For The Wrong Reasons (800 Pound Gorilla, 2021) and Hello, Beautiful (800 Pound Gorilla, 2024) – have earned millions of views online. His joke about a dentist got so many views, the dentist gave Andrew fake teeth for free but he’s still not getting matches on Tinder.

Andrew also recently appeared on the Joy Podcast with Craig Ferguson and would like to take the opportunity to name drop his Dad, Seattle Radio Hall of Famer Bob Rivers as well as comedians Christopher Titus, and Steve Hofstetter for giving him regular road work in theaters in North America and Europe.

CJ The X
Philosophy Lecture: Optimized Grass Touching

How to lock in, optimize your grindset and work harder than anyone else at living a wholesome balanced meaningful life.

CJ The X a Toronto based independent artist and philosopher that began making YouTube videos in 2021. Since then they’ve amassed over 350 thousand subscribers, 15 million views, a robust crowdfunding base on Patreon, a loyal personal mailing list, and sold out lectures across the world. Their breathless interdisciplinary approach makes them one of the most unique cultural voices in the internet age, blending irreverent humour, sharp intellectualism, and earnest spirituality.

They speak passionately on an eclectic array of subjects, blending together art, religion, technology, community, and beauty in their singular style. They have developed 7 different lectures so far, each completely distinct from the rest while fitting into a cohesive whole.

When not philosophizing, CJ is a rapper and a writer, always most comfortable working on multiple things at once.

Saturday, June 27
Doors 6:30 pm | Lecture 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets $45+ s/c

For first access to tickets subscribe to their mailing list @ cjthex.com/subscribe

cjthex.com
youtube.com/cjthex
patreon.com/cjthex

The East Van Laugh RioT welcomes comedian Jeff Dye to the Rio Theatre's stage on Saturday, July 4.

Saturday, July 4
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP (First 5 rows / Centre Section) $55+ s/c
Adult Entry $45 + s/c

Meet n' Greet add on $35 (Limited availability).

About Jeff Dye

Jeff Dye isn't here to play nice, he's here to wreck polite conversation and leave audiences howling. A regular on Gutfeld! and The Joe Rogan Experience, he delivers comedy that's loud, sharp, and hilariously inappropriate. He conned America on MTV's Money From Strangers, globe-hopped with legends on NBC's Better Late Than Never, and somehow kept a straight face while cracking jokes on The Tonight Show. Jeff's not chasing clout - he's chasing truth, mic in hand, and not looking back.

Connect with Jeff:
FACEBOOK: @JeffDye
TWITTER: @JeffDye
INSTAGRAM: @JeffDye
YOUTUBE: Jeff Dye

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the critically acclaimed, award-winning rock movie musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with an unforgettable evening featuring writer, director, and Golden Globe–nominated star, John Cameron Mitchell.

The event includes a stunning 4K screening of the film, followed by a live Q&A, and a special mini acoustic performance by Mitchell.

Arrive early for the pre-show costume contest—held in every city—for a chance to win prizes from our sponsors, The Criterion Collection and The Punk Rock Museum. Come dressed as your best Hedwig or in a look inspired by the work of John Cameron Mitchell.

Post show meet and greet add-ons available!

Produced by ThisMyShow Presents

Monday, July 20
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Balcony Tickets (GA) $58.25 + s/c
Main Floor (Assigned) $68.75 + s/c
VIP (First four rows, centre section & Meet n' Greet - includes signed poster!) $158 + s/c

Tickets on sale now!

JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL

John Cameron Mitchell wrote/directed/starred in the rock musical and film "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, a Special Tony for his performance, an Obie Award, the Best Director award at the 2001 Sundance Festival and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, along with 25 other awards.

He wrote/directed the improv-based film SHORTBUS (2006); directed the film adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning play RABBIT HOLE (2010) which garnered a Best Actress Oscar nomination for Nicole Kidman; and  co-wrote and directed the YA punk romance HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES  (2017) starring Kidman and Elle Fanning. He executive-produced (with Gus Van Sant) Jonathan Caouette’s TARNATION (2004) which was the most decorated documentary of 2004.

John was in the original casts of Tony-winning "Big River," "The Secret Garden," and "Six Degrees of Separation" as well as "Hello Again" (Drama Desk nomination) and Larry Kramer’s The Destiny of Me (Obie Award). TV roles include, "Girls", "Shrill", "The Good Fight", "Mozart in the Jungle", "Yellowjackets", "The Sandman", "City on Fire" and "Joe Exotic in Joe Vs Carole." He wrote and directed two scripted podcast series: the musical Anthem: Homunculus (2019) starring Glenn Close, Cynthia Erivo, Patti Lupone and Laurie Anderson; and the satirical sitcom "Cancellation Island "(2025) starring Holly Hunter.

"'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' is a powerful story about identity and creation and pain and love." (Birth.Movies.Death.)

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.

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the critically acclaimed, award-winning rock movie musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with an unforgettable evening featuring writer, director, and Golden Globe–nominated star, John Cameron Mitchell.

The event includes a stunning 4K screening of the film, followed by a live Q&A, and a special mini acoustic performance by Mitchell.

Arrive early for the pre-show costume contest—held in every city—for a chance to win prizes from our sponsors, The Criterion Collection and The Punk Rock Museum. Come dressed as your best Hedwig or in a look inspired by the work of John Cameron Mitchell.

Post show meet and greet add-ons available!

Produced by ThisMyShow Presents

Tuesday. July 21
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL

John Cameron Mitchell wrote/directed/starred in the rock musical and film "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, a Special Tony for his performance, an Obie Award, the Best Director award at the 2001 Sundance Festival and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, along with 25 other awards.

He wrote/directed the improv-based film SHORTBUS (2006); directed the film adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning play RABBIT HOLE (2010) which garnered a Best Actress Oscar nomination for Nicole Kidman; and  co-wrote and directed the YA punk romance HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES  (2017) starring Kidman and Elle Fanning. He executive-produced (with Gus Van Sant) Jonathan Caouette’s TARNATION (2004) which was the most decorated documentary of 2004.

John was in the original casts of Tony-winning "Big River," "The Secret Garden," and "Six Degrees of Separation" as well as "Hello Again" (Drama Desk nomination) and Larry Kramer’s The Destiny of Me (Obie Award). TV roles include, "Girls", "Shrill", "The Good Fight", "Mozart in the Jungle", "Yellowjackets", "The Sandman", "City on Fire" and "Joe Exotic in Joe Vs Carole." He wrote and directed two scripted podcast series: the musical Anthem: Homunculus (2019) starring Glenn Close, Cynthia Erivo, Patti Lupone and Laurie Anderson; and the satirical sitcom "Cancellation Island "(2025) starring Holly Hunter.

"'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' is a powerful story about identity and creation and pain and love." (Birth.Movies.Death.)

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.

Do Go On is a comedy/history podcast hosted by Australian Comedians Dave Warneke, Jess Perkins and Matt Stewart. Every week since 2015 they've taken it in turns to pick a topic from history and report back. Over ten years and 500+ episodes later, they've covered everything from Dolly Parton to Bigfoot, Chernobyl to the real Great Escape.

In that time they've been downloaded more than 25 million times and toured live shows across Australia, The UK, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand and Thailand. This is their first ever time in Canada! Yes it will be weird seeing their voices come out of their faces but don't worry, you'll get used to it!

Saturday, September 12
Doors 12:00 pm | Podcast Taping 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

One of YouTube's most popular comics with over 225 million views and half a billion more on Facebook, Steve Hofstetter is also the host of Finding Babe Ruth on FS1. Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of Laughs (FOX) and he has been on CBS’ The Late Late Show, E! True Hollywood Story, Comics Unleashed, and more. He’s sold out shows in hundreds of cities and dozens of countries. Now is your chance to find out what the fuss is about during this no-holds-barred stand-up performance, featuring some of his unfiltered observations about life.

Wednesday, September 23
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Meet and Greet:  Row A, seats 5-17: $210 + GST + s/c
Gold (Centre Section / Main): $77 + GST + s/c
Silver (Side Sections / Main)  $49 + GST + s/c
Balcony (General Admission)  $42 + GST + s/c

Guess who's back to keep Vancouver laughing in 2026... The East Van Laugh RioT is pleased to welcome the winter season return of comedian Sammy Obeid - with all-new material! We just can't keep him off our stage!

Saturday, Septemb 27
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Adult Balcony (General Admission) $44 + s/c
Adult Main Floor (Assigned Seating) $55+ s/c
VIP Meet n' Greet (Rows 2-6, centre section) $69+ s/c
VVIP Meet n' Greet (Front Row, centre section) $85+ s/c
Group Ticket Pricing (Minimum 4) $49 (ea)+ s/c (online only)

Lebanese-Palestinian American and born in Oakland California, Sammy Obeid double-majored in Business and Mathematics at UC Berkeley and then turned down a job at Google to be a comedian.

Now the host of 100 Humans on Netflix, he’s also appeared on NBC's Last Comic Standing and America's Got Talent, as well as TBS’s Conan, and is best known for his world record of performing comedy 1,001 nights in a row, a story featured in both Time Magazine and The New York Times.

Connect on Instagram @sammyobeid
Connect on Facebook
Connect on TikTok @sammyobeidthem
Connect on X @sammyobeid

Irish comedy sensation Joanne McNally is hitting the Rio Theatre's stage on October 17 with her new stand-up show, Pinotphile.

Following the successful Canadian run of The Prosecco Express, comedian Joanne McNally is returning to Canada for a limited engagement! Get ready for a night of stand-up that is as irreverent, ridiculous, and riotously funny as ever. Hailed by Variety as, “One to Watch,” she’s spent the past few years keeping herself busy—ruining men’s lives (and her own)—and now she’s back; still single, still unfertilised, and ready to turn her chaotic experiences into hilariously relatable comedy.

Pinotphile sees Joanne navigating situationships, revenge, frenemies, and rejection in her signature style, described as “Terrifyingly funny” (London Evening Standard) and “Joyously nuts” (Irish Examiner). Following her previous show being crowned Ticketmaster Ireland’s Comedy Event of the Year, Pinotphile is destined for similar acclaim in Canada.

Saturday, October 17
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Platinum (Rows A & B, Centre Section) $85.50 + s/c
Main Floor  $55.50 + s/c
Main Floor (Aisles) $65.50 + s/c
Balcony (General Admission) $45.50 + s/c

Tickets on sale here March 11 at 10:00 am PST

Joanne is also the co-host of the award-winning podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me, with memorable appearances on Taskmaster, The Jonathan Ross Show, and The Big Fat Quiz of Everything, and she hosts the hugely successful BBC Sounds series Joanne McNally Investigates: Who Replaced Avril Lavigne and Do Furbys Spy On Us?.

"Masters of no-holds barred craic" ★★★★★ (Time Out)

“The most exciting thing to happen to Irish comedy in years” ★★★★★ (Irish Times)

“Authentic, hilarious comedy” (Deadline)

“Terrifyingly funny” (London Evening Standard)

"Phenomenon" (Guardian)

The iconic “Half Italian, Half Jersey Boy” brings his viral dating stories and emotional reflections to live audiences this fall.

Outback Presents is proud to announce that viral storyteller, author, and live performer Davide de Pierro will bring his unique live storytelling experience to Canada this fall with three special performances, including at the Rio Theatre on Sunday, November 1.

Known for his candid reflections on relationships and the everyday moments that define the human experience, De Pierro has built a devoted online following of more than 6 million across TikTok and Instagram, where his commentary on dating, personal growth, and modern life regularly reaches millions of viewers.

Inspired by his newly released novel The Letters I Never Sent, the live show blends personal storytelling, humor, and audience conversation. Throughout the night, De Pierro will deliver a monologue and read selections from the book, followed by an open Q&A with the audience. Limited meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available for those who purchase in advance.

“The show is a night out together,” said De Pierro. “It’s storytelling, conversation, some laughs, and hopefully a reminder that we’re all navigating a lot of the same things — relationships, personal growth, and the moments in life that connect us. If people leave feeling a little lighter and a little less alone, then it was a good night.”

Sunday, November 1
Doors 2:00 pm | Show 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Platinum (Rows A & B, Centre Section) $85.75 + s/c
Main Floor  $55.75 + s/c
Main Floor (Aisle Seats) $65.75 + s/c
Balcony (General Admission) $45.75 + s/c

Tickets on sale Friday, March 27 at 10:00 am PST!

The iconic “Half Italian, Half Jersey Boy” brings his viral dating stories and emotional reflections to live audiences this fall.

Outback Presents is proud to announce that viral storyteller, author, and live performer Davide de Pierro will bring his unique live storytelling experience to Canada this fall with three special performances, including at the Rio Theatre on Sunday, November 1.

Known for his candid reflections on relationships and the everyday moments that define the human experience, De Pierro has built a devoted online following of more than 6 million across TikTok and Instagram, where his commentary on dating, personal growth, and modern life regularly reaches millions of viewers.

Inspired by his newly released novel The Letters I Never Sent, the live show blends personal storytelling, humor, and audience conversation. Throughout the night, De Pierro will deliver a monologue and read selections from the book, followed by an open Q&A with the audience. Limited meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available for those who purchase in advance.

“The show is a night out together,” said De Pierro. “It’s storytelling, conversation, some laughs, and hopefully a reminder that we’re all navigating a lot of the same things — relationships, personal growth, and the moments in life that connect us. If people leave feeling a little lighter and a little less alone, then it was a good night.”

Sunday, November 1
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Platinum (Rows A & B, Centre Section) $85.75 + s/c
Main Floor  $55.75 + s/c
Main Floor (Aisle Seats) $65.75 + s/c
Balcony (General Admission) $45.75 + s/c

Brixxhouse Arts in partnership with The Rio Theatre present:

Come celebrate the music, lyrics and visual artistry of one of Canada’s national treasures, Joni Mitchell. It's also her 83rd birthday!

The evening features many of Ms. Mitchell’s most iconic songs performed live by a full band and vocalists, set against a visual backdrop of her extraordinary artwork. Interspersed with video clips of interviews with the artist across her vast and storied career, the show is a heartfelt homage to the remarkable legacy of this truly multifaceted artist.

The band includes musical veterans Doug Thoms (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Big Brown Beaver, Final Cut), Mark Richardson (Ophelia Falling), Paul LeBlanc (SHAG The Band, The Tabloids) and Colin Furness (Anthem, Them Bones, The Def Leppard Thing) and vocals by Kyrst Hogan (Singer: Norwegian Cruise Lines, Radio City Rockettes Show, CTORA Prod’s) who will also be curating the multimedia elements of the show. All members have performed together in various live band tributes with Brixxhouse Arts (Formerly Kitty Nights), selling out The Rio Theatre on many occasions.

With special guest, Neil Young tribute artist Roger Potter.

Saturday, November 7
Doors: 7:00 pm | Event: 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird tickets just $25. Available till July 1, midnight.

Main Floor, Assigned ; Balcony, General Admission - $30 + s/c in advance | $35 + s/c at the door

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular screening and includes two medium drinks, and one large popcorn. If you prefer a physical card, this gift certificate is also available for purchase from our conession stand during open business hours.