Chilly Gonzales is a Grammy-winning composer, virtuoso pianist and entertainer. Criss-crossing between rap, electro and solo piano music, he became the outrageous pop performer who invited himself to the ivory tower of classical music. The eccentric artist inspires and collaborates with the likes of Feist, Jarvis Cocker, Peaches, Daft Punk and Drake.

Change seems to be the only constant in Gonzales’ journey. Every time his audience thinks it has finally figured him out, he makes a radical move and breaks with its expectations.

The cinematic documentary SHUT UP AND PLAY THE PIANO follows Gonzales from his native Canada to late 90’s underground Berlin, and via Paris to the world’s great philharmonic halls. It dives deep into the dichotomy of Gonzales’ stage persona, where self-doubt and megalomania are just two sides of the same coin. The playfulness of his character is mirrored in the look of the film. Using Gonzales’ extensive video archive in a rather unorthodox manner, SHUT UP AND PLAY THE PIANO explores his persona by interweaving newly shot interviews and concert scenes with fictional materials of totally different time periods. Reality and fiction blur together as we embark on a trip through Chilly Gonzales‘ world.

“This Canadian cult star blurs the lines between rapper and classical composer, performance artist and punk provocateur…. SHUT UP AND PLAY THE PIANO is never boring, drawing its energy from Beck’s knowing blend of motormouth bombast and flamboyant showmanship. It climaxes with live concert footage of the sweat-drenched star rapping and crowd-surfing to the accompaniment of a full symphony orchestra. A preposterous spectacle, but admirably ambitious and highly entertaining. Life is a comedy-punk cabaret, old chum.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

Monday, November 12
Doors 3:50 pm | Movie 4:20 pm

Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 door

Monday, November 26
Doors 7:00 pm  | Movie 7:25 pm

Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 door

*Minors welcome in the balcony! Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

SHUT UP AND PLAY THE PIANO (Philippe Jedicke, 82 mins / 14A) The documentary follows Chilly Gonzales from his native Canada to late ’90s underground Berlin, and via Paris to the world’s great philharmonic halls. Diving deep into the dichotomy of Gonzales’ stage persona, where self-doubt and megalomania are just two sides of the same coin.