Told through interviews with its fans, founders, and former cast and crew, the documentary MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: THE LEGEND OF SPECTRAL THEATRE from local actor, writer, and director Simon C. Hussey, aims to pull back the curtain on how one group of maverick theatre artists found a family of kindred spirits; equally unrelenting in their Quixotic quest to create, “theatre for people that don’t like theatre.”

Defying the expectations of their local theatre community and eschewed by critics, Spectral managed
to achieve success of a kind that is as ephemeral as the theatre experience itself. While on one level it’s a personal story about friendships, family, and the cost of remaining committed to one’s art, on another level it’s a story that addresses what’s at risk when innovators and artists on the fringe are not given the same opportunities as mainstream organizations and the ultimate impact that has on the diversity of artistic expression.

As much a celebration of the now-defunct Spectral Theatre, this documentary is a testament to the independent spirit, and as such features an amazing soundtrack of Canadian indie bands like The Bad Beats, Speedbuggy, Mystery Machine, Jungle, Curious George, The Gentlemen of Horror, Kandy Roar, The Awkward Stage, Motorama, and many, many, more.

Thursday, August 1
Doors 5:00 pm | Film 6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE | $20 at the door

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: THE LEGEND OF SPECTRAL THEATRE (Simon C. Hussey, 2024 / 119 mins / NR) Chronicling the heydays of Spectral Theatre Society, an independent theatre company from Vancouver, BC, Canada that defied convention and broke all the rules in their quixotic quest to produce theatre for people that don’t like theatre.

*Must be 18+ for entry. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*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 at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.