“Just play it cool, boy… Real cool.”

In anticipation of Steven Spielberg‘s upcoming WEST SIDE STORY, we felt the time was right to re-visit the incomparable 1961 film adaptation – and tip our hat to the late, great composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Buoyed by Robert Wise‘s dazzling direction, Bernstein‘s magnificent score, and Stephen Sondheim‘s lyrics, WEST SIDE STORY remains, perhaps, the most iconic of all of Shakespeare’s adaptations (‘Romeo and Juliet’) to visit the big screen, winning a whopping ten Oscars (including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Rita Moreno and Best Supporting Actor George Chakiris). The ageless, romantic tale of a turf war between rival teenage gangs in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen – and the two lovers who cross battle lines – has captivated electrified audiences for over four decades, and is best enjoyed on the big screen. With Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, and Russ Tamblyn.

“WEST SIDE STORY is a beautifully-mounted, impressive, emotion-ridden and violent musical which, in its stark approach to a raging social problem and realism of unfoldment, may set a pattern for future musical presentations.” (Variety)

Monday, December 6
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets $15 advance HERE | $15 door

*Please note: This movie screens with a short intermission.

Sunday, December 12
Doors 1:50 pm | Movie 2:10 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets $15 advance HERE | $15 door

*Please note: This movie screens with a short intermission.

Advance tickets are recommended for all shows to ensure seating. Online sales for every screening automatically end one hour before any given showtime.

*Minors permitted in the balcony. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
*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 <[email protected]> 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.

In accordance with the Province of British Columbia’s current PHO from the Ministry of Health, all eligible patrons must present their proof of vaccine status for entry. No exceptions.

WEST SIDE STORY (Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise, 1961 / 152 mins / PG) | A musical in which a modern day Romeo and Juliet are involved in New York street gangs. On the harsh streets of the upper west side, two gangs battle for control of the turf. The situation becomes complicated when a gang members falls in love with a rival’s sister.