“I’m a bad, bad girl who needs to be punished.”

In honour of Ricki Lake‘s appearance at the Rio Theatre to promote her excellent new documentary WEED THE PEOPLE, we felt like we absolutely had to screen one of the best loved (if not best known) films from one of our most frequently requested directors, John Waters‘ iconic HAIRSPRAY. Ricki is going to be at the Rio (!) to introduce the film, and answer a few questions, too.

In 1988, Ricki Lake made waves as the film’s heroine, the sassy, “zaftig” Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad, who wants nothing more than to be on the hip local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, her lively moves and bubbly personality meet with unexpected popularity. But after witnessing firsthand the terrible state of race relations in 1960s Baltimore, Turnblad becomes an outspoken advocate for desegregation. Also starring Divine, Jerry Stiller, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono, Ruth Brown, Michael St. Gerard, Mink Stole.

“John Waters’ appreciation for the tacky side of life is in full flower in Hairspray, a slight but often highly amusing diversion about integration, big girls’ fashions and music-mad teens in 1962 Baltimore.” (Variety)

“A gently subversive slice of retro hilarity.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

Monday, December 10
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change.
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the 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.
***Costumes welcome and encouraged! Show us what you’ve got, kid….

Monday, December 10 is officially Ricki Lake Day at the Rio! See both WEED THE PEOPLE and catch Ms. Lake’s iconic performance as the original Tracy Turnblad in John Waters’ HAIRSPRAY for one sweeeet price!

Double Bill Tickets $22 HERE | $24 at the door

*Must be 19+ w/ID for entry to WEED THE PEOPLE.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes not accepted for the Double Bill.

HAIRSPRAY (John Waters, 1988 / 92 mins / PG) A ‘pleasantly plump’ teenager teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.