Purple Rain (Prince’s Birthday Party Celebration!)

Before he created the magic, he lived every bit of it.

Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called “life”
Electric word, life
It means forever and that’s a mighty long time
But I’m here to tell you
There’s something else
The afterworld…

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Saturday, June 7 for a very special screening of The Purple One‘s cinematic and musical triumph, PURPLE RAIN, on what would have been his 57th birthday. Gorgeously remastered and restored for its 40th Anniversary in 2024, this is the singular,  indelible rock musical for which Prince took home both Oscar and Grammy gold.
We’re turning the volume up for this one, children. (Get ready to go crazy with the beautiful ones in the Rio Theatre audience – 80’s-inspired attire is very welcome, and oh-so-very encouraged. You best be wearing purple, people!)

Based loosely on his own life story, Prince‘s film debut in PURPLE RAIN cast him as “The Kid,” the talented but troubled musician in Minneapolis struggling to make it big with his band, The Revolution. The film was a box office hit, and possessed a fantastic soundtrack (including Oscar-winner ‘When Doves Cry’) that forever altered the course of his career. Many fans and critics consider the music of PURPLE RAIN signature work, spawning numerous hit singles that would dominate airwaves for years to come.

“‘Purple Rain’ became a generational manifesto, while providing the largest megaphone yet for one of the greatest geniuses in pop music.” (NPR)


Saturday, June 7
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE


PURPLE RAIN (Albert Magnoli, 1984 / 111 mins / 18A) | A talented young musician in Minneapolis, tormented by an abusive, bold father and a mother who is never satisfied, must contend with a rival singer, a darling romance, and his own dissatisfied bandmates – while his own star (and baby, he is one) begins to rise.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*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.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

A victim of his own anger, the Kid is a Minneapolis musician on the rise with his band, the Revolution, escaping a tumultuous home life through music. While trying to avoid making the same mistakes as his truculent father, the Kid navigates the club scene and a rocky relationship with a captivating singer, Apollonia. But another musician, Morris, looks to steal the Kid's spotlight -- and his girl.
  • Budget
    $7,200,000.00
  • Revenue
    $68,392,977.00
  • IMDB

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About The Rio

Voted the #1 Independent Theatre in Vancouver, the Rio Theatre is a multimedia venue featuring arthouse, mainstream and cult-classic cinemas as well as live entertainment. Built in 1938, the Rio has been fully restored with a state of the art digital projector, surround sound, a huge stage and 420 luxurious seats.

1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604.879.3456

Info Line: 604.878.3456

Email: [email protected]

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