Support Friends of River Oaks Theatre
Join us in our mission to preserve the historic arthouse theatre, River Oaks Theatre, by donating today.
Join us in our mission to preserve the historic arthouse theatre, River Oaks Theatre, by donating today.
7:00 pm - Live Music + Dancing
8:00 pm - Film Screening
Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of The Heritage Society and the 125th Anniversary of Sam Houston Park, The Heritage Society and Friends of River Oaks Theatre present a movie that showcases Houston’s culture in the 1980s at a free showing of Urban Cowboy (PG-13), with dancing and live country music.
Guests can dance in the park to Sam Turner and the Cactus Cats - Rowdy country crooners from the honky-tonk heartland of HTX as part of the movie preview activities and enjoy snacks and drinks.
Bring your blankets, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and Houston Spirit to see Bud and Sissy filmed throughout Houston and Pasadena as they portray a beautiful couple with a soap opera romance in this classic and unforgettable movie. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas ST and paid parking is available at the Heritage Clay Street Garage.
This public celebration is made possible by our generous underwriters Minnette & Peter Boesel. Special thanks to Saint Arnold Brewing Company for donating brew, so guests can imagine they are at Gilley’s drinking with Bud and Sissy.
After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, where he falls in love with Sissy, a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal. They eventually marry, but their relationship is turbulent due to Bud's traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull-riding competition.
Limited complimentary ticket availability for Cinephile Members: RSVP HERE
General admission tickets available for non-members: PURCHASE HERE
7:00 pm - Film Screening
8:00 pm - Conversation
The film Mao's Last Dancer tells the remarkable true story of dancer and artist Li Cunxin who, after being invited to join the Houston Ballet by Artistic Director Ben Stevenson during a visit to China, became an acclaimed and eventual principal dancer with the company. After deciding to remain in the U.S. rather than return to China, Li was forcibly detained at the Chinese consulate, sparking an international incident with his eventual release secured through the assistance of immigration attorney Charles Foster. The 2009 film, based on Li's autobiography, was directed by Bruce Beresford and features Chi Cao, Kyle MacLachlan, Bruce Greenwood, and Joan Chen in key roles.
Asia Society Texas is thrilled to welcome Li Cunxin back to Houston with a film screening, followed by a conversation with Mr. Foster moderated by Ambassador Chase Untermeyer, who also played a role in the real-life events. Following the film and conversation, Li will sign copies of his memoir.
Friends of River Oaks Theatre is a promotional partner for this event.
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
Wes Anderson
Friends of River Oaks Theatre is a 501(c)(3) community nonprofit whose mission is to joyously help preserve the historic River Oaks Theatre by keeping the art in the arthouse through artistic programming, PR, outreach, support, and education for years to come.
Friends of River Oaks Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 88-2921447
Copyright © 2023 Friends of River Oaks Theatre - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.
Want to stay up-to-date on Friends of River Oaks Theatre events, podcast, news, and volunteering?