Review Highlights
“Tuesday Nights are a blast when you attend The Brotherhood Revival held at Cine El Rey located in downtown McAllen!” in 2 reviews
“Went for first time to the Rey for the Rocky Horror Picture Show last night...” in 2 reviews
“Cine El Rey hosts events as diverse as wrestling, live bands, films and comedy shows.” in 2 reviews
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About the Business
The Cine El Rey Theatre is located The HeART of McAllen's Entertainment District. Opened in 1947 to exclusively screen Mexican cinema, Cine E Rey was among the first in America to do so. Many of the premiers featured personal appearances and performances from the film stars during what film historians call "Mexico's Golden Age of Cinema." This includes "Tin Tan," "Cantinflas," Pedro Infante, Pedro Armendariz, Sara Garcia, Luis Aguilar and Lucha Villa. They were the Bette Davis and Clark Gables of their time. During the 50s, 60s and 70s, Cine El Rey hosted "Note de Aficionados" (Night of Amateurs,) a weekly variety show, which inspired thousands of regional artists to perform on the same stage where many legendary and beloved Mexican stars had performed. Grammy Award winner Carlos Guzman, Laura Canales, Ernesto Guerra, Wally Gonzales and countless others were just kids when they first performed at Cine El Rey. Influences from this historical theatre can be traced to the success of artists like Selena, Freddy Fender, Valente Rodriguez & Catherine Hardwicke. Currently, Cine El Rey offers the community more diverse forms of entertainment in one week than most underwritten venues offer in months. On a weekly basis the theatre hosts: Movie Screenings, Open-Mics, Professional Stand-Up Comedy, Pro-Wrestling, Concerts, Theatrical Performances & numerous Community Engagements & Out Reach Programs. Cine El Rey embodies the diverse spirit that is America.
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- Sandra R.McAllen, TX943712451Jul 16, 2017
This place has been around for ages, and I am happy for that! My sister-in-law and I checked out a Wednesday Night Comedy. The comedians were funny, and if you haven't gone, you need to check it out.
Comedians are local and from out of town. Cine El Rey offers a full bar, and it has pop corn to tide you over or just give you something to munch on!
We enjoyed our time, and if you have little ones, get yourself a sitter because it is worth it. Entertainment in one of McAllen's downtown local treasures!Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Rebecca G.Cleveland, OH181738Apr 25, 2014
So I'm in town for a bit, Saw Phantogram(fyi, a band; for those few yelpers whom are not familiar)..
OK. It was an excellent and absolute crazy crowd, show, and venue. I was nicely surprised.
Now, I haven't experienced it on a normal, or more normally booked night, but I'd recommend probably.
Sort of typical hipster quirk, stylish and different vintage decor.
Parts of it are very dive.
They've got a pretty nice enough bar.
The owner(s) seemed sorta cool.
Looks like they show some dope old films and have Mexican wrestling and whatnot.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - McAllen N.McAllen, TX044May 6, 2019
We've been going to Cine el Rey for many years now and we love the atmosphere. It's a great place to watch local bands, catch a comedy show or even see a wrestling match! Staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome place with an easygoing vibe.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Angela G.Irmo, SC4740Aug 17, 2019
Beautiful historic theater in downtown McAllen. We look forward to coming to other events but visited and had a blast at their Friday night Wresting Revolution! Entry fee was very inexpensive for date nights. Looking forward to going back, having a couple drinks and sitting ring side!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Quani C.Austin, TX59647875Oct 9, 2010First to Review
Hi. My name is Quani and I'm a Rocky Horror Picture Show virgin. I have the "V" in lipstick on my arm to prove it. My brother has the "V" on his cheek as evidence of the same.
I'd heard stories of Cine El Rey long ago, but I was also told that they'd closed. Perhaps they did, but I never saw it before, so I can only attest to my recent experience. Little bro and I stopped in on a whim, were offered Rocky Horror tickets. Yes, we've both seen the movie, but not encountered the whole experience. Long story short... they have a full bar. Decent beer, I guess. I drank Shiner, brother had Budweiser.
We were given party hats filled with goodies to throw at the screen or around in general. Actors were running amuck, offering suggestions regarding the next prop to be thrown. The place was TRASHED by the end of the screening, but it was a lot of fun. I feel bad for the people that had to clean all of the toilet paper up (great Scott!).
Back to the abridged version, you should check this place out. It's pretty awesome. Bathrooms are clean, bar is impressive, actors/shows are fantastic and helpful.
I can't wait until the rest of the world picks up on Repo: The Genetic Opera.Helpful 7Thanks 0Love this 9Oh no 0 - Bill D.Los Angeles, CA1029315Aug 8, 2011
A beautiful multi-entertainment complex housed in an historical movie theater...Cine El Rey hosts events as diverse as wrestling, live bands, films and comedy shows. A huge stage is complimented by killer production value and a staff that really cares about all aspects of the experience. A real gem in the valley! I'm looking forward to a return trip.
Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - E J.San Antonio, TX79514Jun 10, 2016
Tuesday Nights are a blast when you attend The Brotherhood Revival held at Cine El Rey located in downtown McAllen! It starts with free movie night and delicious free popcorn. You can order cocktails too! Afterwards, there are poem readings and then, The MUSIC starts! The music flows from one song to another and is improvised and never rehearsed. Anyone can go up and join in so it's a free for all and that's why it's Magical I live in SA so I finally made the trip down and my friend Isaac Guerra and his talented brother Bert Guerra welcomed me to my first Brotherhood Revival night and it was Epic! I Really had the best time playing the congas and going up to sing background when I felt like it and I also danced to the great sounds of the musicians who switched out through out the night. I can hardly wait to go back!!! It was a night to remember.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Adriel T.Indianapolis, IN172330Jun 2, 2011
Cine El Rey is hosting a Tuesday evening free film and discussion this summer. They just finished their American West series with the film, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The film is being shown on the balcony, which is a cozy intimate setting for film viewing and conversation. The person who introduced the film had interesting things to say. There was free popcorn and other interested film fans. It was a good evening and I'm looking forward to going back.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - A R.McAllen, TX19115Oct 27, 2013
Cine El Rey is a great little theater downtown Mcallen. They have many weekly events like Stand up comedy, Live Wrestling, Live Music, Free Movies and every month or so they'll have a national touring act come perform. Its got a pretty cool bar and service is friendly.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Lisa C.Nuevo Progreso, Mexico15933Oct 18, 2015
Went for first time to the Rey for the Rocky Horror Picture Show last night... It was so much fun! Had a blast!
I was a Virgin for the audience participation part of the movie. I came prepared with my own stuff, but they had red bags with toilet paper, a party hat, a squirt gun, a balloon, and probably other stuff for $5.
The bar is complete, and the staff all thru was excellent! Bar prices reasonable.
Some of the performers came outside to the seating area by the sidewalk, and entertained us.
Opened at 10 pm, but movie didn't start until about 11:30 pm. They entertained us here and there until the movie started. Pretty risque contests, but good prizes like a set of four of the RPHS glass glasses.
I was one of the first to be dragged up on stage for contest, twerking. Can't twerk a bit, but won! All I got was a biz card with like 20% off a Rent a Dress, and then they handed the cards to everyone.
Not much of a crowd in the theater until 11:15 pm, when the place got packed.
Let the show begin!!! It was fun from the beginning to the end!
About half-way thru I went to Damas, and from the bar got a free bag of the best popcorn I've EVER had!
There's a balcony, which we went visited before they closed it off.
Parking may be a problem, as there are so many bars down there. $20 or $10 parking lots here and there. But felt completely safe walking at night in the area.
Check out their Facebook page!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
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