The Insurgentes Theater (Teatro de Los Insurgentes), in the southern part of the city at Av. Insurgentes Sur #1587 (at Calle Mercaderes), has a striking Diego Rivera mosaic on the facade and presents touring productions of plays and musicals. The Blanquita Theater (Teatro Blanquita), 3 blocks north of Alameda Park at Av. Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas #16 (M: Bellas Artes, lines 2 and 8), offers variety shows performed by Mexico's top singers, dancers, comedians and magicians. To see if any shows coincide with your trip, check the schedules on ticketmaster.com.mx.
Other theaters include the Teatro Hidalgo Ignacio Retes, across from the northeast corner of Alameda Park at Av. Hidalgo #23 (M: Hidalgo, line 2); and the Centroids Cultural Virginia Fábregas, Calle Joaquín Velasquez de León #29, about 20 blocks west of Alameda Park (M: Normal, line 2).
American and foreign films are shown in their original language with Spanish subtitles, although some children's movies are dubbed in Spanish; ask when you buy your tickets. Hollywood blockbusters and first-run films open in Mexico soon after they do in the United States, and admission is inexpensive (about $6 U.S.), which makes a trip to the movies a good option for a rainy day. The Spanish-language Tiempo Libre magazine, available at newsstands, has entertainment listings.
Cineteca Nacional is at Av. México-Coyoacán #389 in the southern suburb of Coyoacán, about 5 blocks north of the Frida Kahlo Museum (M: Coyoacán, line 3). This multiplex destination offers a wide range of movie choices, with half-price admission on Wednesday; phone (55) 4155-1200. Closer to the city center is Cinépolis Diana, Paseo de la Reforma #423 (4 blocks west of the Independence Monument); phone (55) 2122-6060. Cinemex Reforma Casa de Arte, Av. Río Guadalquivir #104 (a block north of Paseo de la Reforma and a block northwest of the Independence Monument), shows Mexican and Hollywood films as well as art house productions from around the world; for recorded schedule information phone (55) 5257-6969.