One of the oldest theaters in the United States is still going strong in Llano. The LanTex Theater was built in 1927, the first year “talkies” came out, at the end of the silent film era and the height of movie mania. Today, the theater has been beautifully restored to its original charm.
“We tried to bring back some of that magic,” said Terry “Tex” Toler, the Llano Main Street manager and the city’s historic preservation officer.
The volunteers of the Main Street program have spent the past year meticulously restoring the theater, repainting the interior to its original design, repairing the stage, installing new seats, renovating the balcony and more. The volunteers have done all the renovations with their own hands, raising money through local fundraisers and donations.
[image id="19094" title="LanTex Theater Llano"
width="100%"] The LanTex Theater has been meticulously restored, including fresh paint to match the original interior from 1927. Photo by JoAnna Kopp
“It gives it a lot of heart and soul when the people of Llano are taking pride and ownership in the theater and the community itself,” Toler said.
The LanTex also has a new, state-of-the-art digital projector and sound system. The upgrades place the venue at the same level as many modern theaters.
“The difference, however, is that you get to see the latest movies in a vintage movie house rather than a brand new cineplex,” Toler explained.
[image id="19097" title="LanTex Theater Llano"
width="100%"] Old theaters such as the LanTex were equipped with a unique amenity: the 'Cry Room.’ This is where upset children would be put as to not disturb the show. There is a curtained window inside the theater, where parents could take a peek and check in on the kids during the show. Photo by JoAnna Kopp
The theater also plays vintage cartoons before the trailers roll, adding to the nostalgic feel.
The LanTex doesn’t just show movies, though. The Llano Country Opry plays the second Saturday of each month. It is a real attraction for country music enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Opry performs two shows, one at 2:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m., and it will fill up the 400-seat theater for each performance.
[image id="19096" title="LanTex Theater Llano"
width="100%"] The LanTex Theater is one of the oldest single-screen theaters still in operation in the United States. Photo by JoAnna Kopp
“In a lot of the ways, it’s like the living room to the town,” Toler said. “People who have never been to Llano, or not in a long time, the first impression they’re going to have of the city is the theater. We want them to be comfortable and have a good time, to have a good memory to take with them when they leave. It’s like having someone over to your house for the first time: You want it to be clean, comfortable and serve them nice refreshments. You clean up your house, your living room. That’s what we’re doing here.”
[image id="19093" title="LanTex Theater Llano"
width="100%"] The Llano Country Opry performs at the LanTex Theater the second Saturday of each month. Photo by JoAnna Kopp
Toler explained that the restoration projects at the LanTex, and across Llano, are important because there are few towns left in Texas able to hold onto their architectural heritage. He compared the phenomenon to big cities such as Austin, San Antonio and Houston.
“There’s this mentality of, ‘That’s old, tear it down, build something new.’ It changes the town. You lose the soul of the community,” he said.
Toler asserted that the restorations aren’t architecture for architecture’s sake.
“It’s not just a building; it represents the story of the people that built the town and lived in it,” he said. “The buildings are what we have left that tell the story of that community. When all that’s gone, the history is no longer visible to the public. It’s in a history book somewhere.”
The single-screen theater is open Fridays and Saturdays and is located at 113 W. Main St. in Llano. Visit lantextheater.com for showtimes.