Coleman Theatre
Miami, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Coleman Theatre has been giving Route 66 travelers a reason to stop in Miami since 1929. Mining entrepreneur George L. Coleman Sr. financed the lavish theater, spending approximately $600,000 on its construction.

The Spanish Colonial Revival exterior introduces an ornate Louis XV-inspired interior. Generations filled its seats for vaudeville, concerts and movies. Quite an impressive evening out along the Mother Road.

UPDATE: Decades of community restoration have kept the Coleman entertaining audiences with concerts, stage productions, classic films and special events. Its historic Wurlitzer organ adds another reason to experience the place from inside. 06-26

Stovall Theatre
Sayre, OK
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The Stovall Theatre along the main route through Sayre had been closed for many years when this photo was taken. Check out the bucking bronco in the close-up of the blade sign at the far right. It's one of the more distinctive theater signs you'll find along Route 66.

Built by local theater owner George Stovall, the 800-seat movie house opened in 1950 and quickly became Beckham County's premier place to catch the latest films. The vertical marquee and western-themed bronco reflected the ranching heritage of western Oklahoma while giving the theater a memorable identity all its own.

Although the movies eventually stopped, the building remained one of downtown Sayre's most recognizable landmarks. Fortunately, local preservation efforts helped ensure that both the theater and its iconic sign would have another chance. 09-08

UPDATE: After years of vacancy, the Stovall Theatre was restored through the efforts of the Sayre Main Street Program and community volunteers. Today the building serves as a performing arts and community venue, while its restored marquee and bucking bronco once again brighten historic Route 66. 06-26

Tivoli Theatre
Ardmore, OK
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

The Tivoli Theatre is located along the main drag in Ardmore. When this photo was taken, the theater had found a new life hosting live performances after years as one of the city's favorite movie houses.

The building's history stretches back to the late 1800s, but it officially became a theater in 1915 and adopted the Tivoli name in 1935. After a devastating fire destroyed much of the interior in 1958, the theater was rebuilt and continued showing movies until closing as a cinema in 1983.

Thanks to local preservation efforts, the Tivoli avoided demolition and once again became a gathering place for the community, hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other live events in downtown Ardmore. 10-05

UPDATE: The Tivoli Theatre remains standing and continues to be one of Ardmore's best-known historic landmarks. After changing ownership in 2022, the building was placed on the market in 2026, leaving its next chapter yet to be written. Hopefully this longtime Main Street theater will continue serving the community for years to come. 06-26

Redland Theatre (Closed)
Clinton, OK
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Clinton is home to the Redland Theatre. Word is this theater is now closed and a beauty supply type of business is inside.

Originally opened as the Rialto Theatre in 1922, the building entertained generations of western Oklahoma moviegoers before receiving a modern makeover in 1950 and adopting the Redland name. Located on Frisco Avenue, an early alignment of Route 66 through Clinton, the theater became a familiar landmark for both local residents and travelers passing through town.

Although movies have long since disappeared from the marquee, the building has remained an important part of downtown Clinton, adapting to changing times while preserving its distinctive mid-century appearance. 10-05

UPDATE: The Redland Theatre has entered yet another chapter in its long history. After serving for a time as a beauty supply business, the building was renovated and reopened as the Redland Event Venue, offering event space and overnight accommodations. The property was listed for sale in 2025, leaving the future of this Route 66 landmark waiting for its next owner. 06-26

Englert Theatre
Iowa City, IA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Check out the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City. Opened on September 26, 1912, it welcomed audiences for vaudeville, concerts and motion pictures.

The theater closed in 1999 and faced conversion into a nightclub. Community supporters stepped in, helping restore the building and reopen it as a live performance venue in 2004. The familiar marquee got another chance to light up downtown. 10-08

UPDATE: The Englert continues hosting music, theater, films, comedy and community events. More than a century after opening, this old entertainment stop still has plenty to put on the marquee. 06-26

State Theatre
Larned, KS
Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb

Here’s the marquee at the State Theatre in Larned. Opened in the late 1940s, the theater became a longtime downtown gathering place before financial and structural problems forced a temporary closure.

Local residents stepped in to restore it, bringing movies back beneath the familiar sign. Community ownership and volunteer effort gave this small-town theater another run. 11-10

UPDATE: The State continues as a volunteer-run community theater, offering first-run movies and special events. Keeping the projectors running takes more than ticket sales here—it takes neighbors willing to help. 06-26