Point of Interest: Harlan Theatre

October 5, 2026

By Haley Banwart

Every small town is defined by the places where memories seem to multiply over the decades. For generations of moviegoers, the Harlan Theatre has been that spot. 

For more than 140 years, the historic building has served as a gathering space for families and community members. Long before blockbuster films filled its screens, the building opened in 1882 as James Long’s Opera House, welcoming audiences for live theater productions, comedy acts and vaudeville performances, before transitioning into a movie house as motion pictures gained popularity.

More than a century later, much of the Harlan Theatre’s storied history remains visible. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building still bears the original “Long’s Opera House” name above its marquee. Its historic brick exterior and elaborate Italianate architecture continue to anchor the community as the only three-story building in downtown Harlan. 

Despite changing ownership and evolving entertainment, the heart of the Harlan Theatre remains much the same. For owner Sharon Lucke, that legacy is deeply personal.

Lucke represents the third generation of her family to operate the Harlan Theatre. Her family was living in Aberdeen, South Dakota, when her parents were invited to move to Harlan in 1968 to run the community’s drive-in theater. At the time, her grandparents were already operating the downtown movie theater. Her parents later bought into the family business, and Lucke eventually followed in their footsteps. 

Like so many of the theater’s longtime patrons, Lucke’s connection to the Harlan Theatre is rooted in childhood memories. 

“One of my favorite memories as a kid was visiting my grandfather at the theater. He would let me go to the Saturday matinee, and of course since I was family I could get in for free, and he would give me a quarter for concessions,” she shares. “Halfway through, they’d stop the film to hand out prizes, toys and stuffed animals.” 

“I’ve always enjoyed the movies, and I told my parents I’d be happy to buy the theater if the opportunity ever presented itself,” she says. “My dad taught me everything I know about the business.” 

A Legacy in Motion 

Over the decades, the theater has carefully balanced preservation with modernization. Since purchasing the theater in 2005, Sharon and her husband, Kevin, have invested in updates including new seating, screens, sound systems and concession improvements. One of the biggest milestones came in 2012, when the theater transitioned from film to digital projection.

During renovations, Lucke has uncovered pieces of the theater’s past, including vintage projection equipment and original movie posters tucked away like a time capsule. 

“Today we have four screens, which makes Harlan unique — few small towns have a multi-screen theater,” she shares. “We offer showings that appeal to families as well as different genres, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”