Historic West Hazleton theater closes doors
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The Cinema Drafthouse on Broad Street in West Hazleton is seen on Sept. 16, 2025.
WEST HAZLETON – One of the last small movie theaters left — one of the last movie theaters in general left — in our region closed over the weekend.
Cinema and Drafthouse on Broad Street in West Hazleton closed Sunday.
The theater, which many may remember as the Key Theater, had been owned by the Hillman and Katona families for 23 years.
“This theater has meant so much to us, and we are grateful for the memories, the laughter, the loyal customers, and the many friendships formed over the years,” the family said in a statement. “It has been an honor and pleasure to be part of your date nights, proposals, birthday parties, field trips, and retirements. We are grateful for the over two decades of community support.”
The family said they have experienced challenges post-pandemic and decided to sell the building.
“We are confident the building’s next chapter will allow it to continue to serve our area well,” they said.
No plans have been announced for the building yet.
It originally opened in 1915 as the Hersker Theater, the Hillman family purchased the theater in 2003 and envisioned a second-run theater with a “dinner and a movie” concept.
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