In 1934 AJ Simmons envisioned a Playhouse in Lamar that would rival other theaters in the area such as the Fox Theater in Joplin and the Gillois Theater in Springfield. He succeeded. Opening night was attended by reps from every major Hollywood studio and Western Union telegrams were sent from such celebrities as Clark Gable and Mae West. For 75 years Lamar's Plaza Theater has been going strong. The Plaza has suffered it's setbacks including smoke damage from a fire that shut the theater down for over 10 years. But a local group was assembled and plans to save the Plaza were underway. After 5 years of fund raisers and community support the Plaza was reopened in November 1998. The theater has been restored to its former glory including the murals inside as well as the stained glass and marquee out front The Plaza has one screen and can seat 384 people. For more information as well as photos and showtimes please visit www.LamarMovies.com ...read more