The nation is changing but a small Iowa town refuses to live without its movie theater

People exit the theater after a showing of “Mamma Mia 2” at the Webster Theater in Webster City, Iowa. The city – population about 7,700 -- is a miniaturist portrait of a changing nation.

The marquee is lighted up for the 7 p.m. showing of “Mamma Mia 2” at the Webster Theater in Webster City, Iowa. The theater, with its 206 marquee bulbs and $4 tickets, is a central character in a story that balances tradition against the tug and pressures of today.

Linda Hunger, left, and Anita Klinger, both from Webster City, joke around as they order drinks at the concession stand at the Webster Theater.

Moviegoers watch previews before the 7 p.m. showing of “Mamma Mia 2” at the Webster Theater. The American small-town movie house was once an enchanting place of hand-holding and stolen kisses, where films marked the cultural evolution of a country.

The 7 p.m. showing of “Mamma Mia 2” plays on the screen, seen through the projection window at the Webster Theater.