An American dream: The show goes on at Wyoming’s last drive-in theater

Drive-in owner Pokey Heny greets Jace Bohlman, 10, inside the concession stand. Heny also greets customers by name as they drive in and pay the $15 per-vehicle fee.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Pokey Heny peeks out from the projection room. This year, as Hollywood switches to a digital format, replacing standard 35-millimeter prints at drive-ins countrywide, Heny faced a reel dilemma -- go modern or go dark. She borrowed the money for the digital projector, which cost $80,000 -- as much as she paid for the theater in 2004.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ashlee Jacobsen, from left; her friend Zane Cordes, 11; brother Aldan Jacobsen, 11; and sister Megan Jacobsen, 8, watch “Monsters University” at the American Dream Drive-in.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Kelly Kellett, 40, bundles up to watch the movie with son Charles, 2, and daughter Tirzah, 5.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Andrew Whitlock and son Evan share a front seat to watch a movie at the American Dream Drive-in theater in Powell, Wy. Wyoming once had 30 drive-ins. Now there’s just one.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

An SUV is group seat and snack area for, from left, Coy Erickson 5, her friend Quin Petty, 4, brother Gunnar Erickson, 7, and friend Owen Petty, 7, as they watch “Monsters University.” The theater charges $15 per vehicle. “For many rural communities, it’s the last form of communal entertainment, where families can watch a movie and be themselves,” said Kip Sherer, co-founder of Drive-ins.com. “It’s a nightlong outing that doesn’t break the bank.”  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)