Built in the 1920s by W.L. (Wally) Hamilton, the La Rita has always played a key role in Dalhart’s cultural scene. In 1942, J.C. Parker took over management of the La Rita and remodeled it in the Art Deco style, expanding the auditorium and increasing seating from 400 to 650, including 40 oversized "love seats."

In the 1990s, new owners of the theater sought to restore the original La Rita auditorium seats, which had bean stored in multiple places, including airport hangars, farmstead barns, and what is now the police station. They were able to salvage 224 chairs: the auditorium floor and two rows in the balcony. Other improvements include reproductions of antique light fixtures and the addition of a rose-colored grand drape and black velvet side curtains custom-made for the La Rita.

Today, the historic La Rita Performing Arts Theatre is open year-round and hosts a wide variety of theatrical and musical productions by both amateur and professional talents.