Saenger Biloxi Theatre
416 Reynoir Street,
Biloxi,
MS
39530
416 Reynoir Street,
Biloxi,
MS
39530
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Grand opening ad:
Saenger Theatre opening 14 Jan 1929, Mon Sun Herald (Biloxi, Mississippi) Newspapers.com
According to their website- they have finished restoring the auditorium and had their grand reopening in November 2010!
December 25, 1961——as a young airman—-stationed at Keesler AFB at Biloxi and away from home at Christmas for the first time—on a rainy Sunday—-just before Christmas—-I went to the Saenger and saw Pocketfull of Miracles——Glen Ford and Bette Davis—-it remains one of my favorite films—flickerfan
A 1986 view of the Saenger Theater in Biloxi here, here and here. Enlarged views here, here and here.
Great before and after interior photos!
Glad to read that this theatre has been restored and is back in operation since Katrina, but I’ve been wondering about N.O. theatres and any update on them?
I started my professional acting career on this stage. I did several plays, musicals, as well as an original rock opera here. Sadly, almost all of this area was swept away by Katrina. This old theater, was in the old part of Biloxi, fairly close to the beach. Although I don’t know for sure, I assume it’s gone. I would be pleasently surprised it it’s still standing. Although the chessy restoration efforts removed the classic feel it had, I hope something is left. Growing up in the 1970’s, they rarely showed films here, but like most old theaters, the Saenger had a full stage, with rigging a backstage and dressing rooms. It was really a cool old place. I got bitten by a monkey in “Inherit The Wind”, and fell in love in “Dracula”. My late friend David Lucas, put on many shows there in the late 1980’s, I was involved in them all. David passed away shortly after I moved to Hollywood, Ca. Now, I live just blocks from Graumann’s Chinese Theater, but the Saenger Theater in Biloxi holds a piece of my soul. Still standing or not.
TC: Nice photo. I fear that it has sustained Katrina damage.
Nice photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/g2223060/31275542/
I hope that in time we will know the status of this theatre in Biloxi as I haven’t heard much about any theatres on TV though I do realize this is NOT a priority right now.
The Biloxi Saenger Theatre is owned and operated by the City of Biloxi. The theatre’s performance schedules can be found at firstdaytheatre.com. The theatre manager can be contacted at (228) 432-1601. The auditorium and sound renovations were completed in November 2003. The theatre’s capacity with the new seating is 933 plus two wheelchair accessible rows.
My mother’s family live in Hattiesburg and as a kid of 6, while visiting, I attended the Saenger. I wish I could remember what it looked like as that was 67 years ago. My uncle owned two grocery stores and at one time was the superintendeent of Gordon Van Tine, (sp?).
Hello, I am Vincent Jones. I am reside in Hattiesburg,MS. I am currently or temporarily, I guess you could say the theater overseerer(hesitant to use term theater manager), for the beautiful Saenger Theater of Hattiesburg, MS. I am exploring, discovering, and documenting the Saenger in Hattiesburg. I have been here since 10/01/03. Anyone have any info about this Saenger or any other please feel free to pass it on.
Forever,
Vincent
Complete restoration of the interior is almost complete. New seating and sound system are being installed. The Gulf Coast Symphony uses the Saenger as its concert hall. Opera, plays, ballet, and all types of concerts are held in this wonderful, frequently used theatre.