It’s been eight years since the City of Biloxi launched a multi-phase initiative to restore the Saenger Theater to the luster of its opening day in 1929, and, for the most part, the improvements of the past eight years have involved expensive, behind-the-scenes chores -- things such as new roofing, new plumbing and new electrical wiring.
But on Nov. 25, the public will see the most dramatic improvements in the eight year, $2.5 million project: the Saenger’s auditorium will have a newly restored ceiling and walls, new seating and new carpeting, and the lobby area has been re-configured to provide more room and a more functional concession area.
The theater, located in the heart of Biloxi’s downtown, two blocks north of the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, traces its roots to the vaudeville days and later catered to motion-picture audiences before being deeded to the city in 1975. Since that time, it has become home to almost two dozen user groups, including the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra and local theater companies and dance troupes. The theater averages about 70 productions a year, attracting more than 40,000 audience members.
In 1995, the city developed a mater restoration plan for the Saenger and subsequently partnered with local, state and federal agencies, as well as the Friends of the Saenger and community businesses to raise funds for the project. The Mississippi Arts Commission provided more than $582,000; Harrison County contributed $450,000; and the Friends of the Saenger raised more than $115,000.
The latest phase of the restoration, which began in January and represents an investment of $1.28 million, also required some detective work since only black-and-white photography existed when the theater first opened in 1929.
In fact, a paint specialist had to be hired to analyze samples of the original paint, which had to be uncovered from layers of paint that had been added to the theater’s walls and ceiling over the past 74 years.