The Saenger Theatre One Year Later
Considered the most technically advanced theatre in the South, the Saenger wrapped up its first year back in action on Sept. 27.
It has been a year since the Saenger Theatre permanently switched their dazzling lights back on. Since then hundreds of thousands of people have entered through the front doors of the beloved New Orleans gem – all captivated as much by the history and Italian Renaissance architecture as they are by the performances.
Both local and international visitors come to experience world class musicals, comedies, and theatrical and dance performances; but the 1927 building has become a tourist attraction within itself with its original fixtures and fittings, color scheme and the famous ceiling constellation being restored to its former glory.
The $52 million restoration project was a labor of love.
Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the building; causing extensive damage and forcing the theatre to close its doors until further notice. Once part of the Julian and Abe Saenger Theatre empire; the theatre is now only one of a handful of movie palaces remaining. Swaying from its cinematic roots, the Saenger reopened in 1980 as a performing arts space – which remains its main purpose today.
Considered the most technically advanced theatre in the South; the theatre’s mesh of modern and Italian Renaissance offers novices and enthusiasts alike a theatrical haven in a city that loves to put on a show.
The historic reopening on September 27, 2013 featured comedian Jerry Seinfeld. One year later, the line-up is as strong as ever. The Beatles tribute show, “1964: The Tribute”, marked the one year anniversary date, and yesterday, October 7, was the kick off of the 16th national tour of “Chicago: The Musical.”
The 2014 – 2015 season continues with Broadway in New Orleans, featuring classics, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Annie”, “Dirty Dancing”, “Mamma Mia”, and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. Plus performances by Melissa Etheridge, John Mellencamp and the Moscow’s Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker.
