Movie Palace

SPECIAL |

Hattiesburg celebrates 125 years

PHOTO COURTESY ALBERT & ASSOCIATES

MOVIE PALACE

I

A FTER 80 Y EARS , S AENGER T HEATER S TILL D EFINES E NTERTAINMENT FOR THE P INE B ELT

TEXT BY LEIF MUNKEL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY HATTIESBURG CONVENTION COMMISSION In 1929, the nation was in the midst of one of the worst economic crises it had ever seen. The Great Depression left millions without work and even more in poverty. Movies became popular as inexpensive distractions and movie houses sprang up across the country, including in downtown Hattiesburg. On Thanksgiving Day 1929, the Hattiesburg Saenger Theater, built by brothers Abe and Julien Saenger, opened. During the golden age of Hollywood, the Saenger Theater brought the world to the Pine Belt through moving pictures. John Wayne thundered across the western plains on horseback, while Charlie Chaplin gave viewers a much needed laugh. It was this escapism that gave the nation and the City of Hattiesburg the lift they needed during those difficult times. Eighty years have passed since the Saenger Theater opened its doors, but the Saenger

34

a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i

Theater has remained a cultural and historical icon in the Pine Belt, and in today’s economic climate it remains a means of escapism. “The Historic Saenger Theater has been the hub for entertainment and culture throughout its 80 years in Hattiesburg,” said Hattiesburg Convention Commission Executive Director Rick Taylor. “Many community groups and friends of the Saenger have worked hard to keep the theater in good condition.” The Hattiesburg Saenger, originally one of seven Saenger Theaters operated throughout the South, quickly became the crown jewel of Hattiesburg. It was designed by New Orleans architect Emile Weile and is one of Mississippi’s two examples of the movie palace type. Weile infused characteristics of Neo-classical Revival Style and Art Deco Style, including Mayaninspired elements into the theater’s decor. The theater boasts a 778-pipe Robert Morton Pipe Organ, which was specially designed for the Saenger’s acoustics. It has been reconstructed, and is one of the only Robert Morton organs in the United States still in its original position. The Saenger was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and has undergone two renovations: The first in the 1980s was undertaken by Mayor Bobby Chain, and in 2000, it underwent a $3.75 million renovation.

The Hattiesburg Convention Commission inherited operation of the theater from the City of Hattiesburg in 2003 and it once again entertains with world-class events which dazzle audiences from across Mississippi. It would have been impossible for the Saenger brothers, Abe and Julien, to ever imagine that the small theater they built 80 years ago would house some of the biggest events in Mississippi, including this year’s 80th Anniversary Gala. At 8 p.m. Sept. 26, to begin the celebration of its 80th anniversary, the Saenger Theater will host the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. The Big Band became popular during the early years of the Saenger Theater in the 1930s. Dorsey formed his orchestra in 1935 and had such hits as “Manhattan Serenade” and “The Big Apple.” Dorsey’s smooth, lyrical trombone style led to his popularity among swingers. Dorsey would die in 1956 but his orchestra continued to flourish under various conductors, including today’s most recent conductor, Buddy Morrow, one of this era’s greatest trombone players, who has worked with many Big Bands and jazz groups throughout the United States. He joined the Tommy Dorsey orchestra in the 1940s and also played with the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra after serving in World War II. “For the Saenger’s 80th anniversary we wanted to bring in a special act that was indicative of the theater’s founding era,” said Public Relations and Marketing Manager Traci Rouse. “The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is almost like looking into a time capsule for that generation.” In addition to the concert, the 80th Anniversary Gala will include a dessert reception and special memorabilia for guests. Tickets for the event are $20-$30 and can be purchased through the Saenger Theater Box Office at (601) 584-4888 or online at www.HattiesburgSaenger.com.

Left, the Saenger Theater, under construction, was designed by New Orleans architect Emile Weile. It is one of Mississippi’s two examples of the movie palace type. Opposite Inset, Saenger upon completion in 1929

a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i

35