Nestled in downtown Hattiesburg is the Saenger Theater. This establishment could accommodate nearly 1000 guests— 997 to be exact. It is a prestigious venue that hosts many events and performers. Previous features include comedian John Cist and Christian singer Zach Williams. In 2025, they will host many shows which include: Shrek: The Musical, Catapult, and The Wizard of Oz on Ice.
General History of Film Production and Theater (Movie Palaces)
Like most theaters, The Saenger Theater is not a recent establishment. Rather, its history goes back as early as the 19th century, when film was emerging. During this time, silent moving pictures were viewed. Over the years, with the new advancements of digital technology and film, sound was slowly added to the equation.
History of the Saenger
While film and theater were advancing and becoming even more popular within the United States, the Saenger Theater was keeping up with the times. As part of the Saenger Amusement Program, this well-known theater was built. It was one of the seven Saenger Theaters that were opened and operated throughout the South by the Saegner brothers: Abe and Julian. Its famous neoclassical Revival and Art Deco style was designed by New Orleans native architect: Emile Weil.
1929 and Beyond
1929 marks the years the Saenger Theater was opened in Hattiesburg, MS, on Thanksgiving Day. That would have been on Thursday, November 28, 1929. It amassed a large crowd. During this era, the admission rate for children was only six cents ($0.06). Initially, it was a venue for silent shows. It featured playing an organ before and in between shows. The theater organ was a fun and versatile choice of instrument, as it could mimic a variety of instrumental sounds. Nearly fifty years later, in 1979, this theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It underwent renovation in 2000 and 2022. Additionally, it features an astonishing chandelier that weighs a ton and holds over 500 pieces of glass. In past years, parents advised their children to not sit under it, in fear that it might fall. If you’re a parent who has attended an event at the Saenger, did you advise your children to not sit under the chandelier?
Show Schedule
For years, it presented three movies weekly. The schedule was:
- Monday, Tuesday (one movie)
- Wednesday, Thursday (another movie)
- Friday, Saturday (final movie)
Years later, the Saegner sought to open on Sunday. The only problem with this is that it was in violation of the Sunday Blue Laws. As one would imagine, this caused quite a controversy. Thankfully, a compromise was reached which stated that movies can be shown from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM to ensure that movie showings did not interfere with church hours.
Temporary Closed Doors
Its final film was The Exorcist, in 1974. After the showing of this film, the Saenger Theater was closed by ABC Interstate Theaters. After its closure, ABC donated the venue to the City of Hattiesburg. In the early 1980s, after the building had been closed for several years, Mayor Bobby Chain started renovating it. He led the project in purchasing from a private owner and fixing and reinstalling the original theater organ. This project was funded by his own money.
The Saenger Theater Today
Today, the Saenger Theater remains a popular venue in Hattiesburg. It hosts many concerts, comedy shows, pageants, plays, and musicals. Have you visited the Saegner before? If so, what did you see? Will you be visiting in 2025? Let us know in the comment section of Our Mississippi Home’s Facebook page!
