Saenger Theatre Nears Grand Reopening in Downtown Biloxi

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) – One of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s most iconic landmarks is preparing for its long-awaited encore. After years of meticulous restoration, the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Biloxi is expected to reopen this August—ushering in a new era of culture, performance, and economic revitalization for the city.

Originally opened in 1927, the Saenger has been closed for several years due to structural issues. But now, thanks to a $5 million renovation project, the theatre is nearly stage-ready.

“Well, the, you know, the updates were, of course, we had to rebuild the whole tower a number of years ago,” said Biloxi Mayor Andrew “Fofo” Gilich.

Since that initial work, crews have been focused on intricate interior restorations—honoring the building’s rich history while preparing it for modern use.

“We’re finally, you know, finally finishing up the, the plaster work and the painting and the cleaning and, and, and that sort of thing, and re resembling the, the seats and… the carpet especially,” Gilich explained.

The project also includes upgraded stage rigging, lighting, and audio-visual systems to support concerts, plays, and other live performances.

“So those are the details that we’re hoping to do in the next few weeks,” said Gilich. “Then, you know, the rigging for, uh, you know, the stage productions and then audio visual… the sound system as well as the lighting.”

Funding for the project came through the city’s economic development fund, approved as a temporary loan that will be repaid through future programming and fundraising.

“Let’s get it in a working order. Then, you know, the activities and the fundraising, uh, events that we’ll have, we’ll pay that, uh, temporary loan back,” Gilich said.

According to Mayor Gilich, the Saenger’s return will provide more than just a stage—it will bring an irreplaceable atmosphere to downtown Biloxi.

“Oh, oh, it’s, it’s gonna be great. I’m telling you. It’s, it has a, a look and feel that no other has, you know, some of the casinos have big showrooms and stuff, but this is such an intermittent, you know, intimate kind of, uh, uh, just great feeling. You’ll just be, be excited just being in the room and seeing some of the features you may have seen, you know, years and years ago.”

For many locals, the Saenger has long been a part of community life—hosting everything from dance recitals to theatrical productions.

“Oh, well, yeah, the recitals and I knew my, my kids and… a lot of the performing arts folks have used it,” said Gilich.

Now, the city is aiming to have the theatre fully operational this August—and the Mayor teased a few surprises coming with the reopening.

“So it’s gonna be a… very exciting day when we start bringing all these events back. But we have some surprises in August coming,” he said.

As the city finishes the final phase of the restoration—including new carpets, lighting rigs, and sound systems—the countdown to curtain time is officially underway.