Saenger Theater update

[windowman]

If the plan announced in this article actually occurs, we will have a Saenger Theater in 2011:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/08/saenger_theatre_redevelopment.html

[chopitulas]

That would really be great. It was a jewel of a theater... Saw an Allman Brothers show there a few Jazz Fests ago that was the best thing I saw the whole festival. New Orleans deserves it.

Would be great to see the Orpheum come back, too.

[mightyradgumbo]

That is great news, Wynn. This was the goal once the Mahalia Jackson was reopened. Really great when this happens!

[McGregor]

That is great news



A couple of the greatest nights I've seen music were in that room.

Bring it on!

[Zydekitten]

That would be SO great! It would also be great if Landmark Theaters (now that they've lost their lease in Canal Place) could renovate one of the other theaters for indy/foreign movies here in New Orleans.

[chrisjoseph]

The Joy Theatre renovation may be next....I was contacted the powers that be to write a letter of support (to help get governmental assistance), which I did.

[radi8tors]

A couple of the greatest nights I've seen music were in that room.

Bring it on!

YYR! Off the top of my head, a Grateful Dead run, Zappa, Allman Bros and Dylan, more Dead and then more Bros, all in 80 and 81, and much more at the Saenger!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

One of the best venues I've seen music in. Great news!!!
Looking forward to the new Saenger.

[sophisticated sissy]

Thank you for sharing the good news, Wynn! The Saenger is a wonderful place with many happy memories for many people.

[Corona]

Love the Saenger! Saw Robert randolph there a few years ago and its a great venue. Fingers crossed that they can pull it off! But I know they will :)

[Freakwinox]

The crowd that gathers Thursday at Canal and Rampart streets, just outside the boarded front doors of New Orleans' iconic Saenger Theatre, will witness a renaissance moment

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/10/post_70.html

[swag]

This sounds very promising:

In return, the management group will run the theater for 52 years, provided it hosts at least 80 shows a year at the 2,800-seat theater and sells 100,000 tickets annually.
...
In addition to live theater, the developers plan to use the Saenger for comedy shows, musical acts and movies.

Is anyone else very surprised that they plan to permanently close a block of Iberville to traffic?

[mightyradgumbo]

This sounds very promising:



Is anyone else very surprised that they plan to permanently close a block of Iberville to traffic?

Not really,Swag. I think that with the configuration of the renovated theatre this is necessary to allow shows to come in without having to limit the production. A small price to pay, IMO, for the benefit this has for the city.

[Orleansnj]

The crowd that gathers Thursday at Canal and Rampart streets, just outside the boarded front doors of New Orleans' iconic Saenger Theatre, will witness a renaissance moment

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/10/post_70.html

I love the Sanger theatre - I hope I get to hop in there over the weekend. I wonder if they will be open on Saturday to let people peak inside.

[Baconwrapped]

The Joy Theatre renovation may be next....I was contacted the powers that be to write a letter of support (to help get governmental assistance), which I did.

When we were in NOLA last week we had a small dinner at the new A Mano restaurant in the CBD arranged by an acquaintance of Mary's and I found myself sitting next to a guy who's an architect and he mentioned that he will be working on the Joy Theatre project. Sounds like it will be a cool place, small-to-medium theater/club for live music. Hope it actually comes to be.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Does anyone have an update on the Saenger?

[McGregor]

Does anyone have an update on the Saenger?

What he said. My buddy said he walked by the other day and they were working on it. I don't guess opening before JF is a possibility? I'd love to see the Mule back in that room.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

What he said. My buddy said he walked by the other day and they were working on it. I don't guess opening before JF is a possibility? I'd love to see the Mule back in that room.

It is great to hear they are working on it! Maybe someone will book some shows during JF 2011.

[sitdancer]

Doesn't sound like it will be ready next year:

The marquee that lights up at dusk Thursday will be relit nightly to signal that the rebirth, which developers hope to complete by late 2011, is truly in progress.

I have never seen this in its original form (last year was my first ever trip to the city) but I am looking forward to eventually seeing some awesome live music there :)

[McGregor]

We need a Saenger renovation webcam. :p

[swag]

The Saenger has a FB page up at http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Orleans-LA/The-Saenger-Theatre/183651889514?v=wall&ref=ts

[jerseygirl67]

So, House Hunters is in NOLA (Metaire), they showed the Saenger Theater!

[McGregor]

http://www.oceansofosyrus.com/forums/uploads/monthly_02_2010/post-185-126585034438.jpg

[postjack]

^^^that is awesome. :)

[McGregor]

I thought they had already started work on this place. It looks like it'll be up and running by the end of next year
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/10/new_orleans_city_council_is_ex.html

If the council, as expected, approves the 52-year deal with the Saenger Theatre Partnership of Houston, developers say work will commence in a few weeks on a $45.8 million project they hope to complete by late 2011.....

[McGregor]

Are they working on this place yet? Anyone know?

[hogan20a]

Pretty sure I saw a listing on some site for a show in Dec 2011 but cannot seem to find it now

[swag]

Are they working on this place yet? Anyone know?

http://www.wwltv.com/news/physicalworkbeginsonsaenger-111880919.html

[McGregor]

http://www.wwltv.com/news/physicalworkbeginsonsaenger-111880919.html

thanks swag

The Saenger's management company has already announced that the “Lion King” will be one of the first Broadway shows back at the Saenger in the spring of 2012.

[postjack]

When I was younger, my family and I used to take trips to New Orleans to see broadway shows at the Saenger. We'd eat at Galatoires and then walk over for the show. Phantom, Sunset Blvd, Victor/Victoria, and tons of other great performances. It tripped me out years later seeing the Deepest End, SCI, and other bands in the same venue. I have a real connection to that place, and am thrilled to see it coming back. Now we just need to get the Orpheum up and running!

NOLA needs more mid-size theaters like the Orpheum. I haven't been to Mahalia yet but will this JF for FM.

[MormonMatthew]

NOLA needs more mid-size theaters like the Orpheum. I haven't been to Mahalia yet but will this JF for FM.

Does this mean that the funky Meters (FM?) have a night show scheduled at the Mahalia Jackson Theater during Fest?

Do you have any additional info on the show?

[Jada]

Does this mean that the funky Meters (FM?) have a night show scheduled at the Mahalia Jackson Theater during Fest?

Do you have any additional info on the show?

Friday, May 6th. Confirmed!

[MormonMatthew]

What welcome news!!!

I am SO glad that they are playing a real venue instead of the Howlin' Wolf or CAC......

For me, the only thing that could make it even better would be if Brian will be playing with them again, even if it's only for the one night.

[MormonMatthew]

Wait, what the fock?!?

I just realized that friday May 6th is also the Radiators annual Tipitinas Jazzfest gig, and very possibly the last time I will ever get to see the Rads play at the Sacred Tips......

The funky Meters and the Radiators, the two bands whose music speaks to me more than just about any other still-living musicians around today, naturally playing at the same bloody time.

I don't usually think much about the whole "FOMS" bit---I just choose who I want to hear for the night and then try to forget what else is going on at other stages or venues without second-guessing my decision, but for me, this one is a stone-cold BITCH.....

Well, I guess if Brian Stoltz is going to be playing with the funky Meters again, I suppose I just can't pass that up, as hopefully I will see the Rads at other clubs (Southport, Rock n Bowl?) during Fest. If not, the Radiators at Tipitinas for one last night will be impossible to beat.

[Jada]

The Rads are playing their last 3 shows at Tips. Go to one of those instead.

[windowman]

The Rads are playing their last 3 shows at Tips. Go to one of those instead.

Are you talking about during fest or in June? I thought they were going to quit in June after playing in New Orleans, after the Crawfish Fest in NJ. I would not miss the last day at the Fairgrounds, regardless.

[MormonMatthew]

The Radiators announced 3 final shows (June 9,10,11) billed as "The Last Watusi" at Tipitinas, which I am sure will be an emotion-filled experience, to say the least.

I don't see myself making it back down to New Orleans for the shows, as the heat and humidity are just too much for me to handle at that time of the year.

Of course I may change my mind between now and then, but either way, I want to hear the Radiators play their unique and timeless music as much as possible over the next few months, as these will be memories I will hold on to for years to come.

[oooow-eeeee-babee]

The Radiators announced 3 final shows (June 9,10,11) billed as "The Last Watusi" at Tipitinas, which I am sure will be an emotion-filled experience, to say the least.

I don't see myself making it back down to New Orleans for the shows, as the heat and humidity are just too much for me to handle at that time of the year.

Of course I may change my mind between now and then, but either way, I want to hear the Radiators play their unique and timeless music as much as possible over the next few months, as these will be memories I will hold on to for years to come.

Just my 2 cents, but I would opt for the Rads as I expect that Mahaila show will be a sit-on-your-hands type of experience not totally unlike the blues tent. Especially if the volunteer ushers are as over zeilous as they were at the last show I attended in the other theater in Congo Sq: shining their little portable flashlights in you eyes as they insisted on seating late-comers in the middle of a song, talking loudly to ask people to sit down, etc. Just about ruined it for me and although it's been many years, I still remember it well.

[MormonMatthew]

o-e-b, I appreciate the advice, as I have never been to a show at the Mahalia Jackson Theater (I think it just opened, at least under that name, last year sometime) so I don't know what the actual venue is like, but I have to say that expecting a New Orleans/Jazzfest audience to SIT DOWN during a funky Meters show would be like expecting Charlie Sheen to spend a week in Amsterdam, visiting museums and touring old churches the whole time......

[Gards]

o-e-b, I appreciate the advice, as I have never been to a show at the Mahalia Jackson Theater (I think it just opened, at least under that name, last year sometime) so I don't know what the actual venue is like, but I have to say that expecting a New Orleans/Jazzfest audience to SIT DOWN during a funky Meters show would be like expecting Charlie Sheen to spend a week in Amsterdam, visiting museums and touring old churches the whole time......

RE Amsterdam the few times I have been there,I have greatly enjoyed the Musuems and Churches,something about the local area enhances your state of awareness

[MormonMatthew]

RE Amsterdam the few times I have been there,I have greatly enjoyed the Musuems and Churches

I do too, especially the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum, but apparently others have a different idea of how to pass some free time in A'Dam, and I was betting that good ol' Charlie (a guy who would probably have a hard time staying out of trouble at a Sunday-School Superintendant convention held in Amish Country) is one of them.......

[Gards]

I do too, but apparently others have a different idea of how to pass some free time in A'Dam, and I was betting that ol' Charlie (a guy who would probably have a hard time staying out of trouble at a Sunday-School Superintendant convention held in Amish Country) is one of them.......

No doubt.
I can picture him cruising down a canal on a Party Boat having a hell of a time,probably wearing clogs and little else.

[windowman]

o-e-b, I appreciate the advice, as I have never been to a show at the Mahalia Jackson Theater (I think it just opened, at least under that name, last year sometime) so I don't know what the actual venue is like, but I have to say that expecting a New Orleans/Jazzfest audience to SIT DOWN during a funky Meters show would be like expecting Charlie Sheen to spend a week in Amsterdam, visiting museums and touring old churches the whole time......

I can't imagine people being forced to sit down at this show, but I am happy to make an inquiry with the box office. The MJTOPA has been reopened two years this month. I have been there for two concerts, the most recent being Randy Newman with the LPO two weeks ago. The acoustics are very good and there are no obstructed views that I saw. They have had all kinds of music, including Scorpions last summer, and I can't imagine that audience being too sedate.

[MormonMatthew]

I can't imagine people being forced to sit down at this show, but I am happy to make an inquiry with the box office...

Wynn, that would be great---I am not sure, but I seriously can't even fathom a seated-audience only or no dancing allowed policy at a funky Meters gig.

It's one of those things that my funk-addled brain just couldn't compute, like non-alcoholic beer or President Palin......;)

[swag]

Of course I may change my mind between now and then, but either way, I want to hear the Radiators play their unique and timeless music as much as possible over the next few months, as these will be memories I will hold on to for years to come.

Doing Crawfishfest?

[oooow-eeeee-babee]

I can't imagine people being forced to sit down at this show, but I am happy to make an inquiry with the box office. The MJTOPA has been reopened two years this month. I have been there for two concerts, the most recent being Randy Newman with the LPO two weeks ago. The acoustics are very good and there are no obstructed views that I saw. They have had all kinds of music, including Scorpions last summer, and I can't imagine that audience being too sedate.

I hope you're right and you probably are. I was just musing on the very vivid memory of a show I saw at Louis Armstrong - I think it was called at the time-many years ago. Being a former volunteer usher at our local arts center, I was appalled at how those people were acting. It was like they had never had a uniform on before, or somethin. Course, as far as the mandatory sitting is concerned, don't they expect people to do that in the Blues Tent? Okay...I know, you can dance on the grass part, right? Hasn't always been that way though.

One other consideration I can think of, MM, is the start time vs. the end of festday but, whatever you decide, I know you're going to enjoy it. OEB

[oooow-eeeee-babee]

RE Amsterdam the few times I have been there,I have greatly enjoyed the Musuems and Churches,something about the local area enhances your state of awareness


One can just imagine. (smile)

[TheBoogieSpot]

First time posting...

... but here to say that I saw Gov't Mule and Vampire Weekend within the last year, and there is definitely not a seating ordinance in the house!

[Jada]

What welcome news!!!

I am SO glad that they are playing a real venue instead of the Howlin' Wolf or CAC......

For me, the only thing that could make it even better would be if Brian will be playing with them again, even if it's only for the one night.

I would imagine Ian will be in town considering it JF time of year, so he'll play. Brian is a sub...and a FABULOUS one at that.

[McGregor]

Nobody was sitting down at the Govt Mule show last year at Mahalia. It's a very nice place to see music. Nice size.

[chopitulas]

I was very impressed with the way the Mahalia Jackson Theater was put back together after Katrina. It felt good to have a 1st class facility like that back. Now we just have to hope the Saenger returns done as well!

[McGregor]

I was very impressed with the way the Mahalia Jackson Theater was put back together after Katrina. It felt good to have a 1st class facility like that back. Now we just have to hope the Saenger returns done as well!

I can't imagine it being anything but fantastic. I loved the old place but it was definitely a bit worn.

Can't wait to step back foot in the place.

[oooow-eeeee-babee]

Nobody was sitting down at the Govt Mule show last year at Mahalia. It's a very nice place to see music. Nice size.

Excellent news. Sorry I brought something up from so many years ago.

[MormonMatthew]

Excellent news. Sorry I brought something up from so many years ago.

Around these parts, there is no need to ever be sorry, unless you are talking about Herr Hasslehoff, and then only if you are sober.....;)

[mightyradgumbo]

Around these parts, there is no need to ever be sorry, unless you are talking about Herr Hasslehoff, and then only if you are sober.....;)

Hey Now MM! Don't hassle the hoff! LOL
I have been to a few gigs at the Mahalia and sitting or standing was based on the crowd! They are all volunteers that work there and will follow policy such as smoking and stopping video (at least they did at both the Mule show and when I saw Lyle Lovett there) but they allowed people to shake what their mommas gave em so I would say this is going to be a rollickin' good time!

[chrisjoseph]

Met one of the owners of the Saenger last nite here in NY. Construction won't be starting until this summer....at the earliest. 14 month construction schedule. At best it reopens in fall of 2012. I would bet later.

[LBIFESTER]

Hey Now MM! Don't hassle the hoff! LOL
I have been to a few gigs at the Mahalia and sitting or standing was based on the crowd! They are all volunteers that work there and will follow policy such as smoking and stopping video (at least they did at both the Mule show and when I saw Lyle Lovett there) but they allowed people to shake what their mommas gave em so I would say this is going to be a rollickin' good time!

They actually brought him to NOLA for my Realtor convention last November.
Best quote I heard about it was: "Bringing him to NOLA is like taking a nympho to a frat party."

[windowman]

Met one of the owners of the Saenger last nite here in NY. Construction won't be starting until this summer....at the earliest. 14 month construction schedule. At best it reopens in fall of 2012. I would bet later.

I don't understand what is taking these people so long to get this done. That sucks.

[NYMAMA]

Isn't this just New Orleans time?

[chrisjoseph]

I don't understand what is taking these people so long to get this done. That sucks.

It's more a function of the economy. It's a multi-million dollar project, and real estate loans (which is essentially what this is) are not easy to come by.

[McGregor]

Met one of the owners of the Saenger last nite here in NY. Construction won't be starting until this summer....at the earliest. 14 month construction schedule. At best it reopens in fall of 2012. I would bet later.

Looks like the city will get things started a little earlier, very nice >
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/03/saenger_theatre_renovations_sh.html

[marignygreg]

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/07/bobby_jindal_signs_tax_credit.html

[marignygreg]

About that little housing complex in the neighborhood that used to be Storyville.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/07/the_iberville_housing_complex.html#incart_mce

[mluke66]

Looks like the city will get things started a little earlier, very nice >
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/03/saenger_theatre_renovations_sh.html


I hope this is right, but I'm so tired of ribbon cuttings and coming soon signs here. Like the neighborhood they leveled for the hospital in Mid-City.

I saw the crew working, but I only believe it when I see it open nowadays here. I noticed they took down the "Opening in 2011" off the marquee.

The new boss is looking more and more like the old boss.

[marignygreg]

I hope this is right, but I'm so tired of ribbon cuttings and coming soon signs here. Like the neighborhood they leveled for the hospital in Mid-City.

I saw the crew working, but I only believe it when I see it open nowadays here. I noticed they took down the "Opening in 2011" off the marquee.

The new boss is looking more and more like the old boss.

Read the update, dude.

I hear you on the premature ribbon cuttings. I'm still holding my breath for 'Reinventing The Crescent' and the St. Claude streetcar line.

[mluke66]

I'm well aware of the latest pronouncement. But again, I heard this before. I love that place. Call me when it's open.

As for the St. Claude line, I think it will happen. Old Pres Kabacoff is heavily invested way ahead of it. Reinventing the Crescent, that's a little iffier.

The Orpheum is still a total disaster.

[bennyboy]

Any updates? Is the work happening? Gotta light?

[jpb302]

Does anyone know if the Saenger has reopened? If not, any anticipated opening date. This was my favorite night time Jazz Fest venue before Katrina.

[bennyboy]

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/SaengerNOLA


"The Saenger is still reopening. The renovation is tracking for completion in late 2012."

[McGregor]

now saying Spring of '13

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/12/saenger_theatre_restoration_fi.html

[postjack]

now saying Spring of '13

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/12/saenger_theatre_restoration_fi.html

now saying Fall of '13:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/12/saenger_theatre_restoration_fi.html

just kidding. :)

[saturn]

New article today - back to Spring 2013

After months of painstaking negotiations with lenders, New Orleans officials announced Thursday that the stalled renovation of the Saenger Theatre (http://topics.nola.com/tag/saenger-theatre/index.html) on Canal Street is set to resume in January in anticipation of a spring 2013 opening, more than a year later than originally planned. Mayor Mitch Landrieu[/URL] held an afternoon ceremony heralding the return of a landmark that long anchored the performing-arts district along the city’s signature commercial boulevard.

[url]http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2011/12/saenger_theatre_overhaul_break.html (http://topics.nola.com/tag/mitch-landrieu/index.html)

[mightyradgumbo]

Great news, this was really starting to worry me that this was getting shelved when they ran out of financing. The Saenger is a key to the recovery of Canal Street. The Joy is open, the Saenger being renovated. I would love to see the Orpheum next, or if not State Palace.

[mluke66]

Great news, this was really starting to worry me that this was getting shelved when they ran out of financing. The Saenger is a key to the recovery of Canal Street. The Joy is open, the Saenger being renovated. I would love to see the Orpheum next, or if not State Palace.

Agreed, but I'll only believe it when I see the Saenger reopen. Fingers crossed it happens.

[Chicago Fest Fan]

"Agreed, but I'll only believe it when I see the Saenger reopen. Fingers crossed it happens."


Thats what you said about the Joy. Are you a believer now?

[mluke66]

"Agreed, but I'll only believe it when I see the Saenger reopen. Fingers crossed it happens."


Thats what you said about the Joy. Are you a believer now?

True. But no. This town has an amazing ability to blow these kinds of deals.

I'm pulling for it, but I need to see it first, especially with the Saenger. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that it will reopen.

[chrisjoseph]

True. But no. This town has an amazing ability to blow these kinds of deals.

I'm pulling for it, but I need to see it first, especially with the Saenger. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that it will reopen.

I'm with mluke on this one. "Show me the money." I sincerely hope it happens....but talk is talk. Let's see some construction crews in there!!

[festivalgirl]

Not so much "Show me the money" as "Follow the money".

http://www.corporationwiki.com/Texas/Houston/saenger-theatre-partnership-ltd-3777901.aspx

[BillericayDicky]

If it happens and I sincerely hope it does, it would be a major landmark in the continuing recovery of the city we love. That corner on Canal needs a tidy!

[chrisjoseph]

Not so much "Show me the money" as "Follow the money".

http://www.corporationwiki.com/Texas/Houston/saenger-theatre-partnership-ltd-3777901.aspx

Is this for the Saenger Theatre in Florida?

[festivalgirl]

Is this for the Saenger Theatre in Florida?

May include a Florida location but this is who owns the NOLA theater, I believe.

[mightyradgumbo]

May include a Florida location but this is who owns the NOLA theater, I believe.

In early 2009 it was announced by New Orleans officials that ownership of the Saenger Theatre would be turned over to the Canal Street Development Corp., a city agency, who would lease the building to the Saenger Theatre Partnership, Ltd. for 52 years. A stipulation of the deal requires the Saenger Theatre Partnership to host a minimum of 80 shows and sell 100,000 tickets each year.[6] The unique alliance secured $15 million in federal grants, state and federal tax credits, and private financing as part of a $38.8 million restoration.

From this wiki blurb it sounds like the Saenger Theatre Partnership is just the lessee for this one.

[mightyradgumbo]

Agreed, but I'll only believe it when I see the Saenger reopen. Fingers crossed it happens.

I agree with you also. I think this one has too many eyes on it at this point to go awry. I really think that they just want to get it done right, but that could be the optimist in me wanting that to be the reason.

[festivalgirl]

In early 2009 it was announced by New Orleans officials that ownership of the Saenger Theatre would be turned over to the Canal Street Development Corp., a city agency, who would lease the building to the Saenger Theatre Partnership, Ltd. for 52 years. A stipulation of the deal requires the Saenger Theatre Partnership to host a minimum of 80 shows and sell 100,000 tickets each year.[6] The unique alliance secured $15 million in federal grants, state and federal tax credits, and private financing as part of a $38.8 million restoration.

From this wiki blurb it sounds like the Saenger Theatre Partnership is just the lessee for this one.

I have no credible info but since that deal is nearly 3 years old and the place still hasn't opened, something's gone bad.

Deals like this usually mean no one really has the money, ugliness ensues and nothing happens.

[chrisjoseph]

It's not only the $$ to reopen it, it's the $$ to operate it. And to operate it at a profit, they obviously need to have a steady stream of shows booked. And since it's not a good time for the concert business, that could be a challenge. That said, I hope they find a way to make this happen.....not just to re-open, but to stay open.

[mluke66]

It's not only the $$ to reopen it, it's the $$ to operate it. And to operate it at a profit, they obviously need to have a steady stream of shows booked. And since it's not a good time for the concert business, that could be a challenge. That said, I hope they find a way to make this happen.....not just to re-open, but to stay open.

I know I'm Mr. Negative, but I'm still not sold these places can make it. That includes the Joy. Some of the prices the Joy is charging are too rich for me.

This line from Spera's review of Irma at the Joy gives me some pause:

No longer able to bank on opening night novelty, organizers must get down to the sometimes tricky business of selling tickets. Sales for a Dec. 30 show with the Soul Rebels Brass Band and Cyril Neville’s Tribe 13 are reportedly soft. Tickets are also still available for Kermit Ruffins’ New Year’s Eve performance.

Like I said, I hope both happen and both make it.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Long live the Saenger.
I hope they can make the numbers work.

[chrisjoseph]

I know I'm Mr. Negative, but I'm still not sold these places can make it. That includes the Joy. Some of the prices the Joy is charging are too rich for me.

This line from Spera's review of Irma at the Joy gives me some pause:



Like I said, I hope both happen and both make it.

I don't think you are being negative; I think you are being realistic.

[mightyradgumbo]

I have no credible info but since that deal is nearly 3 years old and the place still hasn't opened, something's gone bad.

Deals like this usually mean no one really has the money, ugliness ensues and nothing happens.

I think no one HAD the money at one point but the Saenger has been holding various events to raise some funds. You have to remember that Louisiana was behind the recessionary curve due to oil and tourism dollars. We got a double wallop when the spill hit

[swag]

The Saenger just posted to their Facebook (for the first time since last March) announcing the show lineup for the 2012-13 theater season. So, it seems they're still planning on opening before year end 2012.

[Baconwrapped]

The Saenger just posted to their Facebook (for the first time since last March) announcing the show lineup for the 2012-13 theater season. So, it seems they're still planning on opening before year end 2012.

Not exactly... they added this comment:

Note: All shows will be showcased at the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts