‘Reviving a jewel of Pine Bluff' One woman's mission to restore the Saenger Theatre

Yahoo

22-05-2025

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Once the cultural heartbeat of Pine Bluff, the historic Saenger Theatre is poised for a long-awaited revival, thanks to the vision and dedication of consultant Kathy Majewski.
Since January, Majewski has spearheaded the effort to breathe new life into the nearly century-old theatre, aiming to transform it from a forgotten relic into a centerpiece of downtown revitalization.
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Built in 1924, the Saenger Theatre began its life as a vaudeville house, hosting legendary acts from the Orpheum Circuit, the Ziegfeld Follies and performers like Will Rogers, John Philip Sousa and even the famous illusionist Harry Blackstone. At the time, it wasn't just a theatre — it was a destination.
'This was an incredible theatre,' Majewski says. 'Houdini made a horse disappear on this stage.'
But like many grand theatres across America, the Saenger's golden age faded. The arrival of 'talkies' in the late 1920s began the shift from live performance to film. By the early 1950s, the theatre was converted into a movie house. The ornate chandeliers came down, the box seating was eliminated, and the gold leaf that once adorned the Egyptian Temple-style interior was painted over in black to better suit the filmgoing experience. The theatre's grandeur was slowly erased, Majewski said.
Despite these changes, the Saenger survived until the early 1970s, but when the rise of suburban malls pulled life away from downtown, its run came to a halt and for more than 50 years, the theatre has stood mostly vacant, but not forgotten.
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Now, Majewski is leading a movement to restore the Saenger not only as a cultural venue but also as a catalyst for community and economic renewal.
'When you see an abandoned building for 50 years, you still see the incredible bone structure that this theatre has,' she said. 'Nothing that can't be fixed.'
Restoring the Saenger is no small task, and Majewski has already assembled a team to take on the challenge.
One key partner is renowned theatre architect Paul Siemborski, who has worked on numerous historic restorations across the country.
His initial assessment of the theatre when touring: 'Oh my gosh,' according to Majewski. But before design work can begin, the theatre must undergo a 3D scan — a necessity since no original blueprints can be found.
Cost estimates are not yet finalized, but comparisons offer some insight. The Perot Theatre in Texarkana was restored in the 1970s for $2.5 million, and Pensacola's Saenger Theatre restoration cost $5 million at the time.
Still, Majewski insists, '…don't scrimp on it. Get it back to its glory.'
Over the years the City of Pine Bluff has shown support for her vision — recently contributing $47,000 to address a severe roof leak. With the building now dry and stable, the next phase can begin, eventually. However, the bulk of the fundraising lies ahead, and Majewski is calling on supporters from Arkansas and beyond.
For Majewski the Saenger Theatre restoration is more than a preservation project — it's a revival of downtown Pine Bluff.
'Once these theatres open, they become a nucleus for activity,' Majewski said. 'Restaurants, boutiques, bars — people see activity, and they invest. It never, never fails.'
Majewski's connection to the Saenger is deeply personal. As a child, she danced on its stage and remembers the awe of being in such a majestic space.
'There's an incredible energy to this theatre,' she recalls. 'Stars who visited could feel it — Van Johnson said it reminded him of his vaudeville days.'
Today, that same sense of wonder strikes young visitors, many of whom have never encountered such architecture, Majewski said.
'They just sit on the stage in awe,' she says. 'An auditorium doesn't have the same effect.'
The Saenger remains one of only two Egyptian Temple-style theatres in the country. Its original seating capacity of 1,750 makes it ideal for major touring productions, including Broadway shows, Majewski said. Though some renovations may reduce that number slightly, the theatre's potential as a live performance venue remains strong.
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The theatre even retains its original footlights and orchestra pit — rare finds that connect the past with the future. Siemborski's challenge will be to modernize the theatre for today's audiences while preserving its intimate charm and historic features, Majewski said.
Majewski's passion is clear, and her message is urgent: 'If you were in Egypt and saw a pyramid, would you say, 'What do we need this for?' This is not just a historical building for the community — it's for everyone. When you come in, it transforms you into another world.'
The restoration effort is being coordinated through the Old Town Theatre Centre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations can be sent directly to the Simmons Bank in Pine Bluff, earmarked for the 'Saenger Restoration.'
As Majewski continues her mission, she invites all who believe in the power of the arts, history and community to join her cause.
'It would be a crime to let this theatre go,' Majewski said. 'Once they're gone, they're gone.'
For Pine Bluff, the Saenger Theatre isn't just a building — it's a beacon; and Majewski says with the right support, it will shine again.
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