Saenger Theatre Enthusiasts Join the “Share Your Saenger Stories” Campaign

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Brooks Horton
The Ehrhardt Group
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Saenger Theatre Enthusiasts Join the "Share Your Saenger Stories" Campaign

Notable New Orleanian Alden J. McDonald, Jr. Shares His Saenger Memories in Anticipation of 2013 Re-Opening

(NEW ORLEANS, La.) - Nov. 15, 2012 - The Saenger Theatre "Share Your Saenger Stories" campaign is calling on locals and visitors alike to share their photos, videos and recollections of the theatre, along with their hopes for the future of the New Orleans' landmark.

In anticipation of the holiday season, the Saenger Theatre is encouraging Saenger devotees to join the many fans who have already become part of the movement by sharing their stories, photos and memories of holidays at the theatre.

Alden J. McDonald, Jr., President and CEO of Liberty Bank and Trust Company has helped kick off the "Share Your Saenger Stories" campaign by recording a video sharing his thoughts and memories of growing up with the Saenger Theatre.

A devoted member of the New Orleans community, McDonald is nationally recognized as a passionate advocate and dynamic catalyst in the movement of minority businesses into the mainstream economy. Serving both as a business and community leader, he has devoted his life to community development and played a vital role in the city's rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Dedicated to neighborhood revitalization throughout New Orleans, McDonald and was proud to aid in the restoration of the Saenger Theatre.

"When we had the opportunity to provide some financing for the rebirth of this magnificent facility, I not only jumped at it but I'm very, very proud to be a part of the rebuilding of the Saenger," said Alden J. McDonald, Jr., President and CEO of Liberty Bank and Trust Company. "The rebirth of that facility along with some of the other exciting things going on along Canal Street...is the beginning of a rebirth of a new era for New Orleans."

Added David Skinner, General Manager, ACE Theatrical Group, "Locals have been so supportive throughout the restoration process. Our ‘Share Your Saenger Stories' campaign is an opportunity to make them feel part of the rebuilding and to celebrate their memories, along with their excitement leading up to the opening."

The Saenger Theatre was built in 1927 at the corner of Canal and North Rampart streets in downtown New Orleans and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has since been the focus of a complex redevelopment project.

To submit your stories, scanned photos and videos, visit www.saengernola.com/stories, "Like" The Saenger Theatre on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/saengernola or Tweet to @SaengerNOLA using the hashtag #SaengerStories.

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About Canal Street Development Corporation
In 1989, the former D. H. Holmes department store, parking garage and storage facilities were offered as a donation by the Dillard family to the City of New Orleans.  With a tremendous opportunity to reshape one of the most important areas of the city, the Canal Street Development Corporation was formed as a public benefit corporation to accept the donation consisting of nearly two square blocks bounded by Canal, Dauphine, Bienville and Bourbon Streets.  That property portfolio consists of a soon to be Hyatt Hotel, apartments, parking garage and a number of restaurants.  The Canal Street Development Corporation has also partnered with ACE Theatrical Group to restore and expand the historic arts venue.

About ACE Theatrical Group
ACE Theatrical Group, LLC is a theatrical management and development company formed by entertainment industry veterans specializing in the design, development, construction and operation of first class, live performance venues throughout North America.  The company has a long history of working with municipalities, non-profit agencies and community groups to develop spectacular performance facilities with state-of-the-art improvements emphasizing patron comfort and artist's technical needs.

ACE Theatrical Group is based in Houston, TX, with offices in New York, San Antonio and New Orleans.  The principals have over 175 years combined experience and collectively have development and management credits in 35 theatrical venues in the United States and Canada, with 20 of those also including the design and construction of those projects. Visit www.acetheatricalgroup.com for more information.