Iconic film featured downtown

On Friday evening, Click Boutique & Gallery will host a screening of classic film Casablanca at the Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg.

Casablanca is a love story that won three Academy Awards in 1942. The film was directed by Michael Kurtz and starred Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains. Casablanca is set in unoccupied Africa during World War II and follows the complicated story of an American expatriate and his previous lover.

Adam Myrick and Jason Le Viere, owners of Click, said they wanted to feature a film that would appeal to Hattiesburg's diverse population.

"Students, residents and visitors alike can enjoy this iconic film," Le Viere said. "It's a great opportunity for people to discover an event downtown at an ‘old-time' price."  

Le Viere said that the Casablanca screening is a perfect opportunity for a girls' night out, a date night or a sorority sisterhood event.

Hattiesburg resident Abigail Lenz said she holds Casablanca close to her heart because her grandfather Claude Rains starred in the film. Lenz is looking forward to seeing her grandfather on the screen again in the city where she resides.

"My grandfather was kind of known for his dark, evil or silly roles," Lenz said.

Lenz was also thrilled about a certain part of the guest list for the screening.

"I'm most excited that Hattiesburg is showing Casablanca because my mom is coming down from L.A. to be the guest of honor for the show."

Lenz and her business partner Jane Clair Tyner will also be announcing the launch of their new party planning business, Cherry on Top. Lenz said she was thankful to have this opportunity to see her grandfather's acting legacy carried on as well as debut her new planning business.

Le Viere said that he and Myrick are happy with the choice to show Casablanca.  

"We picked Casablanca because the vintage theme of the film goes along with the theme of our store as well as the theme of our neighborhood and community," Le Viere said. "We believe the Front Street is the cultural center of Hattiesburg."

Casablanca starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, and doors open at 6 p.m. There will be a photo booth as well as a cash bar available to patrons. Tickets are $5 for cash-paying customers and $7 for customers paying with credit cards. Tickets can also be purchased in advance by calling the Hattiesburg Saenger Theatre at 601-584-4888 or visiting their online ticket office at www.hattiesburgsaenger.com.