Address: | 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, USA |
Phone: | +1 212-531-5300 |
Site: | apollotheater.org |
Rating: | 4.1 |
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Hans Straub
Since opening its doors in 1914 and introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo has played a major role in the emergence of jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, and soul — all quintessentially American music genres. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on the Apollo stage. Today, the Apollo is a respected not-for-profit, which presents concerts, performing arts, education and community outreach programs. The neo-classical theater known today as the Apollo Theater was designed by George Keister and first owned by Sidney Cohen. In 1914, Benjamin Hurtig and Harry Seamon obtained a thirty-year lease on the newly constructed theater calling it Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater. Like many American theaters during this time, African-Americans were not allowed to attend as patrons or to perform. In 1933 Fiorello La Guardia, who would later become New York City’s Mayor, began a campaign against burlesque. Hurtig & Seamon’s was one of many theaters that would close down. Cohen reopened the building as the 125th Street Apollo Theatre in 1934 with his partner, Morris Sussman serving as manager. Cohen and Sussman changed the format of the shows from burlesque to variety revues and redirected their marketing attention to the growing African-American community in Harlem. Frank Schiffman and Leo Brecher took over the Apollo in 1935. The Schiffman and Brecher families would operate the Theater until the late 1970s. The Apollo reopened briefly in 1978 under new management then closed again in November 1979. In 1981, it was purchased by Percy Sutton a prominent lawyer, politician, media and technology executive, and a group of private investors. Under Sutton’s ownership, the Theater was equipped with a recording and television studio. In 1983, the Apollo received state and city landmark status and in 1991, Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., was established as a private, not-for-profit organization to manage, fund and oversee programming for the Apollo Theater. Today, the Apollo, which functions under the guidance of a Board of Directors, presents concerts, performing arts, education and community outreach programs.
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Emmett Henley
I went on Wednesday which was amateur night. Me and my wife werent planning on going; but this is a Historic Landmark and we just wanted to stop by and see it. We went to the gift shop and talked to someone who seemed like the theater manager and she told us we should check it out. The price was very affordable we got main floor seats for about $25 each. And you may think Im exaggerating but I will say this is the best show I have ever seen in my life. And it was the supporting Talent as well as the Ushers and staff of the theater which made it so good. This is the type of show it doesnt matter how you feel going in whether you just got off of work, just went through a break-up, or tired from a long flight they are going to make sure that you have a good time. I cant explain this- but I would say you have to see it for yourself #Apollo
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Sarah McCann
We found the lines outside to be extremely confusing. We discovered after standing in wrong line after wrong line that there were three will call lines for tickets not bought directly through the theater. Then two for the theater box office, that werent moving, that all ended up merging together in a huge group of confused people. There were a couple of ushers standing outside, none of which seemed to care enough to help the crowds try to organize. Then once inside the show had a mic issue, lighting issues and we could hear the engineer giving calls all throughout the night from the booth. Full voice calls even during quiet moments of the show. It was very bizarre. Luckily, Van Jones went with all the punches, got the show back on track without skipping a beat and the audience seemed to have a positive experience.
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Julian Calderon
We came to see the Ballet Hispánico at the Apollo theater Great performance ruined by the Fact that at the mezzanine the lights were ON the whole time, (Imagine going to the movies with the lights on) To make things worst they were selling beverages the whole time in the back, the noise of the ice, the orders, the register and the fridges made a horrible noise that ruined the silence. I tried to contact manager but no one seems to care about it. They seat people at any time they arrive, the place was so hot that everyone was fanning themselves with the program. IN short : and absolute disaster. If you go DO NOT purchase on the mezzanine, or better DO NOT GO THERE wait until they perform somewhere else...
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Mr Noisy Le Grand
“Amateur Night le mercredi soir a 19h” A ne surtout pas rater au coeur dHarlem. Des amateurs au top, avec un Dj qui anime parfaitement le début de soirée et surtout lanimateur de soirée qui taille sans cesse les amateurs mdr. Une tuerie. Franchement nous avons vraiment passés une excellente soirée. Nous y retournerons. Mai 2014
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Rachel Antonio
The Apollo Theater is legendary. Do make it uptown to Harlem. Its actually not very far as you can take an express train there and most shows start early. One to definitely catch is Amateur Night on Wednesdays. Its just like what they used to show on tv but live in the flesh. Expect a range of talent from singing to dancing, all ages, and some not so talented. Its pretty funny and the energy will get you pumped. The theater itself is old, but restored, and in great shape. Lots of history in the place. You can feel it. Stay in town for a late bite. The whole area is pretty much gentrified and there is such great soul food around.
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Richard Liriano
The Apollo Theater is a landmark located on 125th Street. The theater occupies an important place in the heart of Harlem, both literally and figuratively; built in 1914, it has served as a showcase for countless show biz greats, from Ella Fitzgerald to James Brown to Stevie Wonder, some of whom got their big break by appearing in its storied Amateur Night competitions (which is still held on Wednesdays); while taking in a show is the classic way to experience it, you can also check out the lobby or arrange for a group tour and make sure walk the area and visit others businesses (restaurants, etc) while in the area.
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Bourgeais Vanessa - Pascal
Une super soirée passée à lApollo Theater le 26 juin 2013 à loccasion de l "Amateur Night". Un animateur, Mister Capone, fabuleux, et des candidats excellents qui ont offert de superbes prestations. Cest un endroit fabuleux et cette formule est extra !
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Adam Van Grover
Iconic theater, central location close to subways/public transit, commercial spaces/shopping, and restaurants/night life. The theater is always able to attract top talent, and there are always seasonal and ongoing/recurring shows and events - maybe most notably amateur night, which if the opportunity arises - is not to be missed. The theater is distinctive, with its own lived-in feel (though ongoing maintenance work has kept the space lively, and current), and audience participation is part of the appeal. Highly recommended.
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Angie Castells
Teatro mítico donde los haya en Harlem. En exterior verás un paseo de la fama con estrellas de cantantes emblemáticos, y, aunque no te quedes a ver ningún show, puedes entrar al vestíbulo para hacerte una idea de cómo es por dentro y comprar algún souvenir.
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Jonathan Arrabito
My first time at the Apollo Theater was pretty great. I was here for the All-Star Tribute to Don Rickles. I am not sure how the venue is normally, but it was pretty nice for this special event. I think they ripped out all the ground floor seats and put tables for the celebrities. The venue was clean. My seat was in the Upper Mezzanine and you could see the stage and performers perfectly and clearly. I would come back to this venue if the entertainer was good. Its just annoying to trek all the way up in Harlem.