Box office: Mon and Tues, Thurs and Fri 10am-6pm; Wed 10am-8:30pm; Sat 12pm-6pm.
Harlem's Apollo Theater has achieved legendary status as a showcase for African American singers and comedians. It has served as the starting point for amateur talent as well. From the Wall of Fame in the lobby, which displays a collage of past performers, to the Tree of Hope, there is plenty of history ingrained in the walls of the Apollo. In fact, during the late 1980s, the theater was declared a national landmark.
The theater originally opened in 1913 as a burlesque hall featuring striptease acts and chorus lines for white audiences only, but as times changed, the Apollo adapted. Beginning in 1934, when Sid Cohen purchased the theater, big-name African American performers like Billie Holliday and Aretha Franklin started performing here, lending enormous credibility to the talent roster. As a result, larger crowds began to form. The Apollo enjoyed great success for a couple of years, but fell on hard times in the 60s and was forced to close its doors in the early 70s after ownership changed hands numerous times and venture after venture fell through.
Things have turned around for the theater since that time. It was renovated and reopened in 1985, and although the current list of performers isn't as solid as it once was, it's still a reliable source of entertainment. One thing that hasn't changed over the years is the Wednesday night amateur performances, which remain as wild and raucous now as they have always been.
A tour of the Apollo is a unique experience. Guides recount an oral history of the theater, and audience participation is strongly encouraged. Lots of behind-the-scenes stories about past performances and performers are told, and the visitor is even offered the opportunity to perform in a special ''No Boos Allowed'' Amateur Night Show. The Tree of Hope, basically a piece of wood at this point, is touched by all performers before they step onstage. During the tour, you will also be able to participate in this custom. A gift shop is also on-site, selling Apollo-oriented clothing, gift items, jewelry, and recordings of past performances.
For more information on arranging a tour of the Apollo Theater, call 212-889-3532. The price ranges from $9 to $13 per person. For schedules featuring upcoming performers, call 212-531-5337.
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