Apollo Theater
253 W. 125th Street,
New York,
NY
10027
253 W. 125th Street,
New York,
NY
10027
8 people
favorited this theater
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I can’t believe that no one posted about the live “Dreamgirls” engagement that occurred at the Apollo back in late 2009! (Myself included) It was incredible to be in the Orchestra seats watching this phenomenal show that actually has, as its opening scene, an amateur night performance set in the world famous Apollo! Though this production didn’t hold a candle to the original Broadway version with Jennifer Holliday, it was very enjoyable nonetheless made that much more special because it WAS the Apollo A wonderful presentation for one of New York’s most historic theaters.
For a week beginning February 10th, 1939, the Apollo gave rare attention to a movie with the American premiere engagement of “Big Fella,” a British-made musical drama with two African-American stars, the incomparable Paul Robeson and actress-singer Elisabeth Welch. The Apollo’s stage show was equally prestigious, topped by Andy Kirk & His Orchestra, pianist Mary Lou Williams, singer Pha Terrell, and comedians Moke & Poke. As customary, the Apollo also presented a Jitterbug dance competition on the Monday night of that week, and “Amateur Night” on that Wednesday.
This recent book includes many rare photos and is a must for anyone interested in the history of the Apollo Theatre: View link
The Apollo is immediately adjacent to the now-closed Victoria Theatre, and half a block west of the site of the noiw demolished Harlem Opera House. As you enter the lobby of the Apollo, the auditorium is off to the right. Likewise as you enter the lobby of the Victoria, the auditorium is off to the left. As a result, the back sides of the respective stage houses back up against each other.
It would be great if the Victoria were also restored and incorporated into the Apollo Theatre complex.
The Apollo Theater, world renoun, and a historic monument. As a musician performing at the Apollo (the first time around in the mid 1970’s) was a dream-come-true, fascinating experience. I recall walking in, admiring the decor, and feeling the echos of past performances by some of the greatest entertainers in the world. May the spirit of the Apollo Theater continue to shine, long live the Apollo.
The Smithsonian honors the Apollo: View link
I found some indications that the Apollo ran movies from 1919-1922, 1934-1953 and 1970-1977, albeit between shows and sometimes matinees only. Does anyone know if they ran any in the fifties and sixties?
The Apollo’s marquee and vertical sign can be seen in the left photo, which looks east towards Loew’s Victoria and the Harlem Opera House in the same block: View link
According to the book series “HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN CINEMA” (The Talkies, 1926-1931), the Harlem Apollo was briefly converted into a miniature golf location during the depression, known then as TOM THUMB GOLF.
This is a recent shot of the Apollo at night.
A September 2009 photo is here.
Here is an undated photo, possibly from the 1930s.
This is a June 2009 photo.
Here is a nice 2009 photo of the Apollo.
Well even though movies may have been a very unimportant part of it’s history, it’s nice that because of it’s short run with movies, it’s able to be listed on the site. So many “treasures” of theaters can’t be because of course this is CINEMA treasures, but there’s no website to preserve the history of non cinema theaters out there….
Here’s a great video explaining why movies are so unimportant to the history of the Apollo Theatre: View link
Renewing link.
Dang, beat me to it. Great pieces, though. They did postpone the lobby renovation, even though they raised just a bit more than half for the capital campaign.
As per the related article, There is an open house with tours today and tomorrow.
Yesterday, The New York Times devoted more than two full pages of text and photos to the Apollo’s 75th anniversary celebration. Here’s a link to what I think was the best article. You will also find a link there to the other Apollo-related material published yesterday: View link
The year given for this photo is 1991.
Probably not Luis. Some stores also had a marquee. There was a furniture store about one block from the Ridgewood Theater that had a marquee and some people thought that building was a former theater. It wasn’t a former theater, just a store.
Thanks LM……In the photo, on the right side is “Weisbecker Markets”. It looks like a marquee from a theater. Was this a theater that had already been closed and converted to retail by 1935?
This is a view of 125th Street in 1935.
Here is a night view of the Apollo from 1964.