Apollo Theater
253 W. 125th Street,
New York,
NY
10027
253 W. 125th Street,
New York,
NY
10027
8 people
favorited this theater
Probably one of the most famous theaters in New York. Originally opened on December 15, 1913 as a burlesque theatre. By 1930 it had gone over to screening movies as the 125th Street Apollo Theater.
It underwent a refurbishment and redecoration re-opening as the 125th Street Apollo Theatre on 26th January 1934 with a full stage show “Jazz a la Carte” and a British feature film starring Emlyn Williams “The Frightened Lady” (US title-“Criminal at Large”). Gradually stage shows became a more important part of the programme than the movies.
Contributed by
William Gabel
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Recent comments (view all 106 comments)
This is a recent shot of the Apollo at night.
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.
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
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 Smithsonian honors the Apollo: View link
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 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.
This recent book includes many rare photos and is a must for anyone interested in the history of the Apollo Theatre: View link
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.
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.