Harlem Opera House
211 W. 125th Street,
New York,
NY
10027
211 W. 125th Street,
New York,
NY
10027
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Circa 1950 photo added courtesy of Cenk Urganci. Victoria and Apollo in the background.
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the marquee of the bowling alley after conversion
search harlem…proctor’s 125th, and harlem opera house among others…
ccording to the Google Maps, the Harlem Opera House’s address is a little bit down to the east from where the Apollo and Victoria are located. There is no sign of the building now- a modern building is on the site. The Apollo and Victoria are right next door to each other; in fact, the Apollo’s auditorium goes off to the right from the lobby, and the Victoria’s goes to the left, so the back of their respective stage houses are butting up against each other.
Still listed as open in the 1959 Film Daily Yearbook and operated by Leo Brecher.
Still listed as open in the 1953 Film Daily Yearbook.
My late grandfather, Harry Hinkel, grew up in a living area behind the old Harlem Opera House, sometime between 1904 (his birth year) and the 1920’s when he left New York. His mother ran a boarding house in the space, and his father was the opera house electrician. I have no evidence or photos of anything to back this up, only stories from my grandfather. It would be great to learn more about this! Thanks!
The 1930 Red Book Guide for Manhattan and the Bronx list the Harlem Opera as a Loew’s house.
In 1922, the Victoria is listed at 233 W.125th Street, seating 2463. Hurtig & Seamens New Theater seating 1863 is listed on W.125th near 8th Avenue.
Greetings,
Does anyone know where I can view that 1949 photograph of 125th Street that Bryan Krefft mentioned? I tried to view it through the link provided but was unable to. Any information that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
The Harlem Opera House is listed in the 1897-98 edition of Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide. B. Lichtenstein is listed as the “sole prop.” Admission prices ranged from 25 cents to $1.50. The seating was : Orchestra: 553, Balcony: 402, Gallery: 600; total: 1,555 seats. The proscenium opening was 32 feet wide x 36 feet high; the stage was 39 feet deep. The theatre was on the ground floor, had both electric and gas illumination, and had 10 members in the house orchestra.
Good grief, Warren.
Where do you get these great pics? You are the real treasure here!
I recently caught The Pawnbroker (great movie, hadnt seen it before as I was too young when it came out) on TCM and there was a brief scene where Rod Steiger was walking down 125th St. It showed the Apollo and the Loew’s Victoria. Couldnt make out what was playing at the Apollo, but The L Shaped Room with Leslie Caron was on the Victoria marquee….
This is confusing because the original Hurtig and seamon was adjacent to the harlem opera house, according to 1906 postcard. when did the apollo move down the street, or is that just the offices next door to the HOH?
regency
thanks for all of the info on the harlem opera house.
I have searched the NEW YORK TIMES archives and have trouble finding ads for the HOH. I am specifically looking for ANYTHING on May 7 of 1908 and 1914. I have a print item from then, but can’t find it in the paper. I heard a rumor the theater name changed at some point and then back again (not the Appollo). Any help would be appreciated.
I have an original program from the Harlem Opera House from 1907, complete and in perfect condition, not for sale but thought somebody might like to see it. Also have a color program from Alhambra Theatre in harlem, 1907 in beautiful condition, not for sale but maybe somebody would like to see it.