How many legends have graced this very spot? This is the Apollo Theater. It is a beacon of Black American culture. The Apollo Theater stands tall at 253 West 125th Street in Harlem.
The Apollo’s story began in 1913. Jules Hurtig and Harry Seamon built it as a burlesque venue. It was originally called Hurtig & Seamon’s New Theatre. Imagine it only served white patrons back then.
In 1934 everything changed. Sidney Cohen acquired the theater. He transformed it into a stage for Black performers. This is where legends were born. Frank Schiffman and his family ran the Apollo Theater from 1935 to 1976. The Schiffmans helped the Apollo become the heart of Harlem.
Amateur Night at the Apollo is a legendary event. Every week, novice performers step onto this stage. The audience decides their fate. Many famous careers started right here. The Apollo Legends Hall of Fame honors the theater’s greats. It celebrates their lasting impact.
Look at the theater’s design. George Keister designed it with neoclassical elements. The facade features white glazed terracotta from 1914. A marquee added in the 1940s announces the night’s stars. In 2005 a modern LED marquee was installed. The lobby is long and narrow some say like a bowling alley. The Tree of Hope a good luck stump now sits in the lobby.
The Apollo Theater has about 1500 seats. The auditorium has curved walls and a domed ceiling. Balconies rise above the orchestra level. The theater once had a ventilation system to remove cigarette smoke. The Apollo also had advanced electric lights.
Consider the names that echoed within these walls. Adelaide Hall Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown graced this stage. The Apollo was a key venue on the Chitlin’ Circuit. It showcased R&B jazz blues and gospel.
The Apollo faced tough times. It even closed temporarily in 1976. Percy Sutton bought it in 1981 and renovated it. The Apollo reopened in 1985 with new recording studios.
In 1991 the New York State Urban Development Corporation bought the Apollo. They assigned its operation to the Apollo Theater Foundation. This nonprofit keeps the Apollo’s legacy alive.
The Apollo has commissioned new works and hosted educational programs. The Apollo was temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Apollo Theater is more than a building. It is a symbol of Black culture. It is a place where dreams take flight. It stands as a testament to the power of music and performance. The Apollo continues to inspire new generations.