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Apollo Theater

253 W 125th St
New York, NY 10027
Phone: (212) 531-5300
Fax: (212) 531-5301
Apollo Theater
Cross Street:
Between Manhattan Avenue and Frederick Douglass Boulevard
Directions:
A, C; B, D at 125th St
Hours:
Vary by showtime

Editorial Review for Apollo Theater – by Ellen McDermott

In Short
The Apollo, which opened in 1914 as a whites-only theater, is best known as a former showcase for legendary black artists including Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk and Aretha Franklin. Today, the historical spot hosts big-name comedy and music performances, as well as the ubiquitous amateur night. In true 20th century fashion, the Apollo became a brand in itself, spawning tours and TV shows.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

User Reviews for Apollo Theater

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/30/2006 Posted by meghanzenz

It's fairly inexpensive for live entertainment, it's a lot of fun, the seats are comfortable, and it seems like you have a good view no matter where you sit. If I lived in Harlem I would go more often, but if you have guests from out of town, a first date, or even just want an evening in Harlem, I recommend the place, paired with a soul food dinner at sylvias, you can't go wrong.

Pros: very entertaining

Cons: can't take photos inside

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/18/2005 Posted by adrianjo

The Apollo is my local theater, and I love bringing friends to Amateur Night on Wednesdays. Amateur Night is a weekly song-and-dance variety show, but it's also part comedy show, thanks to the host and those bad contestants who get pushed off stage by "The Executioner." Tix are reasonably priced; buy a week or two in advance for best seats (get Orchestra Center) and don't arrive late, or you risk getting dragged up on stage. Gentlemen, this is a fabulous date place. Do dinner after the 2-hour show at Lenox Lounge or Native. You can buy drinks at the bar in back, but bring a throat lozenge if you plan to cheer/boo a lot. Don't come if you aren't ready to get out of your seat and dance. The neighborhood is safe if you avoid looking like a disoriented tourist on a dark sidestreet.

Pros: bar in back, excellent value

Cons: tight seating

Schedule

12/05/2008 Chrisette Michele Find Tickets
  8:00 pm    
12/07/2008 NDDL 17TH ANNUAL DOUBLE DUTCH HOLIDAY CLASSIC- MEMORY OF DAVID WALKER Find Tickets
  1:00 pm    
12/09/2008 Musiq Soulchild and CO Find Tickets
  8:00 pm    
12/13/2008 GROOVE WITH ME WINTER SPECTACULAR Find Tickets
  2:30 pm    
12/14/2008 HARLEM HALLELUJAH CONCERT Find Tickets
  3:00 pm    
12/16/2008 Tony Bennett Find Tickets
  8:00 pm    
12/27/2008 KWANZAA CELEBRATION FEATURING FORCES OF NATURE Find Tickets
  7:30 pm    
12/30/2008 Amateur Night At the Apollo Find Tickets
  7:30 pm    
03/21/2009 HONOR! PANEL DISCUSSION Find Tickets
  7:00 pm    
03/22/2009 HONOR! - SPIRITUAL & GOSPEL MUSIC Find Tickets
  5:00 pm    

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Editor's Review

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Performing Arts Location Information for Apollo Theater

Venue Type

  • Theater

Hours

  • Vary by showtime

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
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  • American Express

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