Apollo Theater, Historic music venue and theater in Harlem, United States.
The Apollo Theater is a three-story neoclassical theater at 253 West 125th Street in Harlem, designed by George Keister. Its upper facade is white glazed terracotta with fluted Ionic pilasters, a dentiled cornice, and a yellow-and-red vertical blade sign reading "APOLLO" mounted on a steel lattice tower.
The theater opened in 1913 as Hurtig & Seamon's New Theatre, a burlesque house for white patrons only, designed by George Keister. Sydney Cohen acquired it in 1934 and it became a venue for black performers; Frank Schiffman's family ran it from 1935 to 1976. Percy Sutton bought it at auction in 1981, and it reopened in 1985 after refurbishment.
Wednesday night amateur competitions continue to draw new talent and form a living tradition in the community. Audiences actively participate and give spontaneous feedback that can determine success or failure on stage.
Visitors can join guided tours that offer insights into the backstage area and the history of the venue, or attend one of the regular evening performances. It is advisable to reserve tickets in advance as popular events often sell out quickly.
A bronze replica of the Tree of Hope stands beside the stage and is believed to bring luck when performers touch it before going on. The original tree once stood outside another theater and became legend after it was cut down.
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