Apollo Theater

Went to amateur night, it was awesome. Love how alive the theater is. Laughed a lot, danced a lot, clapped and yelled a lot. Good times.

Amateur Night at the Apollo — an absolute «must see» when in New York City! Amateur nights are on Wednesday nights and that’s the show you want to see. The theater is historic and the inside is beautiful but the show is why you’re there.
It’s an interactive blast. Audience members cheer at will. They’re also encouraged to boo off bad acts but that didn’t happen when I was there — the acts were terrific. The first half hour consists of a comedian and the emcee, also a comedian and they’re both good. It was a fun start to the show. And the band really rocks. But the show really starts when you enter the theater. It’s just alive with electricity from the crowd outside on the sidewalk and in the theater.
The Apollo is easy to get to. It’s one block from the 190^th Street subway station and forget all the old notions about Harlem. I don’t know if they were ever true but certainly now that’s one of the safest one block walks you’ll take — the street is so full of nightlife, lots of them tourists.

Although I have yet to see a live performance at the Apollo, I recently went on a class trip to the theater and it was awesome! First, we attended a talk inside the theater held by Billy Mitchell, AKA «Mr. Apollo.» We learned all about the history of the theater and its architecture, the numerous legends who have performed there, and a little bit about Mitchell’s own life and experiences since he began working at the Apollo when he was 15 years old. He has lots of amazing stories and has met and worked with lots of amazing people!
Then, we got to walk around the stage, stand where legends have stood, touch the «Tree of Hope,» head backstage and behind the scenes, check out the dressing rooms, and see the jam-​packed wall of signatures of all the famous people who have been there since the get-​go.
It was really an unforgettable experience, and besides the rich and amazing history of the Apollo itself, the tour being led by Billy Mitchell was engaging, funny, and inspiring. Highly recommend!

I’m from Florida, going to NYC for my 6oth Birthday. Of course, wanted to go to The Apollo Theatre. Every show was sold out. So I bought tickets to Amateur Night. This was right after Princes untimely death, they did a beautiful tribute to him. My bad, I don’t remember the host name but he was great. Funny, kept the show moving. Good show. Some great and not so great talent, but fun all the same. Lots of audience participation. They allowed you to take photos. Wonderful old theatre. Perfect size, no bad seats. Had a blast.

Nostalgia is the feeling I experience each time I visit the Apollo Theater to watch a show or to participate in an event… From watching The Fugees performance in the 90’s to just attending an event to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This past January, the Apollo Theater never disappoints spectators and has provided me with fantastic shows! The ambiance still has that historical flair and the staff are wonderful!

A historic theater where legends were made. It was really cool stepping back in time to see the lobby. They give tours usually but not when we came on a weekend. It’s too bad because they have this piece of wood from a tree on stage that the performers would rub before doing an act. They had a replica in the lobby that we got to see but couldn’t see the stage unfortunately.
They sell Apollo theater gift items and memorabilia out front and there is a little walk of fame on the side walk. Cute!

Back in the day, i was too scared to come to Harlem. Even the few times i made a guest appearance, i barely passed by the Apollo. Due to recent gentrification, the police actually give a shit now and patrol more often. So a few months ago i took interest in actually visiting the Apollo for the first time in my life. I checked their website and looked up the upcoming shows. Ive always heard that Ameteur Night can either be a hit or miss. So i decided to purchase a couple of tickets for the High Energy Comedy Night. Not saying that Capone is my favorite comic, but i knew that if it was hosted by him then the show wouldnt be a waste of money. Unfortunately, since i had never been to the apollo, i was unsure as to which seats would give me a good view.
I decided to head down to the apollo and check out the seats myself. Once i reached the ticket window, i told the lady how many tickets i was interested in and i explained my situation. She was more than courteous and helpful; she gave me a full tour of the theater. She showed me the seating on the bottom level, upper level, and even the private seats on the 2 sides. The place was definately way smaller than how its always depicted on tv and movies (thats what she kept saying). Afterwards, we headed back down and out to the ticket window and i purchased my tickets for the center of the 2^nd row on the upper level for $ 45 each.
The night of the show, there were no problems at all. My date and I had just arrived on an Über, all the way from Penthouse 808 in Long Island City. There was no excessively long line just to walk inside. Also, i explained to the lady at the door that 2 of my friends would be showing up late. I asked if there was anyway i could leave their tickets with 1 of the people at the ticket windows. She told me that yes i could, i was given an envelope to put the tickets in, and then i was told to write my friends name on the envelope; pretty easy. Once inside we headed upstairs to our seats. When we made it to our level, there were drinks available for purchase behind the last row. We headed to our seats and waited for the rest of the crew. I loved the view from the upper level, it was very clear. Unfortunately, the biggest problem were the seats. Theyre really tiny and made of wood with no sort of padding. Even my cousin whos 4’11″ tall, she felt tight in her seat, so imagine someone like me whos 5’9″ or someone over 6 feet tall. The theater is in big need of seat replacements/​renovations.
Overall, i loved the experience. It was a great show and i enjoyed every comic. With the exception of the lack of bathrooms and the small seats, i loved everything about the Apollo. Im looking forward to returning in the future.
uve always passed by In need of a big renovation

Wow I really have to say wow very nice theater, beautiful historical landmark in the heart of Harlem, NY. The Apollo is a must see for all New Yorkers and Tourist alike. The ushers are exceptional and very profesional. The seating is broken down into 3 level, Both my love and I sat in the 1^st level orchestra odd seats Row E 1 & 3. The Stage view was very good and the sound system covers ever inch of the theater. I cant wait to return to the Apollo.

I recently came here for an Allen Stone concert and had a blast!
It’s historic and beautiful! It offers three levels of seating in addition to the boxed seating. There are concessions sold in the back and several ushers that are discrete and helpful.
On the downside? Very limited leg room. For those sitting on the upper levels, it does get hard to see — especially towards the back or if you’re on the shorter side.

Great experience, loved the atmosphere and the staff was exceptional!
The show was awesome and reasonably priced.
Being from the west coast this could not have been a better experience.
Definitely do not miss this if you’re looking for a great night out in the Manhattan area

Came for Amateur night and it was such a good time. The host was hilarious and the show was completely sold out. The talent wasn’t amazing, but I guess that’s why it’s amateur night.

How freakin’ cool is this place?! I’m so glad I made last minute decision to buy tickets to Amateur Night. And for the cost of a round of over priced cocktails?! Way better ROI.
For seating, we were in lower mezzanine — row K at the aisle. My personal opinion is that the lower mezzanine is fine, but I’d say try to get seats in the A-​D, E range, otherwise you have a ceiling from the upper mezzanine. I think you’ll feel more audience energy sitting there or in the orchestra. Definitely noted for next time. And the boxes on either side of the orchestra don’t seem so bad either.
There is an easily accessible bar in lower mezzanine and bathroom just down the steps.
A few tips, if you tend to get up to potty quite a bit or replenish beverages often:
–get aisle seats because you’ll make everyone in your row have to stand up to let you out. the leg/​walking room is non-​existent.
–break right before they break for intermission. that bathroom line for the ladies is ridiculous. same advice applies to the bar line.
Go. Your cheeks and tum with hurt from laughing so hard. And what a cool piece of history to experience!

Came here on a school trip for my English class. This place is as historic to NYC as Radio City Music Hall, and it’s filled with memorable guests who’ve performed here. There’s a walk of fame outside the theatre, and inside, you get to learn about the history of the theatre and those who’ve performed these halls. I haven’t been to a performance here, but after visiting, I definitely would in the future.

Saw Amy Shumer here live with a friend and it was an awesome experience. The theater is beautiful and rich with history. I want to go back and attend a jazz performance or something — this place is great. Acoustics are pretty solid too. The audience layout is also very well planned out.

Took me a while to get here, but I finally had a chance! It’s a venue that’s so relatively close to my home, steeped in so much history, and I’m surprised it took me six years of NYC residency to get myself to a show here! I had the pleasure of seeing Amy Schumer talk nasty here in May of 2015 and finally got to experience its glory.
This theater is just a hair over 100 years old, and the architecture shows it, for better or for worse. Red velvet and ornate chandeliers abound, a walk up the VERY steep and winding stairs lead to the mezzanine level; I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fear I’d fall into the few rows in front of me when scooching to my seat in the middle of my row. The view from anywhere in the mezzanine area was great, but the view down to the stage would likely jar anyone with a fear of heights! Also, the bathroom on the mezzanine level… is in need of a MAJOR rehaul! The ladies’ room consists of two stalls and one sink; patrons going in and out definitely need to choreograph planned entrances and exits to avoid walking on fellow female patrons! I didn’t blame the few female patrons that just said, «Screw this!» and used the mens’ room, though even they only had one stall!
I was amazed by the acoustics; maybe I’m just used to places where they are less than wonderful. At the Apollo, the sound is crisp and audible. A comedic performance surely differs from a musical performance, and I look forward to coming back to enjoy a concert sometime; I really want to see how well those acoustics are!

Really enjoyed a great show with Neil D. T and friends, including former major of Newark, New Jersey Cody Booker, and a few comedians that I can’t recall their names.
The service was prompt and cordial.
The space itself its quite smaller than what it looks on tv and media.
Overall a great show and can’t wait to go back.

Nothing but love for this place. Didnt have a chance to go inside. All the greats played here nothing else to be said.

The Apollo Theater is about 100 years old. It has gone through several iterations, changes in ownership and various states of appearance, but all the while, it has been an institution. In 1983, it was declared a NYC landmark. If you have never been, you really owe it to yourself to go at least once.
The venue is small by theater standards, with a capacity of about 1500. There is an orchestra section and two mezzanine levels. There are also 4 box seat sections flanking both sides of the stage, above the front orchestra. The acoustics are reasonably good and sight lines are generally ok wherever you are, as the slope of the seating, particularly in the mezzanines, is steep rather than deep. It has an intimate feel wherever you are. There is one bar at the rear of the orchestra section, and another one downstairs, adjacent to the bathrooms. This is not the most convenient arrangement, but it works.
Aside from popular events like «Showtime at the Apollo» and «Amateur Night,» the venue has been host to an incredible number of both up-​and-​coming and famous established artists. Many humble acts aspiring to greatness have gotten their start on this very stage, and I’m sure that tradition will continue. Overall, I like the Apollo a lot and would recommend experiencing the magic for yourself!

The Apollo stage is so much smaller in person than on tv!
Place was nice and the Host was awesome!
The greeters/​ushers was super friendly and helpful!
We paid 25 for two vodka and cranberry drink that was Water Down!
They had a DJ that did great, we stayed entertained the whole times.
The show lasted about 3 hours!

Apollo amateur night! It’s a great night out and would recommend it to locals and anyone visiting. Honestly didn’t know what to expect but it was great fun.
Be prepared to get up and dance, get out your comfort zone and be prepared to have some fun.
Warning: drinks are expensive here as expected at a theatre. A little cheaper than central new York Broadway theatres
Great history to this place too

I finally got a chance to visit the Apollo Theatre and what better way to do so than watching one of your favorite artists – Lykke Li! My best friend and I got there early, tickets scanned, and we made our way inside. The theatre is historic and it was great to see all the pictures of the famous people who start at Apollo.
I normally love being in the front at concerts but I didn’t have any luck when purchasing my tickets. I settled for the 2^nd level mezzanine-​first row/​center. And wow-​I couldn’t ask for anything better. Perfect view of the entire theatre. It’s small and I realized even if I was on the upper level mezzanine, I still would have had a great view.
Immediately, I was well aware of how attentive and nice the staff was. There’s a bar area in the back– drinks, snacks, and other overpriced items. The theatre was clean, bathrooms as well, and the performance was perfect. A great show at Apollo. I hope to catch more shows here.

L’Apollo est une salle de spectacle mythique situé en plein
coeur de Harlem, dans la 125 ème rue.
Les plus grands sont passés par l’Apollo: de Ella Fitzgérald,
Oscar peterson, Billie Holiday à James Brown …
Y’a une ambiance de folie dans cette salle ! J’y suis allée lors d’ une nuit des amateurs. C’est à dire que plusieurs groupes
ont été sélectionnés pour chanter et jouer dans cette salle…
Pas à un seul instant, y’a du silence dans le public, …
ça hue, ça rigole, ça applaudit, ça encourage!!!
les gens se lèvent. ça siffle si le groupe né plaît pas!!!
c’est vraiment unique. ! Ca reste pour moi un super super grand souvenir.
y’a pas beaucoup de «blancs» dans cette salle!!! ni dans Harlem d’ailleurs. On avait loué un Bed & Breakfast dans Harlem dans la 120 ème rue!!!
Qd on penait le métro, passé la 110 ème rue, peu à peu, les personnes qui restaient étaient tous black. Ca m’a frappé la première fois.
Enfin, nous, on s’y est senti plutôt bien dans Harlem, les quelques jours passés la bas.
J’ai retrouvé un lien sur la salle Apollo si vous souhaitez en savoir +:

Since 1934, every Wednesday night at 7:30PM aspiring artists and performers have graced the stage of the Apollo Theater in the hope that the magic of the hallowed stage and the approval of the infamous audience will launch their careers in the entertainment world. Apollo Wednesday night alumni is an impressive, ever expanding roster of world class talent including such legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Ben. E. King, Jackie Wilson, The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Fat Joe, Lauryn Hill, Dru Hill, Blu Cantrell and many others.
Es ist ein Erlebnis.
Die Apollo-​Amateur-​Night.
Das Theater voll bis in den 4.Stock. Alle Besucher sind schwarz, nur ich bin es nicht.
Alle sind chic angezogen, jedenfalls was der gemeine Harlem-​Anrainer so als chic empfindet. Für unser Auge ist es dann doch eher ungewöhnlich. Alle total aufgedonnert. Die Jungs z. T in weißen Anzügen mit riesigen Hosen, oder aus Glitzerstoff gefertigte Kombinationen.
Auf der Bühne gibts alles. Sänger, Witzemacher, Artisten, Zauberer.
Manche schlecht, aber manche auch noch schlechter.
Manche Nieten wohl auch extra vom Management engagiert, damit das zahlende Publikum seinen Spass hat.
Und den hatte ich.
Allerdings überlebten nur die Besten. Denn wer nicht gefiel, wurde von den Zuschauern gnadenlos ausgebuht und verließ das Scheinwerferlicht als geschlagener Möchtegern-​Star ohne große Zukunft. Wer aber gefiel, wer Talent und Mut hatte, der war an diesem Abend ein Star und konnte sich entweder berechtigte Hoffnungen auf eine Karriere im Showbiz machen oder bei der nächsten Amateur Night einfach wiederkommen.
Ich glaube, alle kommen wieder.
Ich auch.
Update vom 26.6.2009
Einer, der ebenfalls hier seine ersten Versuche vor Publikum machte, ist heute gestorben.
Michael Jackson