When the Kennedy Center announced the Kennedy Center Honors for 2024, the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem was among the honourees.
The Apollo first opened in 1934 on 125th Street; but after 90 years, it is time for a makeover and beginning this fall, the work will begin. The renovation is expected to be completed some time in 2026.,
The full-scale restoration includes adding a café and bar to the expanded lobby, restored seating, an upgraded backstage, a revitalized marquee, and an updated Walk of Fame celebrating the artists who have performed on the Apollo stage. This is the first major renovation at The Apollo; it underwent some minor upgrades during the 1980’s.
With the upcoming renovations, The Apollo has moved to the Victoria Theatre as the Apollo Stages.
Speaking on the upcoming work on the 90 year old non-profit theatre Apollo Chairman of the Board Charles Phillips said in a statement, “the revitalization and restoration of the Historic Theatre is a deeply exciting undertaking – one that we could not do without the tremendous support of our collaborators, our community, and everyone who has sat in the audience of The Apollo and recognized it as the gravitational cent of Black culture and art. The continued support of our Apollo Rising 2.0 Capital Campaign has opened the door to a new era, and we cannot wait to step through”.
Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks added, “this is a momentous year for the Apollo, as we continue the institution’s expansion and modernization for the first time in the organization’s history. While ushering us into our next chapter, the changes we are making to the Historic Theater also honor the rich legacy and the creative magic that courses through the theatre and pay homage to the many legends who have been propelled into stardom by The Apolllo. After 90 years, we are ensuring that The Apollo is well-equipped to serve the next generations of artists and audiences alike for the next century.”
Thousands of performers have appeared on The Apollo stage over the years including opening night performers Ralph Cooper, Aida Ward, and Bennie Carter and His Orchestra. Other artists that have played The Apollo are James Brown, Bruno Mars whose on the marquee performance shut down 125th Street, Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham, Jackie “Moms” Mabley, Dusty Fletcher, Nicholas Brothers, Berry Brothers, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Buck and Bubbles, Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, and the Count Basie Orchestra.