The Apollo theater is one of New York City’s landmark attractions. This club has been the starting stage for many well-known artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Shows at the Apollo are often quite pricey but the famous Amateur Night at the Apollo is a lot cheaper. Amateur Night a the Apollo is a big, loud party where brave contestants come to be cheered or booed.
Amateur Night has been a tradition of the Apollo since 1934. The contest for up-and-coming artists takes place every Wednesday night and always packs the Apollo. It is chance to discover the stars of tomorrow, today. The audience votes for their favorite singing, dancing, comedy and hip-hop acts by applause. Winners are invited for monthly show-off nights to compete against each other.
A great performance at the Apollo can be the launch of a promising career, but if you are not talented, beware! Booing is encouraged for acts that do not capture the audience. If the boos last more than a few seconds, then the Executioner appears to send the performer off-stage. Watching an execution is part of the fun of Amateur Night at the Apollo and something that many of today’s top artists have gone through before they became famous.
The Apollo has three levels of seating: Orchestra ($27.00); Mezzanine ($22.00); and Balcony ($17.00). You can book in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office on 125th Street, or by calling Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000.
