Written by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photos: Amos White V
REVIEWER RATING:
5 out of 5 stars
APOLLO OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND
NEW YORK, NY (March 2, 2009) Harlem’s Apollo Theater hosted a free Open House Weekend, February 21 – 22, and again on February 28 – March 1, as part of its programming for their 75th Year Anniversary season.
![The Apollo Theater marquee shines bright on a Sunday night in Harlem](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_9_lights_marquee-768x1024.jpg)
![Audience members line up to get a chance to walk on the Apollo’s historic stage](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_3_apollo-stage-tour-768x1024.jpg)
The event featured tours, a mini-exhibition of archival photography, screenings of a BBC film about the theater, and panel discussions on Apollo’s 75 year history and beyond (The theater had a different name and management prior to being called the Apollo).
![(L-R) The Artists Forum’s Alexis Howard (Essential Provider) and daughter Nia Antonia get their chance to walk onstage at The Apollo!](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_5_Alexis-Howard-_Nia-Antonia-768x1024.jpg)
![Apollo Ambassador Billy Mitchell takes time out of his schedule to let us take his picture](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_4_Billy-Mitchell-768x1024.jpg)
Audience members came from around the world to get a chance to go on stage and backstage, take pictures, touch the tree of hope, and even perform in a fantasy Amateur Night contest. The tour was conducted by Tour Director/Apollo Ambassador Billy Mitchell.
![Apollo tour guide gives backstage green room lecture](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_10_tour-guide-with-langston-hughes-768x1024.jpg)
![(L-R) Archival photos of Langston Hughes and W.E.B Du Bois](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_6_Langston-Hughes_W-E-B-Dubois_posters-768x1024.jpg)
![Archival photo of Harlem ladies from the 1920’s.](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_11_Harlem-Ladies-1920s-768x1024.jpg)
The March 1st lecture entitled Common Threads: The Apollo and Harlem was hosted by activist, journalist, author, and Amsterdam News columnist Herb Boyd. Boyd, Mitchell, and other esteemed panelists discussed the impact of events in Harlem on the Theater and how the prominence of the Apollo has impacted the social and economic fabric of the Harlem community.
Another Open House weekend is scheduled for sometime in October. Visit the Apollo website for details. For more information about Apollo Theater, visit: apollotheater.org
![The Apollo Theater sign in glorious neon shines bright in Harlem](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_8_lights-768x1024.jpg)
![Apollo’s Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager Derek McPhatter rubs a replica of the Tree of Hope in the Apollo lobby.](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_Derek-Lee-McPhatter_with_replica_-of_Tree-of-Hope_in_lobby_crop.png)
![Nia Antonia & The Artists Forum’s Amos White V pose with the real Tree of Hope on stage at the Apollo!](https://theartistsforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/reviews-2009-apollo-75th_13_Nia-Antonia_Amow-White-V_with_real_Tree-of-Hope_on_stage_crop.png)