[Dixielandjazz] Apollo Theater in Harlem Restored

[Steve barbone]

Snipped for Brevity. Interesting that they restored it to its 1930's/40's
glory when Louis et al played there. Note also the last paragraph about
programming in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. If successful, no
doubt good news for the development of jazz audiences.

Cheers,
Steve   

At Historic Apollo Theater, Restored Facade Is the Star of the Day

By ROBIN POGREBIN - December 15, 2005 - NY TIMES

Like any 92-year-old, the Apollo Theater has been alternately cherished and
neglected. . . But through it all, the Apollo, a 1913 former burlesque hall
designed by George Keister, has stood on West 125th Street as a beacon of
black entertainment, an aging Harlem icon.

. . . The theater's storefront has been updated in the spirit of a 1930's
design, with a semicircular box office of stainless steel. Flat screen
monitors built into the storefront have replaced the original poster cases.

. . . The restoration architects  . . . chose to go back to its glory days -
the late 30's and early 40's. That was the era when  . . . top comedians
graced the stage, along with legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington,
Lena Horne and Sarah Vaughan.

"We wanted to restore it to when it was really a Harlem theater" Mr. Blinder
said, "to restore it to its heyday and add an element of today that didn't
entomb it."

. . . .The renovation is meant "to signal to the public that the theater is
back as the jewel in the crown on 125th Street," said Jonelle Procope, the
theater's president and chief executive.

. . .the cost is expected to be closer to $65 million.

The changes coincide with an effort to step up programming. The new vice
president for programming, Laura E. Greer, said there would be more
collaborations with groups like Alvin Ailey and Jazz at Lincoln Center.