April 12, 2011,
Things that make me happy… Amateur Night at the Apollo
When was the last time you laughed so hard that your ribs hurt? I remember years ago staying up late night to watch “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” featuring the always funny Amateur Night.
Remember comedian, Steve Harvey, before he became a King of Comedy, radio, and now… relationship books? He was the show’s most famous and funniest host that guided amateurs to famous tree stump for luck before they hit the stage to an eagerly waiting crowd. For some, the crowd cheered and supported, but others suffered a different equally entertaining fate. Every time Howard “Sandman” Sims tapped and chase a performer of the stage to the jeers of the audience I would crack up laughing.
Well, guess what? The show is in its 70th year and still running strong. This week I took my first trek to the live Amateur Night at the Apollo and all I can its one of the best shows for the money ($19-$30 tickets) in NYC. There is no doubt that although the entertainment provided by the host, comedian Capone, the performers, and band is first rate, the star of the Apollo is still the audience. In no other venue, is the audience (and yes its still mostly black) participation the critical part of the show. And boy does the crowd get involved…
It starts with dancing in the aisle to a pretty good DJ dropping current hits that gets the crowd hyped up like any hip club in the city. Next they have the young amateur portion with a few kids doing there best to entertain. I saw the cute little girl of 9 years old belt out an old R&B classic with all the attitude of a diva….So cute and funny.
But then comes the main event, the amateur competition. To be fair most other the performers were very good and certainly could sing. But the crowd just couldn’t wait for bad singers to come out and feel the wrath of the crowd. What is even more fun is getting the booing started and watching the wave of jeers overtake the cheers and then the sirens… And when the siren sounds and the new “Sandman” comes out and dances the poor performer off stage… it still is way too much fun.
Anyways.. if your in the city and want to check out a good show. Try the Apollo, Wednesday nights at 7:30pm. I am sure you will have fun and will surely laugh… I just hope your ribs do better than mine.
This is short video of one of the audience members getting down during intermission. This makes me smile...
So… Can you remember the last time you laughed really hard? I would love to hear how long ago and what made you crack up.
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