Shimmering theater lights, majestic red curtains and soaring musical numbers were transported from Midtown in New York City to the heart of Harlem at the Apollo’s first-ever Amateur Night: Broadway Night. The special event, which may become an annual affair, featured a line-up of contestants performing selections from the Broadway catalog.
The concept is the brainchild of Amateur Night producer Marion J. Caffey, a veteran stage writer and actor. Caffey’s vision represents a significant opportunity for the Apollo to make theater accessible to communities of color. This goal is especially critical in light of The Broadway League’s 2009-2010 annual demographics report, which noted that 75 percent of theatergoers are white.
“It’s a middle class to lower economic issue. Tickets are from $100-300 on Broadway. In a recession when people are weighing dinner against Broadway, dinner wins. I’m interested in celebrating African American contributions to Broadway … and this is part of celebrating in a larger way,” he said.
The celebratory evening was emceed by stars Tsidii Le Loka (The Lion King) and Chaz Shepherd (Dreamgirls) along with comedian Capone. The night’s stellar performances included Child Stars of Tomorrow winner Michael Woodward’s “I Am Changing” from Dreamgirls, second-place adult finalist Cyrille Aimee’s scat inspired take on “I’m Beginning to See the Light” from Sophisticated Ladies and first place winner David Tauler’s saxophone instrumental of “Somewhere” from West Side Story. Guest tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith of Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk delivered a rollicking tribute to iconic dancer and actor Gregory Hines. Such routines conjured the spirits of legendary stars such as Pearl Bailey, Bojangles, Leslie Uggams and many more who paved the way for African Americans in the theater capital of the world.
For Le Loka, the rich history of the African American experience on Broadway doesn’t have to be forgotten due to exorbitant admission prices. As the Apollo exemplified, the wonder of theater becomes more available when local communities invest in productions.
“It’s fantastic to have the experience here and encourage other people to know no matter where you are you can bring Broadway anywhere,” said Le Loka. “So, hopefully, this is a way of creating this in other communities to make it more accessible. Broadway is broader than just Midtown.” – souleo
Photo courtesy of Shahar Azran Photography
