The Apollo Theater is reclaiming its position in the reality TV space that it held back in 1987 (until 2002), with its syndicated music television show, “Showtime at the Apollo.”
Television’s most original talent show, which was preceded by “Star Search” (circa 1983), will begin taping next week for its new season after a near-decade hiatus.
Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx has been tapped to host the new season, which has been renamed “Showtime” and will air on BET next year.
“Showtime” will provide another platform where stars will be born and legends made. Foxx himself has performed on the stage at the Apollo Theater and tells supporters at a fundraiser for the theater at Revlon chairman Ronald Perelman’s home in the Hamptons about his first appearance on the show, “They heard the words ‘from LA’ and started booing.”
Even with the amateur talent shows that appear on prime time networks, Foxx is confident that “Showtime” has not lost its appeal. He says, “The Apollo did it long before ‘American Idol,’ except the audience was the judge.”
Audience participation and immediate verdicts may be the show’s secret weapons. Audience members express excitement and enthusiasm for the artists who entertain them the most with cheers and for those who don’t cut it, parting boos.
Past comedians who honed their TV hosting chops on the Apollo stage include Sinbad, Mark Curry, Steve Harvey and Mo’Nique. –yvette caslin
