A new presentation at the Apollo Theater featuring jazz icon Billie Holiday will give the Harlem, N.Y., venue bragging rights as the first theater in the U.S. to offer presentations incorporating hologram technology on an ongoing basis.
Created in association with Hologram USA, the Holiday hologram show will launch in late 2015. Drawing upon legendary and contemporary artists from the theater’s rich archives, the new initiative is part of The Apollo’s plan to expand its daytime programming beyond its popular tours and educational programs.
“We are so pleased to employ this dramatic, cutting-edge technology as we continue to find new and innovative ways to celebrate our rich legacy for contemporary audiences,” said Jonelle Procope, president and CEO of the Apollo Theater, in a statement announcing the initiative. Added Alki David, CEO of Hologram USA, “To be able to bring back epic artists on the historic stage that gave them their debuts is mind-boggling, and is exactly why I invested so much into this technology.”
Inducted into the Apollo’s Walk of Fame this year, Holiday appeared nearly 30 times on the theater’s storied stage after debuting there at the age of 19. Those engagements included solo concerts plus performances with the Count Basie Orchestra and Duke Ellington, among others.
The date of the Holiday hologram debut as well as additional programming details will be announced in the coming months (apollotheater.org). The Apollo Theater’s 2015-2016 season includes signature series Amateur Night and Apollo Music Café. Breakin’ Convention, a festival featuring hip-hop dance artists from around the world, will be the season’s first presentation.
