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Jessica Moscowitz Jessica's Review of Amateur Night at The Apollo At the conclusion of Arthur Miller's telling drama, The Crucible, John Proctor ransoms his dignity to the judges at Salem as he shouts to the heavens, "Because it is my name! In my life I can have no other!" Proctor cannot bring himself to throw away his pride to a crowd of demanding critics. Centuries later, popular culture indicates that this sentiment of self-worth is lost. At the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, Amateur Night promises its' winner less than fifteen minutes of fame at an absurd price÷dignity. The evening opens with a host dressed in a monochrome suit, who begins with a jazzy rendition of "Let's Get It On." The audience is swept up into the hypnotic performance and the song seems apropos for the evening that follows. This concept of audience approval at Amateur Night dates back to Shakespearean times when groundlings would proclaim "Yay" or "Nay," thumbs up or thumbs down. As a clown appears on stage, this tap dancing, hook-carrying buffoon regulates the evening's entertainment and the show begins. Following the jester's small tap routine comes an exercise to get the crowd enthused; a dance contest that calls for its' participation. With wide eyes and an appetite for the stage, I jump out of my seat for the opportunity to dance on the famous stage, as do several other audience members. Auditioned performers are not the only people who have the chance to perform on these un-televised evenings. After several contestants perform, the audience voices on a winner. Amateur Night flows more as an exhibition of mediocre talent than as an actual show or performance. The majority of the contestants on this particular evening, although I doubt it is different any other night, consist of tap-dancing or singing children under the age of ten. This bias of age takes away the truth of the audience because no one has it in their heart to boo a seven-year-old in an all-white dance costume performing a "cutesy" routine. However, is an audience's inability to boo this type of contestant a sign of talent or sympathy? The obscenity of adolescent beauty queens should teach us that innocence should be cherished and not adulterated by a parent or guardian for a willing audience. However, the entire night does not continue like a kindergarten talent show. There are many talented performers who have the audience clapping, singing along, and even swaying in their seats. The cultural history of the theatre surfaces as a guest host, usually an African American beauty, reads an index card that highlights a specific performance legend that received a start at the Apollo. The night runs long for the amount of talent that is presented, as an intermission divides an overly long first act with a blunt second one. The vendors and bathroom attendants are pleased as they increase their profits but at the cost of our overall enjoyment. As several acts presented identical talents in similar costumes, it seems impossible to have an Amateur Night that does not become redundant. If you can appreciate a true historical landmark, then make sure to visit the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. This venue brims with pictures of legendary performers and an atmosphere of cultural ambience. However worthy a visit might be, only a truly loyal visitor will want to stay for this un-taped version of Amateur Night. While the promise of overnight fame has disappeared, the Amateur stage is presently a showcase of sequined minors and desperately hopeful performers who are searching for their own 15 minutes of stardom. Which, I must add, was something that even I could not resist. Want another viewpoint? Check out Ethan's review of Amateur Night here. |
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