It's fairly inexpensive for live entertainment, it's a lot of fun, the seats are comfortable, and it seems like you have a good view no matter where you sit. If I lived in Harlem I would go more often, but if you have guests from out of town, a first date, or even just want an evening in Harlem, I recommend the place, paired with a soul food dinner at sylvias, you can't go wrong.

The Apollo is my local theater, and I love bringing friends to Amateur Night on Wednesdays. Amateur Night is a weekly song-and-dance variety show, but it's also part comedy show, thanks to the host and those bad contestants who get pushed off stage by "The Executioner." Tix are reasonably priced; buy a week or two in advance for best seats (get Orchestra Center) and don't arrive late, or you risk getting dragged up on stage. Gentlemen, this is a fabulous date place. Do dinner after the 2-hour show at Lenox Lounge or Native. You can buy drinks at the bar in back, but bring a throat lozenge if you plan to cheer/boo a lot. Don't come if you aren't ready to get out of your seat and dance. The neighborhood is safe if you avoid looking like a disoriented tourist on a dark sidestreet.