Post by Admin on Oct 29, 2016 16:55:01 GMT -4
Fox is reviving the long-running “Showtime at the Apollo” as a pair of specials with Steve Harvey set to host.
A two-hour version of the classic talent showcase from New York’s Apollo Theater will be broadcast on Fox Monday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. A one-hour special will follow in early 2017. The specials will feature elements of the Apollo’s weekly Amateur Night competition, which has been running for 82 years and helped launch the careers of artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five and D’Angelo.
“Showtime at the Apollo,” featuring the Amateur Night competition and performances by established stars, aired as a syndicated television show from 1987 to 2008 and featured music, comedy, dance and other acts. Harvey served as its host from 1993 to 2000.
“I’m excited to be going back home to the Apollo to celebrate the history of this great theater,” said Harvey. “I have great memories from my time there, and this is going to be a homecoming party that you won’t want to miss.”
Jim Roush and Chris Wagner will executive producer for the Roush-Wagner Company. Reginald Hudlin will serves as executive producer and showrunner. Don Weiner will direct the December special and serve as an executive-producer. Jonelle Procope will executive produce for the Apollo Theater. Michael Antinoro will executive produce for IMG.
“Since its inception in 1934, the world’s original talent competition – Amateur Night at the Apollo – was, and continues to be, a primary source for discovering new talent and spotlighting up-and-coming artists. That tradition was continued with the successful 21-year run of the ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ television program,” said Procope, president and CEO of the Apollo Theater. “We’re proud to continue to produce our live, weekly show, and are equally excited to be partnering with Fox to produce this ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ special and to bring the Apollo experience back to television!”
Fox Entertainment president Davis Madden added, “The Apollo Theater played a crucial role in so many of this nation’s most talented artists, including Steve, and we couldn’t be happier to have him lead us back to this legendary venue. We’re sure this will be a fantastic night of entertainment.”
