Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment

For decades the Apollo Theater in Harlem has been the world’s biggest showcase for black entertainment. It has played a pivotal role in the history of American popular culture. To celebrate the theater’s 75th anniversary, NMAAHC launched a traveling multimedia exhibition that features historic photographs, costumes, musical scores, and instruments as well as media exhibits by Cortina Productions. We worked with the Apollo Theater Foundation, NMAAHC, and the Apollo Theater Oral History Project at Columbia University to create the introductory film and four alcove films in honor of this legendary venue, where stars are born and legends are made.

Scene from Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment film.

Scene from Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment film.

Scene from Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment film.

Scene from Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment film.