Apollo Theater plans to build new performance spaces

NEW YORK — New York City’s Apollo Theater plans to build two new performance spaces to incubate works by up-and-coming artists.

Executives at the Harlem institution say the new Apollo Performing Arts Center will feature one space with 99 seats and another with 199. The New York Times reports the work is part of the redevelopment of the nearby state-owned Victoria Theater.

Apollo Theater Foundation President Jonelle Procope is declining to give cost details but says much of the project’s capital comes from fundraising efforts.

Officials say programing at the Apollo’s main stage will not be affected by construction on the new spaces, which are due to open in 2020.

Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and many other stars have graced the stage of the venerated theater.