Long before the famed Apollo in Harlem and the Regal in Chicago, there was the Howard Theatre in D.C.
Now after being closed for more than 30 years, the historic edifice -- where scores of musicians like Duke Ellington and comedic, dance and other performers have performed -- is poised for reopening on April 12.
The theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Located at 7th and T streets in Northwest, it served for more than a century as a centerpiece in the Howard-Shaw community. In preparation for next month’s grand opening, the theatre underwent renovations to the tune of $29 million, raised by the nonprofit Howard Theatre Restoration group.
The grand openng will commemorate the theatre’s its 101st anniversary, and at that time, a sculpture of Duke Ellington will be unveiled. Raheem DeVaughn Savion Glover and Dick Gregory are among celebrities scheduled to perform.
