Legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday will make her return to the historic Apollo Theater 56 years after her death, The New York Times reported. The iconic artist will live on at the theater in hologram-form in collaboration between the Harlem theater and entertainment agency Hologram USA.
Jonelle Procope, president and CEO of the Apollo Theater, said that this is the first step in the venue's initiative to step-up its daytime programming and meet the demands of tourists who come to the theater to soak in its musical history, according to The Wall Street Journal. Holiday's holographic image will greet visitors, talk about the theater's storied past, sing and answer questions from guests.
"We are so pleased to employ this dramatic, cutting-edge technology as we continue to find new and innovative ways to celebrate our rich legacy for contemporary audiences," Procope said in a statement obtained by Billboard.
Holiday was chosen as the first artist to be featured in the hologram installation because of her tenure at the theater during her celebrated career. She made her debut on the Apollo Theater stage in New York City at just 19 years old and performed there more than 30 times, according to The New York Times. She was inducted into the Apollo Hall of Fame earlier this year, and her likeness will be re-created by Hologram USA.
"The show will have narrative elements that speak to Billie's life and struggles, as well as her lasting legacy," Alki David, chief executive of Hologram USA, told The Wall Street Journal.
The installation is scheduled to open around Thanksgiving in time for the holiday tourism season.
