Finalists in a nationwide search for amateur acts to be part (a week each) of the action in the musical 125th Street are having their final auditions Sept. 3 for a chance to appear at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

125th Street, produced by the Harlem Company, began previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Aug. 30 and will have its press night on Sept. 17.

Set in The Apollo Theatre, Harlem, in 1969, this is a musical that is based on the famous Harlem theatre where some of America's finest musicians and singers appeared.

A variety show host, Tony Sorrento, tries to make a comeback at a live performance at the Apollo, but none of his stars show up, so he is forced to stage a talent contest (which members of 125th Street's audience can join in) to find replacement performers.

The amateur night in the show has its origins in the real Apollo Theatre, where, among others, James Brown and Gladys Knight appeared and went on to become stars in their own right. Now, in London, real-life amateurs, picked from open auditions across the country prior to the show's arrival at the Shaftesbury, will be a part of each performance.

—By Paul Webb Theatrenow