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| GEORGE COSTACOS has the honor of performing by Invitation in the historic Athens 2004 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, which exceeded four billion viewers around the world and marked the return of The Games to their native land. His image from the spectacular River of Time procession circled the globe and was issued on the official commemorative postcards and albums. He is the only Actors' Equity performer in the Ceremony and his appearance and commitment made front page news in the international media. George Costacos is the recipient of countless kudos for his success as an actor and writer, "carving (the) steady and significant course (of) a dynamic artist who has bewitched with his multifaceted talent, knows how to magnetize the lens of current events, and puts his signature on every aspect of his work,"1 to quote but a few of his glowing reviews in the abundant international press. In November of 2004 he was commended in the Statement recognizing "Greece's Outstanding Performance" in the Olympics, issued in Washington DC by New York Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney. In 2004 George Costacos also performed in New York with Steve Ross in The American Songbook: Spotlight on Fred Ebb, and in a benefit concert presentation of his critically acclaimed musical play George Costacos: Greek Gifts with maestro Kitsopoulos, from Baz Luhrmann's Broadway and Los Angeles hit La Boheme. In their previous collaboration for the 20th American Anniversary Concert of Mikis Theodorakis' Axion Esti, George Costacos became the first artist in the world history of the epic oratorio to perform both the Nobel Prize winning poetry and the celebrated popular songs -- receiving praise for his "pioneering double interpretation in this landmark work of Greek musical literature."2 George Costacos has performed on stages all along the East Coast. Countless New York appearances include City Center, Merkin Concert Hall, Alexander Hamilton Auditorium, Musical Theater Works, Hudson River Museum, the 45th Street Theatre and the legendary Sardi's. With his passionate sense of drama and boundless energy, he has been dubbed by renowned leaders of the New York theater as: "An unencumbered spirit with a mission."3 His starring role in Mrozek's drama The Emigrants which celebrated the 25th Anniversary of The Greek Cultural Center was an artistic success with critics and audiences alike, winning George Costacos such accolades as: "An incomparable interpreter,"4 and "one of the best actors"5 in a complex tour-de-force portrayal. George Costacos' artistic path spans theater, music and literature, earning unanimous critical renown in new and established works: "An artistic chameleon,"2 "a particularly distinguished actor,"6 "with a noteworthy career of quality work (and) talent that (is) necessary if not indispensable,"7 -- are but a few from the American and European media. Among many honors, George Costacos was invited to appear live twice on PBS for The Greek Americans, and invited by the Greek Government and SAE to present his poetry collection The Fifth Season for the first-ever Hellenic Cultural Month established by Governor Pataki in New York. He is the author of It Came From Planet George (a collection of published essays), I Have An Opinion On Everything (a collection of humor, wit and daily wisdom) and his commentaries and essays have been lauded as "incisive, illuminating, funny, and globally relevant."8 His is an "on-target, distinctive voice readers have grown to love"9 in fifteen countries, through the monthly issues of Georgie(R). George Costacos' diverse works have been performed at the Dicapo Theatre, Samuel Becket Theatre, 42nd Street Collective, Trilogy Theatre, Don't Tell Mama, Alexander Hamilton Auditorium and countless New York stages and cultural events attended by international dignitaries: The Wrong Pursuit was noted for "compelling characters, snappy dialogue, a heartbreaking narrative trajectory, and a redemptive conclusion."10 Among his numerous songs, The Garden was released as part of a MAC Award-nominated CD whose worldwide sales and concert performances benefit The Barbara Mannuell Memorial Fund for musical theater. His leitmotif musical Dora made syndicated column news while still in development. In rave reviews for writing his musical tale Greek Gifts, the show was hailed as "An astonishing work.5 A most unusual11 journey of the imagination"12 and "an intelligent mix of fun and pathos,"13 with "most ingenious adaptations and new lyrics."1 The stellar reviews for George's performance include: "A fantastic entertainer.11 A unique1 warm voice, gentle phrasing13 and soulful,1 heartfelt passion.13 An absolutely intoxicating,11 highly focused dramatic performer (who) inhabits the lyric to a startling degree,14 paints a larger than life portrait, commands the audience to erase its surroundings"12 and will "seduce you with his charm, wit and great vocals."11 A proud member of Actors Equity, ASCAP, AFTRA and Dramatists Guild, George Costacos considers his parents his greatest teachers and is grateful to all who generously continue to support and nurture his artistic journey. A renaissance man commended for "a strong and singular voice,"10 George Costacos consistently defies categorization. He "remains firmly in the epicenter of attention,"1 "an artist, expected -- once more -- to impress us"6 and his preferred art to master is "the Art of Life itself." How does he plan to do that? "Through my work." In the words of his peers "George's work is consistently clever, sharp and insightful." _____________________ 050217 Aldeus Entertainment All review quotes from press on www.GeorgeCostacos.com (1Men Magazine, 2Health & Style Magazine, 3Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, 4You Magazine, 5Antenna Radio, 6National Herald, 7The News, 8Simon & Schuster, 9Planet Grey, 10New Dramatists, 11Hotline, 12The Greek American, 13BackStage, 14This Month On Stage) |
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