IN THE NEWS

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"An admirable talent, charisma, the cut of a classic star.
Soulful passion, incomparable performance.
An unusual, unique voice."

IN THE NEWS

**

"In The World Of Stars:
PERSONALITY: GEORGE COSTACOS
The Greek Who Conquered Broadway"

"Where the lights of Times Square dazzle you, a Greek shines -- in a celebrity circle. Young, multitalented and successful, George Costacos enjoys impressive, continuing, glowing reviews. An artistic chameleon, constantly risking, playing against type, roles they don't expect. Pioneering interpretation. Proving true once more the fame of (his) emanating creativity. A perfectionist, giving great attention to detail. An incomparable dramatic performer."

The complete interview in Health & Style on sale now worldwide at news stands that carry international editions.

"An actor with a noteworthy career of quality work."

IN THE NEWS

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"A new album of songs from the musical The Confidence Man is to be released on Original Cast Records. The album will feature artists such as George Best and all proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS."

IN THE NEWS

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"The first artist in the world to be assigned a double role (texts and songs) in the recital of Axion Esti."

"A pioneering double interpretation (literary texts and songs)
in this landmark work of Greek musical literature."

"Broadway maestro Constantine Kitsopoulos directed George in Axion Esti at Merkin Concert Hall."

Cultural Correspondent to the United Nations

"He became the first artist in the world and the history of legendary oratorio 'Axion Esti' who was cast in a revolutionary double role (text and songs) for the Celebration Concert of the 20th Anniversary since the American Premiere of the work by Theodorakis-Elytis."

"A pioneering double performance to Costacos for the 20th Anniversary of the American premiere of 'Axion Esti.' He was fully applauded by the full-house audience of New York."

"He has proven his talent through successful performances such as - among others - the 20th Anniversary of the Premiere of 'Axion Esti' in America. He performed the epic texts of Elytis and the legendary songs of Theodorakis, that have been performed and sung by great theatrical and musical artists before him. He was transformed into Katrakis and Bithikotsis in one night."

"From the music-and-dance theatrical superproductions of Broadway, to the recital of "Axion Esti" and from writing his play "Greek Gifts" to concerts of anthology masterpieces from great musicals, he makes sure to always give his best self for the public and to select works that express him, so that he also feels complete."

IN THE NEWS

**

Health & Style Magazine: Photo Caption: "From the historic Broadway Strike"

"H&S: I read in the French "Le Monde" your statement during the recent historical strike to keep the music live on Broadway.

GC: What I had to say was that, well, I'm Greek... I know something about theater... It must be live! You can't remove the musicians from the musical and put in a computer or canned music in playback. Then it's karaoke! Then you might as well remove the live actors and put robots."

"In front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center building, the site of the trade unions, the young actor-singer George Costacos 'draws his sword:' I am a live singer-actor flesh and bone, I need live musicians! Broadway is not karaoke! To sing means to breathe, to phrase and express words in different ways, live. What would happen with a computer if a bug occurs?"

"With thousands of actors in New York, George Costacos was the only actor whose commentary was hosted by the French 'Le Monde,' about the historic strike of Broadway, which shut all the theaters and cost a loss of over five million dollars."

Cultural Correspondent to the United Nations

"He was the only actor that French newspaper Le Monde sought for comment on the historic Broadway strike."

IN THE NEWS

**

"Costacos' originality and dedication in the advancement of hellenic art to the international audience doesn't stop. When he was asked to participate in the first cultural Hellenic Month, a decree that governor George Pataki established in New York, George Costacos 'wove' his poetry collection The Fifth Season into a solo one-act performance, fascinating his audience yet once more."

"A significant contribution to the success of the convention."

Cultural Correspondent to the United Nations

"He was invited to perform his collection of poems 'The Fifth Season' as a one-act for the first Hellenic Cultural Month, a decree established by New York Governor George Pataki."

IN THE NEWS

**

"...I had to get accustomed to being treated as a human being and a professional, by other professionals. And that was just the first day.

...I was in. I was in the Equity Lounge -- no longer as a non-union actor who'd fruitlessly waited around all day to be seen;  no longer having to try the impossible to sneak past the "gate keeper" of the day, or past Jerry Cole (Director of the Audition Center and Lounge), who can see through walls;  no longer having to crash an audition and face a shocked casting director, wondering how I managed to get in -- again;  no longer having to pretend that I would die if I didn't go to the bathroom in the Lounge. None of that. I was a brand-spanking-new Equity member and I was there to audition. A feeling of joy and calm overcame me -- for about a minute. Then terror set in. There was going to be no endless waiting, no hurdles, no wasting time, I could just sign up for a number, wait my turn and get on to business.

When was I going to have time to torture myself about whether I was good enough, prepared enough, worthy of being a member, or even to be seen as an equal? Artists put themselves down better than the worst critics can, but Equity wasn't giving me the time to do it..."

"...It was not the first time that (he was) featured in such a way to all of american showbiz through its official newspaper. (He was) also, the first artist who was asked for an interview there, upon induction to Actors' Equity as a new member."

IN THE NEWS

**

"It's certainly the city where everything can happen -- that's why it does. One such experience? He chuckles and then tells me: "I had gone to Harlem to see a concert of African-American Christmas Gospel. The Ridley Sisters were singing. When they finished, they asked the audience if there was something we like that they didn't sing. So I call out "Oh Holy Night," which is my favorite Christmas song. They take a good peek and then say "George! Come on stage baby!" Meaning, go up on the stage to sing it with them. In Harlem! It was fantastic, no matter how much my legs were shaking from stage fright. But the applause confirmed something I learned when I first arrived in New York: that only we ourselves can limit our potential and our vision, or isolate ourselves from the world around us."