IN THE NEWS

**

"A visual Greek journey from the mythical to the modern in a captivating, glorious opening ceremony."

"Seen by over 4 billion viewers worldwide, George's image was also issued on the official commemorative DVDs, collectors' books, postcards, calendars and poster albums."

"His image as the 1986 First Revival Olympics Fencer from the stunning "River of Time" procession was issued on the official commemorative materials."

IN THE NEWS

**

"Celebrity Guest Star: George Costacos.
A true celebrity."

"His participation in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games once again fueled the Press with news.

'I'm not going for a role, I'm going to offer myself to my fatherland. Wherever and however she needs me', he stated just before boarding the jet that would transport him to Athens. 'Even if I knew what I'm doing in the Ceremony, I still wouldn't say. We'll all see it in its time. The ceremonies are a national and top-secret matter, they don't need statements. They will state everything on their own'.

Having lived another dream that came true, he says that 'there are no words to describe such an experience. It's like a series of photographs imprinted in your heart. My greatest joy however is that for the first time in an audience, were my parents'."

"...Transformed to look black and white, while doing stylized fencing motions like a silent movie star... George Costacos was "thrilled and honored to be sought out for the part. It was destiny," he says. After being asked to participate, Mr. Costacos, the only Equity Actor in the event, was "particularly proud, ...in front of the international dignitaries and global media in that stadium, not to overlook the four billion viewers around the world." The occasion was also the first time that his parents, who live in Greece, were able to see him perform..."

"My participation in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games is something I wished for, the moment that all Ellins in the whole world, glued to our screens, heard the announcement that the 2004 Olympics would happen (in Ellas). In that frenzied moment of happiness and celebration I made my wish, and I'm glad it came true. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I knew I simply had to be here to offer my talent for this sacred and historic purpose. I feel truly happy to have lived this experience."

"Athens-born and Astoria-raised singer George Costacos seems to have been in just about everything except "My Big Fat Greek Wedding. In 2004 he was part of the opening ceremonies for the Athens Olympics."

"GEORGE COSTACOS: Will be honored in New York for his performance in the spectacular Athens 2004 Olympics Opening Ceremony, which exceeded 4 billion viewers globally. George made worldwide front-page news as the only Actors' Equity member who was invited to perform in the historic event."

"George Costacos is the only artist from Actors' Equity invited to travel from New York in order to appear in the phantasmagoric, historical Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games."

"Praised by Esquire magazine as "the most important Greek of Broadway," George Costacos made American and international front page news as the only Actors' Equity member to perform by invitation in the historic Athens 2004 Olympics Opening Ceremony."

"QUITE AN AUDIENCE: On August 13, in front of four billion television viewers, Equity member George Costacos participates in the opening ceremonies at the Olympics in Athens, Greece."

"He held a sword in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games,
honoring his ancestry once again."

Cultural Correspondent to the United Nations

"Among many firsts and distinctions, Costacos is the only artist member of pan-american union Actors' Equity, who received an honorary invitation to appear in the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games -- something which gave him even wider recognition and worldwide publicity."

"To date, Costacos' most memorable job was when he was part of the opening ceremony performance for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece."

IN THE NEWS

**

MEN Magazine Olympic double issue for August and September
Cover Names: Vitor Rivaldo - Brazilian Footballer, Dora Bakoyianni - Mayor of Olympic Athens
Fotis Nasiakos - Chief of Olympic Security, George Costacos - "The Performer"
Multiple sold-out editions, globally distributed, nationally advertised in print and on TV.

GEORGE COSTACOS: THE PERFORMER

"The famous Greek performer who has bewitched with his multifaceted talent, returns to Greece to take part in the Opening Ceremony of The Games.

Publicity, continuous travels, appearances and unstoppable creativity. A celebratory presentation of his musical work, 'George Costacos: Greek Gifts.' Participation in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games. George Costacos knows how to magnetize the lens of current events.

Young and dynamic, Costacos has carved and is carving a steady and significant course on the stage, especially new Broadway musicals and outstanding artistic events. Despite his youth, he has record firsts that artists twice his age would envy. His resume says it all and is so multifaceted, you never know what to expect from him. The only thing certain is quality. Maybe that's why he remains firmly in the epicenter of attention, with the Press characterizing him on one side "a highly focused dramatic performer," and on the other, "a naughty boy that knows how to play and lighten the mood."

'Fame is the magnifying glass of that which you already are,' he simply says -- another one of his famous quotes, which even Oprah has repeated. He is so unpretentious, you could see him eating a hot dog with Meryl Streep in Chelsea, passing by without calling for attention.

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. He was also the only actor chosen by PBS to appear live in New York during the broadcast of the documentary 'The Greek Americans.' Constantine Kitsopoulos, esteemed Greek-American maestro on Broadway, assigned a pioneering double performance to Costacos for the 20th Anniversary of the American premiere of 'Axion Esti' -- narratives and songs. He was fully applauded by the full-house audience of New York. After the success of their first collaboration the maestro proposed a celebratory presentation of the musical work by George Costacos 'Greek Gifts' which had swept the critics when it was first shown in New York.

It's a matter of personality, an unencumbered spirit with a mission. There was always something different about George, something powerful and commanding, yet exceptionally sensitive. His spirit is so strong and it carries you away. An admirable talent, which he has the ability to share. His Greek blue eyes make him stand out. He has interesting things to tell us. And an unusual, unique voice. That spontaneous laughter, immortalized in so many photographs from his countless premieres.

The camera loves him, he has charisma. He has the cut of a classic movie star, he can play from Satan to Jesus.

Success in difficult dramatic roles... Always stands apart... Dedicated ...Able to impart the truth to his audience... He registers and interprets what he observes with humor and sincerity. Soulful passion, incomparable performance, a most clever mix, a sound that penetrates you, absolutely intoxicating, a noteworthy career. Reviews which are anything but usual -- some artists would do anything for them. Yet Costacos faces the pouring of such praise with an umbrella of realism and appreciation. Keywords for an artist whose aim is to open the heart of all who come to see him.

The reputation of a tough professional and perfectionist who dedicates himself absolutely to the standards and ideals that inspire him. Above all, to be as authentic as can be to the vision, the inspiration. George gives importance to the most minute detail. As the Press reports, he puts his signature on every aspect of his work. The best way to find him is to work with him. "I am my work," he declares. Indeed, he is so absorbed by his work, he doesn't even notice that his appearance on a stage or at a premiere, erupts a storm of camera flashes."

The complete interview in MEN on sale now worldwide at news stands that carry international editions.
Full story also available on www.men.gr

THE STYLE GUY
George Costacos, the most important Greek of Broadway talks to Esquire
and tries on the best suits of the season.

"...'YOU! DANCE!' The auditioner that morning in New York was pointing to a young man sitting outside the hall. He wasn't there to dance, just accompanying a friend to the audition. He's been doing musicals ever since.

At age 9, his enormous blue-green eyes wide open, marveled at the American movies and musicals in his uncle's open-air cinema. Later, he put up a little theater for his childhood bunch.

The exceptionally successful musical, Greek Gifts is the story of a youth who returns to search for the house he grew up in an unrecognizable Athens.

Multitalented. He has written over 1,000 songs, plays, one-acts, articles, musical pieces and poems which have been performed, recorded, published and deified by the most difficult Press.

...Not long ago he was called to participate in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games. Of course he can't say anything about The Ceremony. "What value would it be for us to know?" he says, then smiles and leaves for rehearsals. The "You! Dance!" this time is being said by Greece."

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

GEORGE COSTACOS: BROADWAY REBEL

"He lives in New York, but like any true-blooded Ellin would do, he returned to Ellas only so that he could take part in the Opening Ceremony of the most important event that Ellas is living, the Olympic Games."

IN THE NEWS

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"Bravo Paidia, Bravo Ellas!!! You make us all proud!!!"

"The energy in there is incredible" said George Costacos, exiting the stadium.
"It's awesome to see every Greek united like this."

"I am honored to be offered this casting and to contribute my talent with all my heart in this historic event, which will share the eternal spirit of Greece with the world. I salute the Olympic Spirit and consider it a privilege to work with Athens 2004, director Dimitris Papaioannou, choreographer Aggeliki Stellatou, the entire team and eclectic cast. I believe my participation represents the dream of many Greek artists living in America, and affirms my mission to create cross-cultural bridges between our countries. As I depart for Athens I am confident that the Olympic Ceremonies will be a success for the whole world to see, and that there will not be a dry eye left anywhere."

IN THE NEWS

"Individuals of such talent as George are indispensable for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games.

When he refers to the Olympics he emphasizes "For me it will be the greatest event. Something sacred. There will not be a dry eye left. The Ceremonies will be superior to those of any other Olympic Games. Because no one had the Games - it is here that they started. We have the flame. I want us to succeed and we will succeed. It needs soul. It is, indeed, difficult. It needs spirit. Obedience and willingness. By all means, the cause is greater than the self of each and all of us."

"I certainly believe that it will change the picture of Greece to the world, forever. And I'm honored to be able to contribute to this inspired event, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games." He makes no further statements on the Ceremonies. He considers this "a national and confidential manner." He believes that "The Ceremonies will state everything on their own, in the eyes of the whole world. And there will not be a dry eye left from emotion."

"The reviews call him "a chameleon of art." He seems completely ready to "transform" into the colors of Greece for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens. The production office was trying to come in contact with him. They actually told him: "We have young people like you abroad?"

He believes "The Ceremonies are a national matter, confidential, and they need no statements. They will state everything on their own, in the eyes of the whole world. ...There will not be a dry eye at the Ceremonies, I know it and I feel it with all my heart" he tells E.K. "This will be a production that the whole world will admire... This is the native land of the Olympics and the Olympic Spirit. It's here that the Olympic Flame was lit" he motions, and he wishes to contribute in this great effort of Greece with his own talent and his own dynamism."

"He knows how the power of fame can turn the lens and attention to a good cause. He also knows well how a song brings a smile to a child's lips and can give memories of a lifetime. Besides, in the musical George Costacos: Greek Gifts, he relates the sweetest and most magical memories of his own childhood years in the house where he was born, and the songs his mother sang to him."

"He's Greek, he's famous, the Press have given him exceptional reviews, and his own latest gift to the American audiences... a phantasmagoric concert titled 'Greek Gifts,' a collection of rare Athenian tangos and serenades."

"George's critically acclaimed musical Greek Gifts premiered and was recorded with musical direction by Seth Weinstein, it has been performed in benefit concert sponsored by the New York Foundation, and a version with choir at Dicapo Theatre under musical direction by Broadway maestro Constantine Kitsopoulos -- who previously directed George in Axion Esti at Merkin Concert Hall."

"After the success of their first collaboration... a celebratory presentation of his musical work, 'George Costacos: Greek Gifts' which had swept the critics when it was first shown in New York. Priceless old Athenian melodies with most ingenious adaptations and new lyrics by Costacos. He wrote it in order to present to the American audience a class of Greek music that is unknown to them."

"A particularly distinguished actor in New York. George Costacos chases change (they don't call him "a chameleon of art" unjustly), pursuing to do constantly different things that even he didn't expect. Inspiration for him emanates from Love, Man and Nature. From Life itself. 'As a Greek and an artist, I want to bring Greece to the world and the world to Greece' he tells us. These days he is preparing to mount two performances at Dicapo Theatre, in a play he has written. It's "Greek Gifts," about a young man searching for the house he was born, in an Athens he no longer recognizes after so many years of being absent. George Costacos is an artist, expected - once more - to impress us."

"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."

"Costacos won the american Press and New York's audience with the musical "Greek Gifts."

Cultural Correspondent to the United Nations

"His bright star as an artist of Greek origin carving an important path in America, first caught our attention when he received the best reviews from the American press and New York's theatrical audiences for his unique musical 'Greek Gifts'."