FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 22, 2000
| Contact: | Sunny Mindel/Mary Lasher (212) 788-2958 |
| Wally Rubin, (MOFT&B) 212/489-6710 ext. 224 |
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani celebrated the end of theatre season by honoring Peter Schneider and Tom Schumacher, co-presidents of Disney's Buena Vista Theatrical Group, for their commitment to live theatre and contributions to the revival of Times Square. The Mayor also proclaimed the week of May 29 through June 4th as "Theatre Week in New York City" at the annual Salute to the Theatre Reception held at Gracie Mansion.
Also in attendance were Patricia Reed Scott, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting; Jed Bernstein, President of the League of American Theatres and Producers; Roy Somlyo, President of the American Theatre Wing; and actor Jason Raize, star of Broadway's "The Lion King," who performed at the ceremony.
Mayor Giuliani said, "Disney's unmatched commitment to Broadway was a galvanizing part of our successful effort to revitalize 42nd Street and the Times Square area. With the brilliantly restored New Amsterdam Theatre and three new Broadway musicals entertaining 40,000 theatre-goers each week, Disney is both a Broadway powerhouse and a big part of what makes New York City the capital of the world."
"I am also proud to proclaim the week of May 29 through June 4 as 'Theatre Week in New York City.' This season, the New York theatre community proved, yet again, that New York City truly is the theatre capital of the world. We are proud of all of the artists and theatre professionals, both on and off Broadway, who have contributed to this extraordinarily successful season," the Mayor concluded.
Commissioner Scott said, "This year's Theatre Week proclamation is accepted in honor of two of the 20th Century's greatest and most colorful showmen, David Merrick and Alexander Cohen, who passed away last month. These two men played integral roles in the history of theatre."
The reception was sponsored by American Express and the Nederlander Organization.
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