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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 230-04
August 29, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG WELCOMES DELEGATES TO NEW YORK CITY WITH "SALUTE TO BROADWAY"

Republican National Convention Delegates Set to Experience City Life

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg officially welcomed the 2004 Republican National Convention delegates and guests to New York City today with the "Salute to Broadway," the NYC Host Committee 2004's official delegate welcome event.  The "Salute to Broadway" will replace the traditional Convention welcoming parties with a night on Broadway, and give visitors a truly New York experience during their first night in New York.  Over thirteen thousand delegates and their guests will attend eight Broadway performances tonight: 42nd Street, Aida, Bombay Dreams, Lion King, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, and Wonderful Town.  Mayor Bloomberg was joined in welcoming the delegates and their guests to Broadway by Governor George E. Pataki, former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, New York Times Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr., League of American Theatres and Producers President Jed Bernstein and NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas.  

"On behalf of New York City, I would like to welcome all of the delegates and guests to New York City and to Broadway," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "For one night, thousands of visitors will get to experience the magic of Broadway.  This convention is about being proud of our City, showing it off to the rest of the world, and creating jobs for New Yorkers in construction, retail, entertainment, hospitality and other industries, giving our economy a big boost. I extend my heartfelt thanks to The New York Times for extending the gift of Broadway to the delegates and guests of this year's Republican National Convention."   

"The New York Times believes in New York, in Broadway and in democracy," said Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.  "We're delighted to be playing a role in bringing all three together for a night of entertainment and enlightenment."

"There is no stage in the world quite like Broadway.  So, it is only appropriate that as the Republicans prepare to raise the curtain on their convention that they first come here for a Salute to Broadway," said Cristyne L. Nicholas. "Tonight, delegates from all 50 states will be in the audience as casts of eight shows demonstrate why New York is the entertainment capital of the world. I want to thank Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the New York Times for showcasing Broadway's magic for the kind of welcome only New York City can provide."

"For more than a century, visitors have experienced the excitement of show stopping performances in top quality Broadway plays and musicals," said Jed Bernstein, President of the League of American Theatres and Producers.  "As one of New York City's most important industries, Broadway is proud to welcome the delegates and their guests."

In addition to the eight Broadway performances, the following theaters performances will be offering advantages as a part of "Come Early, Stay Late" for delegates and guests, including: Chicago the Musical, Wonderful Town, Murdered by the Mob, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Naked Boys Singing; 42nd Street, Fame, Movin' Out, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Caroline or Change, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, Sly Fox, Little Shop of Horrors.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jennifer Falk   (212) 788-2958

Paul Elliott/Brian Mahanna (Host Committee)   (212) 630-8085

Diane McNulty (New York Times)   (212) 556-5244

Randy Weiss (Broadway League)   (212) 703-0219

Lisa Mortman (NYC & Company)   (212) 484-1287




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