New York, NY—Business, Broadway and politics converge on Thursday, October 16, 2014, when the leading business organization in the state, The Business Council of New York State , teams up with award-winning writer, director, producer and actor Tony Lo Bianco to host an exclusive performance of The Little Flower to benefit the Business Council Political Action Committee. This renowned one-man show, set in the 1945 City Hall office of Fiorello H. La Guardia, during his final day as three-term mayor of New York City, will take place at 8:00 p.m. at The Dicapo Theatre, 184 East 76th Street, New York, NY.
“Our members understand the role government and policy play in the success of their businesses, so they'll really enjoy this performance,” said Heather C. Briccetti, Esq. president and CEO of The Business Council.
An exclusive pre-production reception for Business Council members and future members, hosted by Lo Bianco, will begin at 6:00pm.
Lo Bianco is an award-winning stage, film and television actor best known for his roles in the cult classics The Honeymoon Killers, God Told Me To, and The French Connection with Gene Hackman. Fans will also recall his performances in Bloodbrothers with Richard Gere, Heat with Clint Eastwood, Oliver Stone's Nixon with Anthony Hopkins, and The Juror with Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore. Lo Bianco's most recent films include 2011's Kill the Irishman alongside Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer and Christopher Walken, and 2013's Send No Flowers with Sean Young and Gianni Russo.
The Little Flower has been hailed as must-see by politicians and critics alike:
New York State Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli: “Fiorello La Guardia truly comes to life on the stage,” stated “This one-man tour de force is a must see for anyone who loves the history of what makes New York City the unique city that it is. Lo Bianco gives a skillful and passionate interpretation of this extraordinary leader!”
Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg “It was wonderful. Now I know what to do,” said.
Former Governor Mario Cuomo.: “Bravo! Tony brilliantly transforms himself into becoming “The Little Flower”, then convinces the audience he is Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia by a superb performance,”
NY1 commentator Linda Stasis.: “Tony Lo Bianco is a supremely talented and innovative actor who brings Mayor Fiorello La Guardia to life in an evening so exhilarating that New Yorkers — especially political junkie types — who don't catch this one-man show should be fined. It would be a crime to miss it!”
New York Times film critic Anita Gates: “Tony Lo Bianco shows what made the man who ran the city from 1934-1945 so beloved. There is no question that Mr. Lo Bianco has the skills to pull off a demanding solo performance. He is at his finest performance. Mr. Lo Bianco, who also directed and wrote the material, has clout.”
Seating is limited and ticket prices range from $50 for general admission, $100 for select seating, to $250 for preferred seating. For tickets and more information contact Howard Becker, vice president of membership by email at [email protected] or by calling all 518.465.7511 ext. 216.
The Business Council of New York State, Inc.
The Business Council of New York State, Inc., is the leading business organization in the state. It represents the interests of public and private companies, colleges and universities, local and regional chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations across the state.
The primary function of the organization is to serve as an advocate for employers in the state political and policy-making arena, working for a healthier business climate, economic growth, and jobs.
Priority issue areas identified by Business Council members include: contract procurement, economic development, education and workforce development, energy, environment, financial services, healthcare, health insurance, human resources and labor, information technology, telecommunications, legal reform, taxation, transportation, travel and tourism, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.
Through its Insurance Fund, The Business Council provides group disability, life and dental insurance to member companies throughout the state.
Though 72 percent of its members are small businesses, it also represents some of the largest and most important corporations in the world, including IBM, Verizon, Eastman Kodak, Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, Corning, Pfizer and others. Its members employ more than 1.2 million New Yorkers.
The mission of The Business Council is to create economic growth, good jobs and strong communities across New York State.
The Business Council was formed in 1982 through the combination of Associated Industries of New York and the Empire State Chamber of Commerce. The Business Council continues the tradition of business advocacy begun by Associated Industries more than 100 years ago.