MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2007

Czech Rock Star Eyes Tulsa For His US Premiere
Of "Hamlet, the Rock Opera"

Janek Ledecky met with Tulsa Deputy Mayor Tom Baker to deliver gifts from Prague Mayor Petr Hejma "to pre-negotiate the possibilities of cultural exchange between Prague and Tulsa."

Tulsa, Oklahoma - Janek Ledecky, Grammy Award-winning musician and composer of a Broadway-bound, groundbreaking rock opera visited Tulsa from the Czech Republic to discuss launching his US premiere of "Hamlet, the Rock Opera" during the inaugural Tulsa International Festival set for May 2008.

"Hamlet, the Rock Opera" has been a European sensation and a current smash-hit in Korea. Ledecky, one of the most popular pop stars in the Czech Republic, came to Tulsa with Broadway theatrical director Robert Johanson in preparation for a special "pre-Broadway" run of "Hamlet, the Rock Opera" next spring. The show, which would feature actors from Prague, Broadway and Tulsa, is being considered as the "centerpiece of the Tulsa International Festival," according to Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa executive director Ken Busby.

During his visit, Ledecky met with Tulsa Deputy Mayor Tom Baker to present gifts from Prague Mayor Petr Hejma, "to represent Czech culture and … to pre-negotiate the possibilities of cultural exchange between Prague and Tulsa."

Ledecky and Johanson said they were impressed by Tulsa¹s cultural history, warm hospitality and rich beauty in its treasures, such as the Jazz Hall of Fame, art deco architecture, the new BOK Center and the various theatres they toured. They said they are eagerly looking forward to their return in early 2008, when local auditions and preparations for the show continue.

Arrangements for the visit and production have been made by CzechMates Entertainment, a Tulsa-based operation started by businessman Rick Moderow and director-playwright Vern Stefanic.

The project is being organized by Step Up, Tulsa!, an initiative of the Tulsa Community Foundation (Phil Lakin, executive director); the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa; and the Tulsa International Festival.

Arrangements for the visit and production have been made by CzechMates Entertainment, a Tulsa-based operation started by businessman Rick Moderow (right) and director-playwright Vern Stefanic.	Pictured left to right: Josh Davis, Mayor's Office; Becky Collins, Tulsa Global Alliance President; Rick Moderow, CzechMates Entertainment; Janek Ladecky, Grammy Award-winning musician from Prague; Tom Baker, Deputy Mayor; Vern Stefanic, director-playwright; and Robert Johanson, Broadway theatrical director.