American Airlines Brings Broadway Beyond The Great White Way

NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines, a long-time patron and supporter of the arts, has formed a new partnership to produce the 'Hudson Union Society Salute to Broadway' speaker series. The Hudson Union Society is a midtown Manhattan-based organization that provides first-hand access to some of the world's most distinguished leaders in business, entertainment and politics.

'Hudson Union Society Salute on Broadway' brings the excitement, expertise and experience of established artists and trailblazers of Broadway to Society members and guests. The speaker series kicked off last month with a conversation featuring Emmy and Tony Award winner, Kristin Chenoweth. Upcoming events include detailed discussions with three-time Tony Award Winner and Academy Award Nominee Frank Langella; stage, screen and television actor Alan Arkin; actress, choreographer and director Rosie Perez; and American composer and lyricist Robert Lopez, best known for co-writing the Broadway musical Avenue Q and for co-creating the musical The Book of Mormon. He received Tony Awards for both.

As the Presenting Sponsor of the series, American Airlines will receive corporate visibility and brand signage at select events through next year. In addition, Hudson Union Society members will have the opportunity to enjoy special savings and discounts for travel on American Airlines.

"The arts and culture community, specifically the Broadway community, is vital to the economic health and quality of life in New York City," said Art Torno, American's Vice President – New York. "It is our privilege to support the Hudson Union Society Salute to Broadway series as we continue to nurture artistic excellence, enrich perspectives and expand public participation in the arts."

"We are honored that American Airlines has chosen to partner with the Hudson Union Society as part of their commitment to New York City's arts community," said Joe Pascal, co-founder and president of the Hudson Union Society. "This sponsorship will help deepen relationships, stimulate discussion, inspire creativity and foster a lifelong love of dramatic arts among theatergoers everywhere."

The Hudson Union Society provides an intimate modern setting for people from all walks of life to actively engage with some of the world's most influential people. Recent guests have included television personalities Conan O'Brien; Jon Stewart; Nobel Prize Winners Paul Krugman, Joseph Stiglitz, Jody Williams and Wangari Maathai; Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Academy Award nominees Tommy Lee Jones, Jeremy Irons and David Lynch; Steve Forbes, Chairman & CEO of Forbes Inc.; Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman & CEO of Sony Corp.; J.W. Marriott Jr., Chairman & CEO of Marriott International; Woody Harrelson, Ralph Fiennes, Oliver Stone and Deepak Chopra.

American Airlines is committed to the Greater New York community, which more than 11,000 active AMR Corp. employees and retirees call home. The airline has served the New York market for more than 80 years. American and American Eagle, its regional affiliate, currently offer nonstop service to 61 destinations with 224 daily flights from all four New York area airports.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

About the Hudson Union Society

The Hudson Union Society™ was previously known as the Oxonian Society and was founded back in 2001 by two Oxford graduates, Louise Mensch (Member of Parliament United Kingdom) and Joe Pascal. The Society swiftly built a reputation for provocative, engaging events that attract a novel roster of speakers and a diverse melting pot of members. As the organization grew, it became more and more distinctively a New York phenomenon with its own style and personality. In October 2008, the Oxonian Society changed its name to the Hudson Union Society in order to better reflect its deep ties with New York. Membership is open to prospects of all personal, professional, and educational backgrounds. For more information or to join the Society, please visit www.hudsonunionsociety.com.

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SOURCE American Airlines