Clinton Tries Hand as Narrator for Ark. Symphony

Reuters ^ | 3-13-03 | Anon

[Pharmboy]

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (Reuters) - Can this man be Broadway-bound? Having established a role as a television commentator, former President Bill Clinton has found another show business front to conquer -- he will be a guest narrator for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Clinton will read from the speeches of a presidential predecessor, Abraham Lincoln, as part of the symphony's March 25 performance of Aaron Copeland's "Lincoln Portrait."

In his debut performance with the symphony in Little Rock, Clinton will also read from the "I Have a Dream" speech of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the orchestra's performance of Alexander Miller's "Let Freedom Ring."

Symphony officials said Clinton would appear without his trademark saxophone. "The works say a lot about Clinton as a person and a politician. They speak to the issues that he's been about," said David Itkin, the music director and conductor of the Arkansas symphony.

The one-night-only performance will benefit the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation.

Clinton made a splash earlier this month when he became the first former president with a regular, paid, prime-time TV gig when he faced-off in a mini-debate with his 1996 White House challenger Bob Dole on CBS's "60 Minutes."

Early in his national political life, Clinton demonstrated a knack for television, appearing on MTV during his first presidential campaign to play the saxophone and gamely answer questions about whether he wore boxers or briefs.

[dirtboy]

Clinton will also read from the "I Have a Dream" speech of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King,

I can just see it:

"Ah dream of the day when white girls and black girls will line up together to service my member..."

[sheik yerbouty]

A line from "Becket" comes to mind..

[nonsporting]

"Narrator?" Won't it be like Andy Griffith as a country hick covering a football game? "What it was, was Mozzzart."

[Ruth A.]

Does this mean the high-priced speaking engagements are drying up?

[Free_at_last_-2001]

Clinton Tries Hand ... - sad tosser!

[jpl]

After the symphony is over, he's going to break out into a rendition of Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels' "Devil with a Blue Dress On".

[tractorman]

He'll either be playing the mouth organ or the bone-a-phone.

[steve-b]

The works say a lot about Clinton as a person and a politician.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is playing porno movie soundtracks?

[P.O.E.]

[Bigg Red]

"The works say a lot about Clinton as a person and a politician. They speak to the issues that he's been about," said David Itkin, the music director and conductor of the Arkansas symphony.

Gee, the initial description of the works didn't make it sound like they were about corruption, perjury, rape, and treason

[AppyPappy]

What's he gonna read? Penthouse Forum letters?

[dead]

"Dear Penthouse Forum,

I never thought I would have anything to write to you about, but I have to tell you what happened to me!

I was president of a large, North American country. My wife had grown cold and distant, realizing that she really preferred the tuna over the beef, if you get my drift.

Anyway, that's when Maureen (not her real name) came into my life. She was a bit of a chubber, but she had a pretty smile. She also wore thongs, even in the office!

One night, I was horny and working late. Fortunately, so was Maureen..."

[Fredgoblu]

Arkansas Symphony? Narrator?

I'm thinking Dueling Banjos with a reading from the script of Deliverance: ..."squeal like a pig!"...

[Fredgoblu]

...my apologies, in advance, to all of the good, honest, upstanding Arkansans out there. This Clinton guy just brings out the worst in me, I guess.

[Pharmboy]

That must've taken a while to find! Excellent...

[Doctor Stochastic]

I thought he would narrate "Peter and the Wolf."

[bray]

Maybe he and Pee Wee Herman can do a doet?

Pray for GW and Our Troops

[Pharmboy]

Ni-i-i-i-i-ce one...

[Gritty]

Can this man be Broadway-bound?

Wrong question.

The only thing that should be in question is how soon he is Leavenworth bound!