above: All eyes will be on President Bill Clinton when he comes to the Palace Theatre November 22. – Photos: audience by Happyhaha Studio; Clinton contributed
When longtime lecture series vet Howard Szigeti proposed a speaking engagement with President Bill Clinton at the Palace Theatre, CEO Mike Moran did not hesitate.
“It was the fastest yes he ever heard,” he says. “Our mission is to entertain, educate and enrich. This talk will do all three.”
The event on Friday, November 22, is one of only two tri-state area stops on Clinton’s book tour for “Citizen: My Life After the White House”, which will be released three days earlier. In the memoir, he reflects on his post-presidency years and the defining events of the 21st century through personal insights on the challenges and rewards of his time since leaving office. The evening promises an unfiltered view into the 42nd president of the United States.
Bringing one of the most influential figures of our time to Stamford fits in with Moran’s expansive vision for the Palace, which he joined in 2000: to be a premier cultural institution presenting more than 100 performances annually. Recent sold-out performances include Jerry Seinfeld, Trevor Noah and Kidz Bop.
There’s a lot coming our way to make room in the calendar for. Touring productions of “Elf the Musical” and “Come From Away” are slated for December and April. And family favorite “Blippy” returns in May.
The diverse programming at the 1,600-plus seat Thomas Lamb-designed gem provides “access, access, access” he says. It’s also an economic driver, bringing audiences from not just Stamford but across Westchester and Fairfield counties to downtown restaurants and bars. And the city “gets that.”
“The current administration is very supportive and recognizes the importance of art and culture,” Moran says. “It’s evident they consider the Palace integral to the fabric of Stamford.”
The robust educational opportunities, including playwriting and directing workshops, offered at the Palace are another way the institution helps keep downtown dynamic. Perhaps none is more exciting than Triple Threat Performer, the popular two-week intensive musical theater summer program for theater kids ages 9 through16, led by award-winning multi-hyphenate Luis Salgado, whose bona fides include credits from Broadway, film and TV. Stamford success story and Westhill alum Dilian Cantrell returns to the Palace as part of the touring production of “STOMP” this November.
We’re grabbing seats now.
As of press time, tickets to the President Bill Clinton “Citizen” event were still available and include a copy of the book. To purchase, visit palacestamford.org.