Swing Joined: 6/5/05
Did anyone else think it was odd that Jerry Orbach was not listed among those people who passed away this year? And then when they got to Fredd Ebb they started playing "Razzle Dazzle" which was then performed by Orbach's "Law and Order" co-star, Jesse L. Martin?
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/04
I would have liked to have him mentioned, but the whole performance was for Jerry. His friend and co-star, Jesse L. Martin, performing the song that made him famous. I thought that was a great performance. Jesse sounded great.
Swing Joined: 6/5/05
But not to even mention his name or show his picture? It could have been for Fred Ebb, as well. I think it was a goof. Updated On: 6/5/05 at 10:34 PM
It looked like his photo up there as the last one. The audience reacted with applause but I never heard his name mentioned eaither.
Swing Joined: 6/5/05
We have tivo and went back to check and never saw his picture. It's possible that the audience could see something that the tv audience couldn't.
His face was on the screen just as the song started. They showed him
Swing Joined: 6/5/05
My brother also pointed out to me that they completely forgot Christopher Reeve.
nope, christopher reeve was the very first person they showed, but his name didn't make it onto the screen. (it was, however on the screen that was onstage at radio city)
Was Christopher Reeve on B'way?
Jerry Orbach was shown. He was the last photo shown, prior to the song. His name was not mentioned. I feel they should have had a special tribute to him.
Swing Joined: 6/5/05
Marlon Brando was the first person they showed.
No, Christopher Reeves was the first shown. It was lightning fast.
Somebody definitely messed up. The glimpse of Orbach's picture at the end was obviously not all that was intended.
Yeah, Reeve was in FIFTH OF JULY (thought later replaced by a brilliant turn by Richard Thomas). And I saw him on the road with Hepburn in MATTERY OF GRAVIVTY.
Orbach deserved better, however.
Yes, he deserved MUCH better. Instead of wasting everyone's time with rotten singing by Aretha Franklin (who has nothing to do with Broadway, and isn't even relevant to anything, anymore), there should have been a tribute to Orbach, who gave so much to theater.
i think they screwed up the timing, whereas they did show jerry on the screen but didn't mention his name. I wish they let jesse do the full song though. Speaking of which someone make him billy flynn on broadway NOW!
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/03
I thought that Jesse L Martin singing Razzle Dazzle was the tribute, as they worked together for years and Jerry Orbach was the first Billy Flynn.
I thought that it was completely disrespectful that they FLEW through the individuals who passed away this year. It was obviously disorganized. I didn't have enough time to register who each person was before they would change the picture. Also, the camera was way too far back from the screen. It was hard to see. Ridiculous.
Jerry was the final picture up. At the dress rehearsal today, the whole tribute segment went much slower with ample time for each person who has passed, to receive their applause. as for cutting away from Jerry, it was a CBS issue I believe or a directorial problem...
I thought it was very sweet that Jesse sang the song though. I was touched. Wouldn't that have been awesome if they had sang together on Law and Order? I didn't even know Jesse could sing!
Jesse Martin was in the original cast of RENT. Yeah, he can DEFINITELY sing!
Broadway Star Joined: 5/14/03
Jerry's photo was left up on the screen (for the live audience) much longer than it was broadcast on TV...as the screen comes up for the chorus to enter, his photo was still up if you look closely. So, it looks like his picture flying by so quickly can be blamed on the camera shot. Jesse even kind of gestured toward his photo as he began the opening lines - but it's just a shame they didn't get his name up there or leave the picture shot on screen longer.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
The first actor Chris Reeve and the last one Orbach, both names were left out.
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