As many of you may know I’m a huge musical theater fan. Last night Jerry Orbach died of prostate cancer at age 69. Most people recognize him as Lennie Briscoe from TV’s “Law and Order” franchise. Orbach however was first an actor in musicals. He was originated the roles of Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” El Gallo in “The Fantasticks,” and Julian Marsh in “42nd Street.” Orbach appeard in numerous television and movie roles, including providing the voice for Lumiere in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (one of the last Disney movies I actually like that isn’t made by Pixar). He was nominated for Tony awards for “Guys and Dolls”, “Chicago”, and won one for his performance in “Promises, Promises.” I always enjoyed watching/listening to Orbach perform. The lights on Broadway will be dimmed tonight in his honor. He will be missed by many.
Amazon.com has quite a listing of recordings featuring Orbach (link).