Former "Law & Order" Co-Stars, Sam Waterston and Bebe Neuwirth,
to Speak at Star-Studded Event
NEW YORK, June 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Snapple Theater Center is pleased to announce the dedication of its third floor theater house as the "Jerry Orbach Theater" in honor of the late well-known actor. A formal dedication ceremony attended by some of Orbach's closest friends and family will take place on the evening of June 21 at the theater. As a result, Jerry Orbach's name will remain on Broadway forever as part of the New York City entertainment landmark.
The dedication of the "Jerry Orbach Theater" and the adjacent "Elaine Cancilla-Orbach Rehearsal Studio," named for Orbach's wife, will take place at the Snapple Theater Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21. Orbach's "Law & Order" co-stars, Sam Waterston and Bebe Neuwirth, will speak at the event, and a number of Orbach's film, television and stage co-stars will attend to celebrate the honor.
"Snapple's goal is to provide New Yorkers and visitors with more access to theater and the arts in New York City, and we've been able to do that through the Snapple Theater Center," said Bryan Mazer, Vice President and General Manager of Teas at Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, the makers of Snapple. "Jerry Orbach exemplified a dedication and true love for the arts and we're thrilled to honor him in a way that really connects to New York theater history."
The new "Jerry Orbach Theater" is located at the Snapple Theater Center at 50th Street and Broadway and is currently housing the revival of the world's longest-running musical, "The Fantasticks." Since its opening in 2006, the Snapple Theater Center has quickly become a fixture in New York theater. The Snapple Theater Center is also the home for "Perfect Crime," the longest-running play in New York City history, which plays on the fourth floor of the theater center. Together, the two theaters provide seating for almost 400 theater-goers.
In addition to his well-known work on "Law & Order," Jerry Orbach starred in such major films as "Beauty and the Beast," "Dirty Dancing," "Crimes and Misdemeanors," and "Prince of the City." As a Broadway star, Orbach lent his suave baritone and effortless charisma to lead roles in such classics as "Chicago," "42nd Street," "Promises, Promises" and "Guys and Dolls."
The original idea to rename the third floor of the Snapple Theater Center after Jerry Orbach was inspired by a lobby photo of him as a young man when he starred as the leading role of El Gallo in the original production of "The Fantasticks" in 1960. Snapple Theater Center general manager, Catherine Russell, approached the actor's widow, Elaine Cancilla-Orbach, with the idea of renaming the theater after Orbach.
"I'm so pleased that Jerry will be forever remembered on Broadway and in New York City," says Cancilla-Orbach. Russell adds, "Everyone knows him as Lennie Briscoe from 'Law & Order.' But he was also one of the most important and versatile theater actors ever. This theater is a wonderful way to commemorate his love of the theater."
In addition to the renaming of the theater, through a partnership with "Law & Order" creator, Dick Wolf's production company, Wolf Films, Inc., monitors have been installed outside the theater entrance on Broadway and 50th Street with footage of Orbach. The lobby will also feature a gallery of Orbach photos and the theater will provide programming, including benefits for the New York Eye Bank and the Detectives' Endowment Association, a theater management internship and master classes taught by Cancilla-Orbach herself and others. Cancilla-Orbach is a veteran of Broadway musicals including "Sweet Charity" and "Chicago" where, as standby for the role of Velma Kelly, she first met Jerry.
Located on the corner of 50th Street and Broadway, the Snapple Theater Center is Snapple's first branded entertainment center, with thousands of square feet of rehearsal space, a fun and uniquely Snapple lobby area, and two theaters. The Snapple Theater Center is part of Snapple's ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of New York residents and the millions of visitors who flock to the city each year. In addition to being the home of some of Off-Broadway's best shows, Snapple uses the facility to positively impact New York City youth by providing free rehearsal and theater space to programs in need.
About Snapple
Snapple is the leader in great-tasting premium beverages. Founded in 1972 by three childhood friends, Snapple got its start in Greenwich Village, New York and is now available throughout the United States and 80 countries worldwide. Snapple prides itself on developing, producing and marketing a wide variety of premium beverages, including ready-to-drink iced teas, juice drinks, 100% vitamin-fortified juices and water. Known for its down-to-earth approach to marketing, Snapple continues to delight fans across the world. In 2003, Snapple made history by becoming the official iced tea of New York City. About Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages
Snapple is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB), a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc (NYSE:CSG). CSAB is one of the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the Americas. CSAB's brand portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7 UP, Snapple, Mott's, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House Mixers, Rose's, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina, IBC, Stewart's, Nantucket Nectars, and other well-known consumer brands. For additional information on Cadbury Schweppes and its products, visit www.brandspeoplelove.com.