Jerry Orbach, prince of the city: his way from The fantasticks to Law & order

Foreword / actor Sam Waterston

Preface and acknowledgments

Lyrics of "Try to remember" from The fantasticks

Prologue: Hearts should remember. Tender, callow fellow. Entrance (1935-1956)

Street singer, storyteller (1956-1961)

Leading man, survivor (1961-1966)

Fire of September. Maniacal wonder, schnook hero (1966-1970)

Joey's pal (1970-1972)

Razzle-dazzler (1972-1977)

Crooked cop, indomitable director (1977-1985)

Baby's father, debonair lumiere (1985-1994)

Deep in December. Trenchant detective, living landmark (1994-2004)

Exit

Epilogue: nice to remember.