David Cassidy in the News
Norm Clarke's column
January 3, 2001
By Norm Clarke
The Las Vegas Review-Journal
Veteran entertainers Debbie Reynolds and David Cassidy were weekend poster children for the old show biz creed: "The show must go on."
Reynolds, living up to her long ago lead role in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," fell off the stage at The Orleans' grand ballroom on New Year's Eve, severely injuring her foot. But she climbed back on stage, finished her show and even returned for the midnight toast.
"She is truly a trooper," said Candy Cazau, publicist for The Orleans. Reynolds has a Jan. 18 return engagement and, said Cazau, "Knowing Debbie, if she has to do the show in a wheelchair, she'll do it."
Cassidy showed his mettle as well, gamely performing his "At the Copa" show at The Rio with an injured leg. Visibly in pain, he limped throughout the show, at times hopping, dragging his foot and rolling on his back to get on and off the stage after going into the audience.
Cassidy told the audience before the show began that he "would not be dancing like Fred Astaire" because he had cut his foot during an accident at home.
Reynolds, who turns 69 in April, spent two hours in an emergency room being treated for a badly bruised heel. She was flown back to Los Angeles, her home, Tuesday on the private jet of Coast Resorts honcho Michael Gaughan.
"She's thankful she didn't break a hip," said Cazau. "When we told her to break a leg, we didn't mean it seriously."
