Given the fact that Trevor St. John has brought so much to the role of Todd Manning over the past 8 years, I think it’s insulting that the One Life To Live writers have marginalized his contributions by

A. Trying to make us believe that he was brainwashed to be Todd all this time

And

B. Killing him off as Victor Lord Jr., thereby ending the realm of possibilities there could have been between him and Roger Howarth as his brother, Todd.

Isn’t it enough to take One Life To Live off of our television screen?

Trevor St. John

One would think that might spur the writers to go out with a bang….make these last few months spectacular!

Instead, the fabulous Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord is off our screen (I know there was back surgery involved), along with the equally fabulous Gina Tognoni as Kelly Cramer and the wonderful Tom Degnan as Joey Buchanan.

Now Trevor, as Todd, is gone….as in dead. I knew it was coming as TSJ put a message to his fans on his website saying that his last day of taping was the week of July 18. The guy is a class act.

Que Sera Sera! I see bigger things in Trevor’s future. He’s a great actor who has done lots of other things in primetime television and movies. So he will definitely be fine.

I was so happy to be able to see Trevor one last time after his fan luncheon last month, even though my plane landed too late for me to attend his event. He stayed one hour after the alotted time his event was supposed to end in order to spend as much time as he could with his fans….Now THAT’s a nice guy!

Trevor and me after his fan luncheon last month

Let me say upfront that this is NOT a Trevor vs. Roger column. I think both are wonderful actors and have each made the role of Todd Manning their own.

But let’s just say I was less than happy to hear Roger Howarth was coming back as Todd Manning…no slight to Roger at all.

It’s just that I have come to love the layers in the character that TSJ has brought to our screens.

And, I also have to say, that the more I watched the “Tale of Two Todds” unfold, I became intrigued…. There really WERE so many possibilities.

And when “the man with the scar” finally revealed himself to everyone – but we still weren’t sure who the real Todd was – I really enjoyed the onscreen repartee between Roger and Trevor. They were so much fun to watch together!

Roger Howarth and Trevor St. John "The Two Todds"

Once Irene Manning revealed the “story behind the story” of the brothers…that they were twins, Victor was brainwashed and Todd was held captive, etc. etc….the whole convoluted explanation was insulting to the me as a viewer.

After I invested myself for 8 years in TSJ as Todd – all of a sudden he’s not???

I really identified with Dani (Kelley Missal) and Jack (Andrew Trischetta), who didn’t know the other Todd as their father. I felt the abandonment they felt.

But I also realized that this twist of fate could turn into an incredible opportunity for some seriously great storylines in the struggles for control between Victor and Todd.

But, sadly, that was not to be.

Good News for All My Children and One Life To Live fans!

Read the official press release from ABC/Disney below:

ABC LICENSES ITS ICONIC SOAPS “ALL MY CHILDREN” AND “ONE LIFE TO LIVE
TO PROSPECT PARK

EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-PLATFORM DEAL ALLOW THE SOAPS’ STORIES TO CONTINUE BEYOND THEIR FINAL AIRDATES ON ABC

BURBANK, CA – July 7, 2011 – ABC has licensed its iconic soaps, “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” to Prospect Park, it was announced today by Brian Frons, President, Daytime Disney ABC Television Group & Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Domestic Television and Rich Frank & Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park. The exclusive multi-year, multi-platform deal enables the soaps’ stories to continue beyond their finale dates on ABC. ABC will broadcast its final episode of “All My Children” on Friday, September 23rd and will air the final episode of “One Life to Live” in January, 2012.

The licensing agreement, brokered by Disney/ABC Domestic Television Group, enables Prospect Park to continue production of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” beyond their life on ABC. Prospect Park will produce and deliver the two long-running programs to consumers via online formats and additional emerging platforms including internet enabled television sets. Under the terms of the arrangement, the programs will continue to be delivered with the same quality and in the same format and length. Additional details of the new productions and tune-in will be forthcoming from Prospect Park.

“We are privileged to continue the legacy of two of the greatest programs to air on daytime television, and are committed to delivering the storylines, characters and quality that audiences have come to love for over 40 years. ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ are television icons, and we are looking forward to providing anytime, anywhere viewing to their loyal community of millions,” said Frank and Kwatinetz. “Technology changes the way the public can and will view television shows. Now that there are so many devices available in addition to television sets, viewers are taking advantage of watching shows where ever they are and on any number of devices. The driving force in making the switch and attracting new audiences is to have outstanding programs that people want to watch. We believe that by continuing to produce the shows in their current hour format and with the same quality, viewers will follow the show to our new, online network.”

“’All My Children’ and “One Life to Live’ are iconic pieces of television history that captivated millions of fans since their beginning over 40 years ago,” said Frons. “Each of the shows have made an indelible mark on our culture’s history and informed our consciousness in their own way. We are so glad Prospect Park has assumed the mantel for these shows and that they will continue for the fans.

Marinelli continued, “From the time the shift in the daytime strategy was announced, our hope was to find a new home for these treasured shows. We are thrilled to license them to Prospect Park so the stories of life in Pine Valley and Llanview can continue to be told for the passionate and loyal fans that enjoy watching each day.”

“I’m just so happy that ABC found a home where the legacies of ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life To Live’ can continue. I’m excited for their future with Prospect Park,” added Agnes Nixon, creator of both ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’. “It takes a lot of living to make a soap opera a serial, and the wonderful teams on both shows have done just that. Together, we are a big family that keeps going, and I’m looking forward to working alongside these wonderful people as we ensure that the shows will continue with all the love and excitement we’ve always had. I also am so happy for our loyal fans, whom we love so much, and who have been so supportive over the last 40 plus years.”

Prospect Park is a media and production company founded in 2009 by entertainment industry veterans Jeffrey Kwatinetz and former Disney Studios head Rich Frank. Along with successful film and music divisions, the company’s television group has numerous shows in development and breakout network hits airing including Royal Pains and Wilfred.

In April, ABC announced that it was expanding the focus of its daytime lineup to include more programming that is informative and authentic and centers on transformation, food and lifestyle. “The Chew,” an innovative and groundbreaking daily talk show that celebrates and explores life through food, will premiere on September 26th. “The Revolution,” a daily show about health and lifestyle transformations will replace “One Life to Live” in January 2012.

“All My Children” has revolved around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley, a town which closely resembles the Philadelphia Main Line. “All My Children” took home the 1998 Emmy-award for Outstanding Drama Series, the third time the show received this top honor, having also garnered the award in 1994 and 1992. “All My Children” has received more than 30 Emmy Awards and consistently distinguishes itself in the field of daytime drama. The show has historically been committed to and is often the first to tackle social issues, focusing on such topics as AIDS, abortion, cochlear implants, teenage alcoholism, racial bias, acquaintance rape, spousal abuse, homosexuality, Reyes syndrome, Vietnam MIAs, drug abuse, the risks of motherhood over 40, safe sex, pet therapy and organ donations, among others. The show made television history airing daytime television’s first same-sex kiss between two lesbian characters as well as daytime television’s first same sex wedding between two women. The show was the first to chronicle the coming out story of a transgender woman and to cast a real life Iraq war vet who’s story reflected his real life experiences and injuries incurred in combat.

“All My Children” premiered on the ABC Television Network on January 5, 1970, as a half-hour show; seven years later it expanded to an hour. Julie Hanan Carruthers is executive producer.

Also created by Agnes Nixon, the Emmy Award-Winning “One Live to Live” is set in the fictional town of Llanview, which is modeled on a Philadelphia suburb. “One Life to Live” debuted on The ABC Television Network July 15, 1968 as a half hour show. Ten years later, it grew to a full hour in 1978.

“One Life to Live” has been lauded for its groundbreaking exploration of social issues, diverse canvas, award-winning performances and innovative storylines. Along with the history-making week of live shows in May 2002, “One Life to Live” is responsible for many “firsts” in Daytime television, including stories of interracial romance, illiteracy, medical misdiagnosis, racial prejudice, gang violence and teen pregnancy. The show received mass critical acclaim for its 1992 homophobia storyline, which captured national headlines when it introduced the character of a gay teen (played by then unknown Ryan Phillippe) and culminated with the emotional display of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. “One Life to Live” was honored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) with the Outstanding Daytime Drama Award in 1993, and again in 2005 and 2010.

In 2002, the show won its first-ever Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Drama Series category, and was nominated again in 2007 and 2008. Created by Agnes Nixon, “One Life to Live” debuted on July 15, 1968 and marked its 10,000th episode on August 17, 2007. Frank Valentini executive produces.

Ken Ziffren of Ziffren Brittenham advised Prospect Park on the deal and the company is represented by Skip Paul at Centerview Partners LLC.

A CALL TO RALLY THE SOAP TROOPS IN A NEW MISSION…

Hi there.

It’s been along, strange week hasn’t it? So, let’s get down to business and have a serious, adult discussion.

I’ve got a few ideas. Let me clarify, WE have a lot of ideas. Some are good. Others are subject to debate.

But before we take this journey, let’s get a few things straight.

Since 1999, a group of soap opera fans have tried to show to the industry and fan base that the business model used for broadcasting soap operas just did not fit this new age of information. We warned in 1999 that without a serious look at changing the paradigm, soap operas could be dead in a decade.

Well, I hate to say we told you so, but… now is not the time for such silliness.

In the last 7 days there has been an explosion of fan efforts being organized. And I have to say, just as many expected, the ABC fan base doesn’t let us down when it comes to going off in a thousand different directions. And that’s what we need to change – NOW!

In the last 7 days a group of people behind the scenes have been working 12 – 18 hours a day to sort all this out. We’ve reached a few conclusions which seem to work. Unfortunately the time we’ve spent putting out fires caused by several fan groups has prevented us from putting something together for you to see more quickly. So, let’s answer a few questions so you get where we are coming from…

Why haven’t the actors come forward from OLTL and AMC?

If you have to even ask that question, you don’t get it. These actors have built their careers in a genre which has never, I repeat – NEVER, received the respect and acclaim it deserved. These most professional of their profession have been marginalized, trivialized and held back from illustrious acting careers because studios AND the public think soap actors are hacks. Now, WE don’t think that way. But the soap fan base has shrunken so much our impact on media buyers and corporations is at an all time low. The actors who are currently employed are in a tenuous position. If they speak publicly about what they are really feeling they risk future acting opportunities. And, let’s face it, with 4 soaps left – the character pool is drying up fast! Many of these seasoned actors are at the stage of their lives where they just don’t please the studio executives. They’re not “youthful” enough. They don’t have the well defined abs. Like it or not the marketability of an actor is more dependent on the size of erection a studio executive gets in response to an actor’s looks. I know it sounds cold. But that’s pretty much where it’s at. Ironically, media buyers and corporate executives really don’t understand the American viewing audience at all. But all of this notwithstanding, we’ve reached out to these actors. And we have made it very clear we have their backs. We will do everything we can to reinvigorate a genre in need of revitalization!

Do you have any idea what’s being said backstage?

Yes and no. I’ve been in touch with a few. In some cases I have been in touch with people who are willing to work with us on behalf of the actors. There has been one resounding message we’ve been receiving behind the scenes all week – there MUST be one central organized effort which includes ALL fans of daytime from every show and every network. That’s right. This is the consensus we’ve found. And when the time is right as the dust settles, you will see actors come forward to endorse whatever business model ends up getting shopped to the right people.

What about what Oprah said and what about OWN?

Oprah has made her position clear. She’s in business. She’s a one woman industry. And though she comes from meager means, her rise to the top of her ladder has isolated her from much of that which she experienced in her younger years. The way I see it my Granny said it best – “out of sight, out of mind”. Oprah won’t be on air five days a week in a syndicated talk show. And while she may have her OWN network, the fact of the matter is Oprah as a talk show is more marketable than Oprah the network. She’s been part of the American landscape for 25 years and her rise in the beginning had EVERYTHING to do with soap. She somehow has lost sight of it. Unfortunately, one of ABC Daytime’s staunchest allies over the years – Rosie O’Donnell – is now part of the Oprah Empire. And, as a result, the silence is deafening. As I’ve said so many times – connect the dots. Oprah has had an amazing impact on the American experience. Thanks to her creativity and vision she has influenced millions of Americans and enhanced their lives through entertainment and subtle education. We owe much to her, That being said, she’s made her position clear so we must move on.

How can we get ABC to change their position?

We can’t. Deal with it. ABC management has to answer to Disney and Disney stockholders. Entertainment in every form is an expensive proposition. In the evolution of broadcasting, networks weren’t ready for the influx of cable networks and Internet influence. While they were operating in outmoded business policies the rest of the industry was coming out with cheap, fast programming which captured the audience. Why is that? The answer is clear. For two generations, American children have been robbed of arts being an integral part of education. They’ve been deprived of studying the philosophers, the Renaissance artists, Shakespeare, the Brownings and so much more. What we’ve ended up with is an audience that knows not the difference between the volatile Kate in Taming of the Shrew and Snooki of Jersey Shore. It’s pathetic what we’ve settled for in entertainment. The amazing programming we experienced in the 50’s and 60’s lives on with remote cable networks that see the intrinsic value of quality programming. The bottom line is our 40 year love affair with ABC Daytime is coming to an end. So, let’s find a way to make this work!

Do fan protests against ABC work?

Sure they do! And under the circumstances it’s more than understandable when emotions are running high that the first thing fans want to do is FIGHT BACK! We get that! But take off your broken heart hat for a moment and put on your business hat. What does slamming ABC in a relentless, child-like manner accomplish? Well, my friends, one word = NOTHING! We have to face facts. If there is the remotest hope of getting homes for All My Children and One Life to Live we have a situation. ABC has the power to say no. And while there is plenty of finger pointing and blame to go around, now is NOT the time to do it. Rather than go on the attack, we need to form a cohesive, sane organization which addresses the central dilemma facing daytime – HOW do we change the business model that has been used all this time? And in cobbling out the solution, we have to look at Brian Frons and Anne Sweeny not as enemies but facilitators. We don’t have to like them or their policies. And, as I’ve said, IF you want to find homes for AMC & OLTL sooner or later you have to sleep with the enemy to accomplish the task. Get it?

What about getting advertisers to boycott ABC Daytime?

Isn’t that an awesome idea? Pardon me while I spit up. First of all, I applaud Hoover for their decision. It’s about time an advertiser took a stand. Don’t kid yourselves because, Houston, we have a problem. If fans get enough advertisers to pull from ABC Daytime, you kill the stories. That’s right. You kill them. Remember, ABC has a responsibility to the stockholders. If the ABC soaps lose a significant number of advertisers, you can bet they will shut down OLTL earlier than planned. And, GH fans, you can kiss Port Charles goodbye. That’s reality, folks. If the shows aren’t producing some revenue during this process, ABC Daytime has no choice but to pull the plug on soap life support. And, once again, if you put on your logic hats, you will see I’m right. Be sensible. Think before you act. I’m the guiltiest of all when it comes to flapping my jaws and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. In the last 7 days I have had to weigh my words very carefully. And, at times, it’s been killing me because my first reaction is to open up my can of whoop ass and come out fighting.

How did this happen?

How can we lose a show that’s been on the air for 40 years and made ABC so much money? I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but look in the mirror. The viewers have a role in this entire thing and don’t want to take any responsibility whatsoever. Reality television has taken up so much of the market because there’s demand for it. When the basic cable channels started hawking their “unscripted” programming, viewers went nuts. Whether it’s Jon & Kate plus 500 or Sarah Palin’s Moose Jaw Ho Down, viewers have settled for cheap train wreck shows because they are “real”. Guess what? The joke is on us. While we’ve been enjoying all these train wrecks because the cast of characters were “real” people, what we didn’t know is the filming, editing and prompting was most definitely scripted. This has been a network’s sleazy maneuver to outsmart the unions. There was a time when soap operas made serious money. And the bulk of those profits were diverted into prime time programming. That’s right. Our “stories” have been prime time television’s corporate welfare. Do the research. Remember Kojak? If it wasn’t for Guiding Light and As the World Turns, Kojak wouldn’t have been sucking a tootsie pop. It would not have been on air at all. As viewing habits changed and more women went to work, soap operas lost their edge. And when it was the soaps that needed the “corporate welfare” the network executives were aghast.

So, are you saying soap opera is dead?

Ha! The $64,000 question! Look at the scripted shows on prime time today. Guess what? You are watching a soap opera and don’t even know it! In the mid 1970’s the networks were trying to find a way to make prime time programming more attractive to viewers. And while some of the shows were actually marketed as prime time soap operas, there is but one simple truth – 95% of the scripted shows adopted the soap opera model of continuing story lines which carried across the broadcast season. Whether it was Falcon Crest or St. Elsewhere you, the American viewer, have been watching scripted programming based upon the soap opera model. How many times have I asked you to “connect the dots”?

As someone who has been a television viewer since I was in cloth diapers, I’ve watched the evolution from a rare perspective. That’s because I was Mom and Dad’s personal telecaptioner. When President Kennedy spoke of the Cuban missile crisis, my hands were flapping. When he was shot, it was me who told them what Chet and David were discussing. When Rachel got pregnant with Steve Frame’s baby on Another World, it was me who told Mom about it. When Tom and Alice Horton learned their son Tommy was alive, I got to deliver the news!

And all through the years I discovered that soap operas weren’t only entertaining – they educated me on many levels. My love of music began because of Julie’s playing Sergio Mendez’ “The Look of Love”. My love of sculpture developed because I was fascinated by Rachel Cory’s ability to mold a pile of dirt and water into something incredibly beautiful. My views on political matters crystallized during the drama of Tara and Phil on All My Children when he was drafted. So, I’ve watched television’s evolution in both daytime and prime time. To answer your question, soap opera never really was dead. It’s just changed and now it’s up to the consumer to facilitate a new model for the daytime end of things.

What about the soap press? Where are THEY in this mess?

Oh come on now. Haven’t you figured it out? These people are in a state on confusion close to that of the actors and crews. Whether you like one member of the press or the other, there’s one thing for certain. The job that has been their dream all their lives is in peril. Imagine the uncertainty. For years they have had to live by the whims of studio heads and media relations “experts”. If a member of the soap press said one word which pissed somebody off, they got the door shut in their face. There it is. Quite simple, isn’t it? And as these members of the soap press sit Shiva in wait of soap’s demise, it’s up to the fans to prove to them that we even have their backs in this cause. The soap magazines have a place in our culture. The knowledge and wisdom the members of the soap press has developed over the years is such a valuable tool in education not only fans but up and coming actors, writers and directors. You see, even members of soap media get little or no respect from their own peers. They deserve better for what they do and they will be gratified if we include them as an overall part of reviving daytime.

OK, enough with the bullshit. What are you thinking?

Thanks, I needed that. Here it is. We have an infrastructure in place to develop one central Internet repository for all fan groups to join together. What we want to do is go live sometime next week. I won’t reveal the domain name just yet. Please bear with me. And, for the love of God, stop going out and buying domain names for your respective cause. The only one getting rich in this mess is GoDaddy. And now I will get on to what we have envisioned for this repository:

PURPOSE: The purpose of this central Internet location is to bring as many of the soap fan groups together as possible in a coordinated effort. This effort isn’t limited to All My Children and One Life to Live. If a production company chooses to adopt the business model being discussed, this could be the basis for the remaining shows going forward. That’s right. The networks could try adapting their current shows to the model we’re putting together.

The main focus of this operation is to provide access to the millions of soap fans across the country. They could come here for information on the industry. We want to provide information about the thousands of web sites out there dedicated to the genre. We want them to be able to learn about the talented folks who host podcasts, using their own time and money to talk about the genre they love. We invite all of you creative people to join in the movement because you are an important element as we move forward.

WHO IS IN CHARGE? Well, initially, I was thinking an election process. Many have come forward and told me this is not a good idea because it would become a popularity contest and we all know how fans get. So, therein lies my dilemma. We’ve got some brilliant people who have come forward to be a part of the “Leadership Council”. With that being said, I need your input. What do you think I should do? If you want me to appoint the five people to this “board of directors” I’m more than willing to do it. But, for the record, I have said many times I cannot serve on the council itself. My role will be as an advisor and to keep the board informed of the progress we are making behind the scenes. You all have to understand here that this is a very delicate time. We aren’t going to repeat our past mistakes and tip our hand from the outset. We’re doing this in a concentrated, planned and reasonable way.

What is the role of the Leadership Council? The five people on the board will be in charge of coordinating fan groups and fan efforts. They will research, debate and establish policies and guidelines for all folks who wish to be a part of this call. We will look to these leaders for guidance and to act on our behalf when the time comes. As I indicated, these people will be privy to information which is not made available to the general public. These directors have to be willing to keep confidential matters limited to their group. As the entire process unfolds, there will be an opportunity to get into the logistics of what’s happening.

Are there other roles available outside the Leadership Council? Well as Sarah Palin says, “You betcha!” While the Leadership Council retains ultimate authority there will be committees established as follows:

Corporate Advertisers: This committee will be responsible for coordinating and guiding fan efforts toward potential advertisers and others who have impact on buying. As the movement begins to come together, we will be looking to corporate sponsors to examine what our mission is and how it will help their own bottom line. Remember, this is a coordinated effort on many levels.

Local Affiliate Campaigns: This committee will be working closely with members at the local level in organizing rallies and letter writing campaigns to local affiliates about the demand for quality, scripted television. And we’re not just limiting this committee to the local network affiliates. We want to go after the cable providers, the local news media and radio.

Letter Writing Campaign: As this plan of action gets into full swing, the Letter Writing Committee will be developing campaigns which focus on specific entities which they may determine as appropriate.

Community Theater & Educational Outreach: This committee will be charged with the task of facilitating a dialog with community theater groups and local educational institutions who have robust dramatic arts programs. As the movement builds, we want to bring Daytime actors, writers and directors into public view to share their own experiences. Their collective experience serves to assist community theaters and enhance dramatic arts teachers in delivering a quality education to our next generaiuon of thespians, writers and artists.

Media Relations: This committee will be in complete control of media and public relations. One member of this committee will be the official spokesperson of the entire organization. The committee will perform research, schedule media interviews and develop press packets which outline the group’s mission and eventually the business model which is adopted.

SO WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

Here’s my suggestion. Spread the word. Read this l-o-n-g document and think about my points. This is a holy week for many people of faith. This weekend should be a time for family, friends and reflection. Spring is here. Be grateful for what you’ve got. Back down. Take a deep breath and think about what we can accomplish if the majority of us work TOGETHER!

Many of us have discussed this at length behind the scenes. We’re on to something here. This time is different from when P&G took AW, GL and ATWT off the air. The mission is clear. A course is being mapped out. We just need patience, maturity and a little bit of restraint right now. If you’re serious about revitalizing a genre which has brought joy and entertainment to millions of viewers over the years – join in! You will be welcomed with open arms. And together we will make an impact.

So stop feeding the rumor mills. Try and refrain from screaming at ABC. Remember, every time a fan or fan group goes after ABC, it is hurting the cast and crew of the shows more than it is hurting the network. If you have questions, email me. All I know is we have an incredible opportunity here to show the stuff we’re made of. And if you’ve ever watched RuPaul, she goes by this mantra, “Don’t f%#k it up!” Well, Ms. Ru, this time we won’t!

Rumors have abounded for weeks….no make that months…that ABC was cancelling One Life To Live or All My Children or….maybe both!

There have also been rumors that ABC will merge the two soaps together!!

Crazy, eh?

Maybe not so much.

We’re not exactly sure WHAT’s going on.

But we’ve heard through very good sources that both soaps are potentially on the chopping block.

We’ve also heard that a decision will come down next month.

Apart from whether you are loving or hating what is going on storyline-wise right now on both soaps (thumbs down for me, but that’s for another day), the thing is that we all, as soap fans, love the genre.

And what we really DON’T want is to have any more soaps cancelled!

So here’s what you need to do. Call, write or e-mail Anne Sweeney. Apparently, she’s the decision maker. Her contact info is listed below.

Anne Sweeney
Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks/
President, Disney-ABC TV
500 S. Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521
Direct line: 818-569-7700
Fax: 818-569-7678
Email: anne.sweeney@abc.com

So what are you waiting for???

Let the barrage of correspondence begin!!

Hey Kim Zimmer fans!

For a short time, you will have the chance to see Kim appearing in the Off-Broadway show “Love, Loss and What I Wore Thursday” for a reduced price.

Kim (Echo/OLTL, Reva/GL) will be appearing, as part of a rotating cast, from Feb. 16 – March 20 at the Westside Theatre, 407 West 43rd Street (between 9th and 10th Aves) in New York City.

Kim Zimmer

Entering its second smash year at the Westside Theatre, this intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, directed by Karen Carpenter and produced by Daryl Roth, is based on the best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman.

Like the book, the show uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and poignant stories that everyone can relate to.

Joining Kim Zimmer will be Katrina Bowden (“30 Rock”), Sabrina Le Beauf (“The Cosby Show”), Orfeh (Legally Blonde the Musical), and Barbara Rhoades (The Goodbye Girl).

Click here for information on purchasing $49 tickets (regularly $79) for selected performances.

Use code LLSKZ75 to purchase tickets for $45
for performances February 16 to March 20, 2011.

Visit http://www.lovelossonstage.com for more information about the show.

You’ve all gotten to know Silas Kain through his always astute assessments of our favorite soap operas and the entire genre in general.

What you may not know is that Silas is the host of “Lathered Up” a BlogTalkRadio Show dedicated to topical interviews and issues related to all things soap opera.

Well, Silas scored the Hat Trick of Daytime in the month of January, interviewing three of the most beloved, respected and exciting actresses ever to step foot in Llanview – Catherine Hickland (Lindsay), Hillary B. Smith (Nora) and Ilene Kristen (Roxy).

If you haven’t listened to these interviews, I am posting the links to all three interviews here, where you can listen the in-depth discussions about their characters and what they have going on outside of One Life To Live.

Click here to listen to Catherine Hickland: Daytime Legend and Renaissance Woman

Catherine Hickland

Click here to listen to The Incredible Ilene Kristen

Ilene Kristen

Click here to listen to Hillary B. Smith discuss her new web project “Fumbling Thru the Pieces.”

Hillary B. Smith

WHAT has been going on with all of the actor exits on our favorite soap operas recently?????

It seems we need a scorecard these days just to keep up with who’s leaving which soap.

Earlier this month, Mark Hapka, Nathan on Days of Our Lives, got the axe after being involved in a front-burner storyline.

Now we find out that two more Days actors are leaving: Shelley Hennig (Stephanie) and Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip).

Paula, over at Paula’s Soapbox, discusses the recent DOOL exits and the possible impact on current storylines.

Click here to read her Days blog titled “On the Outs: DOOL.”

Meanwhile in the past few days, there’s been a plethora of exits on the ABC soaps.

Melissa Claire Egan (Annie Lavery/AMC) is leaving. She opted not to renew her contract.

Melissa Claire Egan (Annie/AMC)

THAT is definitely a BIG loss to AMC. Annie added so much to life to the show and Egan was so much fun to watch…particularly when she turned into Crazy Annie!

Egan posted a letter to her fans on her official website.

It says, in part: “After 4 and a half incredible years as a member of the All My Children cast, I have made the extremely difficult decision to leave the Pine Valley family that I have come to love and respect so much.

“It has been an amazing 4 and a half years for me! I have had the privilege and honor of working with the most talented and fun cast, crew, producers and directors imaginable. I have learned so much from them and am forever indebted. To wake up each morning and love going to work is a true blessing for which I am unbelievably grateful!”

And over at One Life To Live, Brittany Underwood (Langston/OLTL) has been fired.

Another BIG loss….I so enjoyed watching Langston grow from the “freak” in high school into a Cramer woman.

Perhaps the biggest shocker of all….

Rebecca Herbst, who has played Elizabeth Webber FOR-ever on General Hospital, was let go.

Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth)

Whhhhhaaaaatttt?????

Although, I have to say, the writers have totally ruined the character over the past several years….they turned Elizabeth…who survived a brutal rape all those years ago…who used to be a strong, kind, giving person…into a jealous, insecure – and I might add annoying – character.

Be that as it may, I still loved to watch Herbst onscreen because of her talent.

Not to mention that the character is steeped in so much GH history!

Paula, over at Paula’s Soapbox, has written a blog about her take on Herbst’s firing and speculates on how Elizabeth will be written out.

Paula also discusses how Elizabeth’s exit will impact the characters in her universe – like Lucky, Nikolas, Jason and her children.

Click here to read Paula’s blog about Herbst’s exit: “Farewell to Possibilities: GH.”

I don’t know about you, but I did a whole lot of fast forwarding during last week’s One Life To Live and General Hospital.

Quite frankly, I’m not even going to get into GH too much, because, really, what’s there to say?

It’s the Sonny and Brenda show!

Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Brenda (Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo) Photo: ABC

The eppys go like this….Brenda with Sonny, Brenda with Jason, Brenda with Sonny, Brenda with Dante, Brenda with Sonny, Brenda with Carly, Brenda with Sam, Brenda with Spinelli, Sonny with Claire, Sonny with Alexis, Sonny with Jason, Sonny with Michael…yada, yada, yada….

And the previous Brenda/Dante connection with a possible baby involved just feeds into this whole Brenda-centric show….Ugh!

Bringing back Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo for these storylines is SUCH a waste!

The only other thing going on is Crazy Dr. Niles (Brianna Brown) and her insane revenge against Robin, which really has gone on too long. It was interesting in the beginning, but the writers should have ended it when they shipped Lisa off to Shadybrook….That situation is getting boring too.

Dr. Lisa Niles (Brianna Brown) Photo: ABC

Oh, and I almost forgot the repetitive theme of Liz getting jealous when Lucky tries to move on…..Seen this before. She doesn’t want him, but doesn’t want anyone else to have him (yawwwn).

Ooooo-KAY. So much for GH!

Now on to OLTL…

What’s wrong is basically this: there’s a revolving door as far as characters in/characters out and just when you’re getting invested in a character or characters….Poof! They’re gone!

Case in point….Matt Walton as Eli was a HUGE missed opportunity.

Turning Eli from a well-respected attorney and good person into a crazy, psycho-killer was a serious error in judgement.

Matt Walton (Eli Clark). Photo: ABC/Steve Fenn

Walton and Kassie DePaiva as Blair had some really great chemistry going on.

And do you realize how long it’s been since Blair has had a serious love interest? There was so much potential for Eli and Blair.

But noooooo.

They had to kill Eli…not only KILL Eli….But they had Cole (Brandon Buddy) kill him. Thereby, writing off both Walton and Buddy in one fell swoop, which I’m not at all happy about.

Although I have to say, Buddy absolutely nailed it in his goodbye scenes with Kristin Alderson (Starr). (See my previous post on that).

Cole (Brandon Buddy) and Starr (Kristen Alderson)

Also, we had the triple whammy of having Eli blackmail Dr. Greg Evans (Terrell Tilford) into becoming part of his diabolical plot to kill Tea (Florencia Lozano).

Thus, Tilford was written off the show as Greg goes to jail for his part in the plot.

And I am REALLY NOT HAPPY about that!!

Terrell Tilford (Dr. Greg Evans) Photo: ABC

Dr. Greg is a character who has grown near and dear to my heart and Tilford really brought everything he had to each scene.

How stupid is that to write off Dr. Greg, just when Destiny (Shenell Edmonds) finds out that Greg is really her father and not her brother….That would have been a great opportunity to watch the growing pains of the new dynamics in the entire Evans family.

Let me say that I’m grateful that Tea is alive and that they didn’t kill her off.

And another character who I have become invested in….whom I really enjoyed watching because he was one of the truly good guys – was Jason Tam as Markko Rivera.

Jason Tam as Markko Rivera. Photo: ABC

And, yes, they’ve written him off the show….Not happy, not happy, not happy about that either!

As far as the remaining characters and the directions the writers are taking them….

Let’s see.

We have mean, cruel, evil Clint (Jerry Ver Dorn) and evil-in-training Matthew (Eddie Alderson).

The character of Clint, as far as I can remember, has never shown any of these dark traits that are coming out now.

You mean to tell me that Clint threw his nephew, David Vickers, into a Moroccan prison and now is going to any lengths to deny his new found son, Rex??

I don’t buy it. And I think a lot of longtime OLTL fans don’t either.

It’s not consistent with the Clint that has been on our screen for years.

As far as turning Matthew to the dark side….appalling!!! Hate it!

Marty Saybrook (Susan Haskell) exacting revenge by stealing medical records and threatening Natalie and Brody….Really???

Talk about uncharacteristic…..They pretty much ruined Marty’s character with this storyline.

And the “Who’s the Baby Daddy?” storylines with Natalie and Jessica’s babies and Rex’s paternity is so ho-hum…. having been done and overdone so much.

Quite frankly, Rex has been looking for his father for so long….that storyline jumped the shark a long time ago.

Having said all that, is there really ANY compelling storylines on OLTL at this point?

Not so much!

Hey Gang!

Last night, Silas Kain of Delibernation BlogTalkRadio Show – and a Soapbox1 contributor – launched his Surge on Soaps week.

We all know that soaps are being cancelled right and left….As The World Turns will air its final show on CBS this Friday…

Silas refuses to acknowledge that this will actually be the FINAL show for ATWT. He insists a new home for the show will be found….and I gotta tell ya, with his drive, it can be done!

But it cannot be done by a few…..there is strength in numbers.

Sooooo Silas and his gang needs YOUR help….He will be broadcasting every day this week on his Delibernation BlogTalkRadio show.

The cancellation of soaps affects EVERYONE connected to the genre, whether it be fan, actor, crew….even nearby businesses.

The Day One podcast is located at the bottom of this entry. It includes information about a huge rally that will take place outside the CBS studios in New York City on Monday and other such rallies around the country in protest of the ATWT cancellation.

Listen to it – and listen to it carefully.

And please join Silas tonight at 10 p.m.

Silas has some pretty innovative ideas….apparently the most provacative will be released on his Wednesday podcast.

But, tonight, at 10 p.m. he will be discussing the OwnupOprah.com movement, which aims to get Oprah Winfrey involved in saving the soap genre.

This is BIGGER than just the cancellation of Guiding Light or ATWT….Rumors are rampant for the past year that One Life To Live is next up on the chopping block (and you know where there’s smoke, there’s fire)!

So….listen to last night’s podcast below – and join Silas for tonight’s podcast.

To quote Silas – “We’re all in this together!”

I was never, ever one of those girls who was attracted to the bad boys.

In life – and in soaps – it’s the good guys….the guys with honesty and integrity, who I always root for.

Having said that, my top three fave guys in soapland these days are actually quite similar in the way they are the white knight, do-the-right-thing kind of guys.

And they are (drumroll please) – Police Chief Bo Buchanan/OLTL, Det. John McBain/OLTL and Officer Dante Falconeri/GH.

Hmmm. There seems to be some kind of these going on here…

Oh yeah…They’re all cops!

Robert S. Woods‘ Bo Buchanan has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember.

Robert S. Woods (Bo Buchanan)

Bo has always been the antithesis to his powerful – albeit immoral – father Asa, played brilliantly by the late, great Phil Carey.

Yes, Bo struggled all his life – right up to his father’s death – with the love for this father and the hate for the choices (many illegal) his father made.

Asa was a hard-living, womanizing, boozing, cantankerous old coot.

Bo is the polar opposite.

But they both loved each other.

One of the choices that was contrary to his character – and that he struggled against – was kissing his ex-wife, Nora, behind his brother’s back while Clint and Nora were engaged, and later married.

But, really, Nora (Hillary B. Smith) and Bo were meant to be together all along….and I think that counts for something in the right vs wrong department.

In other words, if destiny intervenes (and I don’t mean Destiny Evans)…if two people are made for each other – like Bo and Nora – then it’s more right for them to be together than wrong….Does that make any sense?

And they didn’t have sex until after Nora broke up with Clint (Jerry Ver Dorn) – and in this day and age THAT counts too!

Speaking of which, where the heck ARE Bo and Nora these days???

They had that wonderful wedding week, which I thought was really funny and highlighted the comedic sides of many of the cast members.

Hillary B. Smith (Nora), Eddie Alderson (Matthew) and Robert S. Woods (Bo). (ABC/Donna Svennevik)

Then, POOF, they were gone off the canvas….and now they’re back…and Bo has a new, young assistant….

Unfortunately, I think we ALL know where THAT is going.

As far as Johnny McBain….There’s always been a soft spot in my heart for him.

Michael Easton as John McBain (Photo/ABC)

Michael Easton‘s portrayal of John…well, he’s one of my favorite characters in soapdom.

It’s his intensity for doing the right thing….the hero….the rescuer….

And those deep, blue eyes….

He’s another one who always does the right thing and is honest as the day is long.

And if you’re one of his peeps…someone he cares for….or even just a friend…
No matter, he will go to the mat for you!

Take Kelly and the murder of her mother…John and Kelly were mildly acquainted before she asked him to help her find out what really happened to her mother.

But he has gone above and beyond to help her.

Ya gotta love it!

One of his biggest struggles came when he found out that Michael and Marcie’s baby, Tommy, whom they adopted because he was abandoned, was really the son of Todd Manning and Margaret Cochran.

In that case, it was a huge dilemma for him ….What exactly was the right thing to do? Betray his brother?

It ate at him – and Easton showed the viewer the inner struggle that McBain was going through.

And Dominic Zamprogna‘s Dante Falconeri reminds me so much of McBain!

Julie Berman (Lulu) and Dominic Zamprogna (Dante). (ABC/Ron Tom)

Dante is honest to a fault – and Zamprogna shows us those qualities through the earnestness in his eyes when he’s talking.

Dante’s big brown eyes….they’re just honest, that’s all I can say.

And he, too, struggles with a similar situation to Bo…although, in my opinion, having Sonny Corinthos as a father is WAY WORSE than having Asa as a father.

Dante is loyal…boy is he loyal…even after being drugged by Brook Lynn, he’s still loyal, thank goodness…

And I love the fact that Michael has figured it out…He’s on to Carly’s plan to use Brook Lynn (Adrianne Leon) to break up Dante and Lulu (Julie Berman).

Yes, I’m a sucker for the good guys.

I guess it stands to reason that police officers SHOULD be the good guys…

But, as we all know, it doesn’t always happen in life – and, especially doesn’t always happen in the soap world.

HELLOOOO, Det. Ronnie DiMestico!