Dear Suds Buds,
Did you all get super stuffed from Thanksgiving? No need to wonder why they call the breaded concoction that is served with turkey "stuffing." It's certainly not only the bird that gets stuffed on Thanksgiving Day! I hope you all remembered to be thankful for friends, family, and the many privileges we share as Americans. And soon, Christmas, Hanukah, New Year's and Kwanza will be upon us. Is everyone ready for the hustle and bustle this next month or so will bring your way? Are you excited to see how your favorite soap will incorporate the holidays this year? We are already off to a good start in that department, as we shared Thanksgiving Day with the denizens of Pine Valley, got to eat pizza again with the Quartermaines (will that family ever have a traditional Thanksgiving? LOL), and participated in all the other soap opera festivities of the day. I don't know about you, but we are already gearing up for the holidays here at Turtle Run! Soon the office will be decorated and the rush out to Christmas shop will begin. Have any of you completed your holiday gift buying yet? Are you making purchases online this year? I haven't even begun to shop. Ahhhh! Busy month ahead for me, that's for sure. LOL
But enough rambling from yours truly. In the spirit of the holiday season approaching, sit back, relax and get your weekly dose of what's new in soaps, including some very cool holiday-oriented storylines that are about to emerge. Hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving, and now it's on with the soaps!
In Time for the Holidays, Port Charles Kicks Off Book 5, "Miracles Happen"
On Monday, December 3, get ready for some true holiday magic when Port Charles premieres its fifth book, "Miracles Happen," which will air as a special four-week holiday story arc. Since shifting to its new faster-paced storytelling format almost a year ago, Port Charles is up 20 % season-to-date among women 18-49, showing more growth than any other daytime program.
"Miracles Happen" will indulge viewers with the warm spirit of the holiday season. After Caleb's evil devices, it's time to pick up the pieces. It thus becomes the job of Port Charles' resident angel, Rafe (Brian Gaskill), to reunite the loving couples of Port Charles before Christmas. It won't be easy, but with heaven on their side, good things and fun surprises are in
store. Rafe has something exciting planned for Lucy (Lynn Herring) and Kevin (Jon Lindstrom), beginning with the mysterious arrival of their holiday party invitations. Does this mean that Lucy isn't dead after all? Will Rafe's magic bring Lucy and Kevin back together, this time for good? Eve (Julie Pinson) and Ian (Thorsten Kaye) find themselves getting into the holiday spirit for Daniel. Livvie (Kelly Monaco) and Jack (Brian Presley) find a special place together that could have significant meaning. Frank (Jay Pickett) and Karen (Marie Wilson) hope for a future together and Chris (Nolan North) learns some valuable lessons. Jamal (Kiko Ellsworth) and Alison (Erin Hershey) are in for some unexpected twist and turns as well. Indeed it will take more than a few miracles if Rafe is to succeed, but as viewers will see, he has never been more determined. But wait! There is no mention of Caleb? What has become of the devious undead troublemaker? You'll have to stay tuned to Port Charles to find out!
You will begin to see an advertising campaign for Book 5 as ABC Daytime launches an on-air marketing push that will air throughout the book. Setting the tone for the campaign is music by teen singer Myra, whose debut single, "Miracles Happen," is making her into a sudden star. Viewers will also see Myra perform her hit single on an episode of "Port Charles" that airs December 31.
Tom Wopat on All My Children, Wednesday, Dec. 5
Tom Wopat will make his debut daytime appearance on "All My Children," beginning Wednesday, December 5, 2001. Wopat will play the recurring role of Hank Pelham, a former jazz singer turned insurance salesman. Hank comes to town on business and quickly finds romance with Opal (Jill Larson). There will be unexpected twists to this story, but Opal will eventually inspire Hank to go back to his music, leading to a special performance in Pine Valley. Mr. Wopat will perform a selection from his jazz CD, "The Still of the Night."
"We are thrilled to welcome Tom to 'All My Children.' It's a great opportunity for us to have such a talented actor play in this role and for Tom to be able to share his music with our viewers," says executive producer Jean Dadario Burke.
Wopat is best known for playing the freewheeling Luke Duke on the comedy/adventure TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard." He has also co-starred on "Cybill," in numerous television movies and specials, and is an established musical theatre actor. Most recently he opened in his Tony Award-nominated role of Frank Butler, starring opposite Bernadette Peters, and then with "All My Children's" Susan Lucci in "Annie Get Your Gun."
In 1997 Wopat debuted his brand of contemporary country-rock in the album "Tom Wopat." His follow-up album, "A Little Bit Closer," was released later the same year. In 1991 he released "Don't Look Back" and, in 1992, "Learning To Love." In 2000 he released "The Still of the Night." With this CD he introduces a new dimension to his talent, as he beautifully and seemingly effortlessly reinvents so many of the best-loved songs of the last century in a smooth, intimate, sexy, jazzy style for a modern audience.
Be sure to tune in to "All My Children" to see Wopat in Pine Valley beginning December 5, 2001. His presence is sure to shake things up!
Thanks For Acknowledging "Our" People
By Jessica Radloff
If you are even the slightest bit of a soap fan (which I assume you are since you're already here at Turtle-Run!), then I urge you to pick up "People Magazine's" Sexiest Man Alive 2001 Issue (November 26, 2001) with Pierce Brosnan on the cover. Why you ask? Well, to make a long story short, "People" couldn't have been more generous to the soap genre. There are 13 different mentions of soaps in the magazine that primarily focuses on the movie/primetime TV/celebrity industry. What's even more special is that The Sexiest Man Alive issue typically sells more copies than many of "People's" "regular" issues. Thus, more exposure to what us soap fans already know: WE'RE people too!
From Sexiest Soap Star Jacob Young (Lucky, GH) to Sexiest Newcomer Matthew St. Patrick (ex-Adrian, AMC), there is definitely no shortage of star power among current and former soap alums. Other mentions include: People Profile's Online" Kelly Ripa (pg. 9), Joey Tribbiani's (Matt LeBlanc) soap role as DOOL's Dr. Drake Remoray on "Friends" (pg. 33), John Stamos for Sexiest Comeback (ex-Blackie Parrish, GH; pg. 85), Jacob Young (pg. 95), Matthew St. Patrick (pg. 105), Heartthrobs & Headliners Then & Now's Erik Estrada (B&B, pg. 126), Rick Springfield (GH, pg. 128), Jack Scalia (Chris Stamp, AMC; pg. 132); Lucky Vanous (Guest Appearance for AMC's 25th Anniversary Week; pg. 137), Vanessa Marcil's pregnancy (pg. 149), Feature Article on Cynthia Watros (ex-Annie, GL; pg. 165), and John Ormond (bit part on AMC, pg. 167).
This is one issue of "People Magazine" that belongs in any true soapfan's publication library. Get yours today!
Passions Star is "Guy of the Month"
Speaking of magazine's featuring stars of daytime, congratulations to Jesse Metcalfe (Miguel, Passions) on being named "Seventeen Magazine's" "Guy of the Month." Pick up the December 2001 issue of "Seventeen" and find out all about Jesse Metcalfe. Metcalfe is also featured in the Style Watch section of "Teen People Magazine's" December 2001 issue.
GH Director Heads for Soap Opera in the Sky
Alan L. Pultz, an award-winning director of "General Hospital," passed away October 25, 2001 at his home in Encino, CA. During his 22 years directing the show, Pultz won three Emmy Awards and a Director's Guild of America Award. Pultz, a native of New York, studied at the University of North Carolina and served as a lieutenant in the Navy. He began his career in television in the early 1960s and worked his way up from theater manager, production assistant, and associate director of programs like "The Jimmy Dean Show," and "Who Do You Trust?" Among his early credits as a director were "A Time for Us," and "One Life to Live." He later directed "Wide World of Sports" and coverage of the Olympic Games and American Football league games. He was 64 years old.
OLTL's Laurence Lau To Huck Finn's Warehouse Outlet in Albany, NY on Saturday, December 1 for SoapNet
To celebrate Soapnet's home on Time Warner Cable, "One Life to Live "star, Laurence Lau (Sam) will be available to meet fans and sign autographs at Huck Finn's Warehouse Outlet in Albany, NY on Saturday, December 1 from 1-3 PM. Lau joined the cast of "One Life To Live" in May, re-creating the role of high-powered defense attorney Sam Rappaport whose challenging legal cases are never quite as complicated as his relationship with his manipulative ex-wife, Lindsay or the love of his life, Nora. A veteran of daytime television, the Long Beach, California native is also known to daytime fans from his popular roles as "All My Children's" Greg Nelson, which he played from 1981-1986 and "Another World's" Jamie Fame, which he left in 1990.
SoapNet, ABC Cable Networks Group's 24-hour soap opera channel is currently available in Albany, NY on Time Warner Cable channel 72.
Soapnet Cuddles Up For A Christmas of Classics
It's time for the 2nd Annual Classic Christmas Block on SoapNet. This year get ready for vintage episodes of "Ryan's Hope," "All My Children," "One Life To Live" and "General Hospital."
Tis the season, and SoapNet, celebrates in its own special style. With ABC daytime's schedule pre-empted on Christmas day, tune-in Tuesday, December 25, 7:30-11PM ET/4:30-8PM PT for a special 3-hour programming block featuring classic Christmas episodes of "Ryan's Hope,"
"All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital" in place of the normal same-day repeat lineup. The classic Christmas block will repeat that evening at 11:30 PMET/8:30 PM PT and again on Wednesday, December 26 at 7:30AM ET/4:30AM PT.
SoapNet's vintage yuletide block, spanning from 1975-1990, lets fans relive the memories of Christmas past with their favorite characters and stars, including "All My Children's" Joe (Ray MacDonnell), Phoebe (Ruth Warrick), Erica (Susan Lucci) and Brooke (Julia Barr); "One Life to Live's" Viki (Erika Slezak), Jessica (Erin Torpey), Asa (Phil Carey), Renee (Patricia Elliott) and Bo (Robert S. Woods); and "General Hospital's" Luke (Anthony Geary), Laura (Genie Francis), Scotty (Kin Shriner), Bobbie (Jacklyn Zeman) and Audrey (Rachel Ames). "Ryan's Hope" fans will enjoy reminiscing during the Ryan family's Christmas celebration, complete with carols led by Johnny.
So, which episodes can you expect to see? Wonder no more. Stay tuned to Turtle-Run's Top of the Week column for next week, Monday, December 3, 2001 and we'll let you know!
Now on SoapCenter as of Friday, November 23, 2001
With hosts Peggy Bunker in New York and Tanika Ray in Los Angeles Behind the Scenes: Hidden Passions
NBC's Passions is incorporating a lost chapter from the best-selling book "Hidden Passions" into its onscreen story. Go behind the scenes at Passions for this extravagant fantasy sequence -- which takes place on the Titanic. Storyline Spotlight: Guiding Light's Danny & Carmen
An in-depth look at the dysfunctional relationship between reluctant Guiding Light mob boss Danny Santos and his mother-from-hell, Carmen. Actors Paul Anthony Stewart and Saundra Santiago(Danny and Carmen) give us insight into their characters' twisted dynamic and discuss their real-life friendship.
Flashback: Thanksgiving with GH's Quartermaines
Despite elaborate plans, General Hospital's Quartermaine family ends up eating pizza for Thanksgiving every year-- and this year is no exception. Takes a fond look back at the Q family's previous Thanksgiving fiascoes and get a preview of what to expect this year. At Home with PC's Brian Presley and Y&R's Thad Luckinbill
Brian Presley, who plays Jack on ABC's Port Charles, and Thad Luckinbill, who plays J.T. on CBS's Young and the Restless share an apartment in suburban Los Angeles. They welcomed Tanika Ray into their bachelor pad. Behind the Scenes: Fashion Show on As the World Turns
Peggy Bunker takes you behind the scenes at Barbara's (actress Colleen Zenk Pinter) eagerly anticipated fashion show on As the World Turns. This show is Barbara's first since she was disfigured in an explosion last summer. Included in this season's collection: Glamour, romance, intrigue, deception and deceit.
Premiering on SoapCenter Friday, November 30, 2001
With hosts Peggy Bunker in New York and Tanika Ray in Los Angeles GH's Nikolas and Gia: Together Again
General Hospital'sNikolas and Gia, a popular couple, have encountered many obstacles on their road to happiness -- she unknowingly almost slept with his father, for example -- but they're finally back together and basking in their love. Actors Coltin Scott and Marisa Ramirez (Nikolas and Gia) trace their characters' traumatic history, and GH casting director Mark Teschner discusses the couple's chemistry and appeal.
Spotlight: Catherine Hickland's Boutique on Madison Ave in NYC
Earlier this year, entrepreneur Catherine Hickland (Lindsay, OLTL) launched her own makeup line, Cat Cosmetics, and it was an immediate success. Now, Hickland has opened the first Cat Cosmetics boutique, on New York's Madison Avenue. Get your up close and personal tour of the enchanting store, complete with "before" and "after" footage of Hickland's extensive renovations. Fitness: Jason Cook Goes Rock Climbing
Jason Cook, a Soap Opera DigestAward winner for his role of Shawn on Days of Our Lives, spends a day teaching Tanika Ray his favorite sport, how to rock climb in Malibu, CA.
Storyline Spotlight: Torrid Triangle on Guiding Light
Archenemies Josh Lewis and Alan Spaulding are squaring off again on Guiding Light, and this time the prize is Josh's wife, Olivia. It's a classic case of love, lust, greed and deception. Actors Robert Newman, Crystal Chappell and Ron Raines (Josh, Olivia and Alan) explain why this combination is so compelling. Flashback: Falcon Crest Turns 20
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of '80s prime-time soap Falcon Crest, seen daily on SoapNet, with classic clips and exclusive interviews with prominent alumni.
**TRO Disclaimer: The above SoapCenter segments are scheduled in advance and may be bumped without notice for airing at a later date. The above segments may then be replaced with other segments. Check your local listings.**
Casting
All My Children: Tom Wopat takes on the recurring role of Hank Pelham. His first airdate is Wednesday, December 5, 2001.
As the World Turns: For the week of November 26, 2001, Mary Denham plays BRO employee Mrs. Flanagan on Monday, November 26. Sheila Ball plays a realtor on Tuesday, November 27. John Jenis plays a Maitre d' on Tuesday, November 27. Barbara Neal plays Nick's landlady on Thursday, November 29.
Days of our Lives: For the week of November 26, 2001, Michael Zara portrays a sex-starved teen movie patron on Monday and Tuesday, November 26 and 27. Ryan Scott continues as Harold, and Veronica Lauren continues as Cynthia.
General Hospital: The role of Alexis has been temporarily recast due to a death in Nancy Lee Grahn's family. Filling in for Nancy is Susan Diol. Diol is known to daytime viewers for her role as Angela Holliday on One Life to Live (1993-1994), and as Emmy Borden on Days of our Lives (1990-1991). Diol will air in the role of Alexis from Tuesday, November 27 through Monday, December 3. Nancy Lee Grahn will return on air, Wednesday, December 5. Turtle-Run sends condolences to Nancy Lee Grahn and her family. She is in our thoughts and prayers.
Guiding Light: For the week of November 26, 2001, Marshall Pailet plays Rupert, the 13 year-old son of the lord of the manor in Edwardian England, and Christiana Anbri plays Esmee, his daughter, beginning Wednesday, November 28 and Friday, November 30, respectively. Gene Farber plays Ben's friend, Greg, on Thursday, November 29. Joseph Masi plays Maurice, a Santos henchman, on Friday, November 30.
Port Charles: Real-life couple, and veteran actors, Charlie Brill and Mitzie McCall, make a cameo appearance as Mr. & Mrs. Murphy on Tuesday, December 11, 2001. The couple last appeared on the television series, "Silk Stalkings" as Captian Harry and Franny Lipschitz. Brill met McCall when they both appeared at the Jerry Lewis Comedy Workshop in 1959. The couple has one daughter, Jennifer, and are the Godparents to actress Melissa Gilbert.
Seeing Stars
AMC: On Saturday, December 1,Josh Duhamel (Leo) appears at Union Station on Pershing Road in Kansas City, MO (new location) from 1-3 PM. Call 816 460-2273 for info. On Saturday, February 9, 2002 Rebecca Budig (Greenlee), Michael E. Knight (Tad) & Walt Willey (Jackson) appear at the 3rd Annual Valentine's Dinner With The Stars ~ Mote Marine Event. Also attending from One Life to Live are Mark Derwin (Ben), David Fumero (Cristian) and Catherine Hickland (Lindsay) at the beautiful Michael's on East, Sarasota. All proceeds benefit the Dolphin and Whale Hospital. Call 941-388-4441 Ext. 465 for additional information. (Some appearance info provided by SEAHAAS.)
As the World Turns: Michael Park (Jack) will appear at Sears, Roebuck & Co., Arcadia Crossing, 4531 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85008 on Saturday, December 8 from 1:30-3:30pm. For info, call 602/956-1263. The As The World Turns Fan Club Luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2002 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. The luncheon will be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY. Tickets are $90.00 for non-fan club members and $85.00 for current ATWT Fan Club Members. A $15.00 non-refundable deposit per person will reserve your seat in the order it is received. Checks and money orders are payable to: As The World Turns Fan Club Luncheon Tickets, P.O. Box 647, Merrick, NY 11566-0647.
Days of Our Lives: Wednesday, November 28 see SteveBlackwood at Jax in Glendale, CA from 9 PM-1AM. Call 818 500-1604 for info. On Saturday December 1, 2001 at Theatre Macon in Macon, Georgia, James Reynolds (Abe) and ValerieWildman (Faye) will present "Words of Love". The play will begin at 7PM. Admission is $15, which includes the play and a reception afterwards. At the reception, refreshments will be served and fans will have time to "mix and mingle" with James and Valerie. This special performance will benefit Ted Stuckey of Dodge County who has terminal cancer. For more information, email Kayla Williams at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . On Saturday, December 1, 2001 Jason Cook will sign autographs at the Sears store in Pueblo, Colorado from 2:00 PM -- 4:00 PM. See Passions' JesseMetcalfe (Miguel), and DOOL's Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip), Jason Cook (Shawn), and Kyle Lowder (Brady) on Sunday, December 2, 2001 at The White Sands Oceanfront Resort and Spa Point Pleasant, NJ from 12-4:00pm. Tickets $85 per person. Send S.A.S.E. to S.T.A.R.S., PO Box 195, Adelphia, NJ 07710 For further info call: (732) 294-1682. On Saturday, December 29th, Farah Fath will be appearing at a charity dinner to benefit the Scott Crosbie Children's Charity Fund in Lexington, Kentucky. The benefit starts at 7:00 PM at the Landsdowne Club in Lexington. Tickets are $30.00 and can be ordered by calling 859/276-1484.
Guiding Light: Jordi Vilasuso (Tony) will appear at Sears, Roebuck & Co., Arcadia Crossing, 4531 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85008 on Saturday, December 1 from 1:30-3:30pm. For info 602/956-1263.
One Life to Live: On Thursday, November 29 see Catherine Hickland (Lindsay,) and stars from OLTL, AMC, ATWT, and GL, appearing at Blondie's Restaurant in New York City on from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $25. All proceeds will benefit the families of the firefighters lost on September 11. Call (212) 362-3311 for more information. On December 1, Larry Lau (Sam) appears at Huck Finns Warehouse Outlet in Albany, NY from 1-3 PM. Call 518 869-9587. Also on December 1, see Ty Treadway (Troy/Colin) at Home Décor in Minneapolis, MN from 1-3 PM. Call 612 520-6308. See TyTreadway on Saturday, December 8, 2001 at Sears in Crystal Lake, IL from 1-3 pm. Call 815 477-4718 for info. On Saturday, February 9, 2002 Mark Derwin (Ben), David Fumero (Cristian) and Catherine Hickland (Lindsay) appear at the 3rd Annual Valentine's Dinner With The Stars ~ Mote Marine Event. Also attending from All My Children are Rebecca Budig (Greenlee), Michael E. Knight (Tad) & Walt Willey (Jackson) at the beautiful Michael's on East, Sarasota. All proceeds benefit the Dolphin and Whale Hospital. Call 941-388-4441 Ext. 465 for additional information. (Some appearance info submitted by SEAHAAS.)
Passions: On Friday, November 30 - Sunday, January 6,Donn Swaby (Chad) appears in The Foundation Theatre Company's "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground," a three-act play written by William Hanley and directed by Zadia Ife. Swaby is also producing. The play opens on Friday, November 30. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday's at 7:00 p.m. It will be performed at The Ventura Court Theatre, located at 12417 Ventura Court (one block north of Ventura Blvd. and Whitsett Ave.) in Studio City, CA. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. To make reservations call 818-773-7899. See Passions' JesseMetcalfe (Miguel), and DOOL's Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip), Jason Cook (Shawn), and Kyle Lowder (Brady) on Sunday, December 2, 2001 at The White Sands Oceanfront Resort and Spa Point Pleasant, NJ from 12-4:00pm. Tickets $85 per person. Send S.A.S.E. to S.T.A.R.S., PO Box 195, Adelphia, NJ 07710 For further info call: (732) 294-1682. On Sunday, December 16. 2001, Lindsay Korman (Theresa) performs The National Anthem at the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Detroit Pistons game 12:30 p.m. at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Tickets can be obtained through Ticketmaster or the Staples Center box office.
Young & the Restless: Shemar Moore is still touring the U.S. in "The Fabric of A Man." Check your local newspapers.
Email the Stars
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*Send email to stars of All My Children, One Life to Life, General Hospital, and Port Charles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
*Post your comments to your favorite actors on Turtle-Run.com's Message Boards and we will email our contacts at the networks who will pass on your posts.
Bubbles Busted? Snail Mail TPTB!
All My Children: Audience Information, ABC TV, 77 W. 66th St, NY, NY 10023
As the World Turns: CBS TV, 51 W. 52nd St, NY, NY 10019
Bold & the Beautiful: CBS TV, 7800 Beverly Blvd, LA, CA 90036
Days of Our Lives: NBC TV, 3000 W. Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA 91523
General Hospital: ABC TV, 4151 Prospect Ave, Hollywood, CA 90027
Guiding Light: CBS TV, 51 W 52nd St, NY, NY 10019
One Life to Live: ABC TV, Audience Information, 77 W. 66th St, NY, NY 10023
Passions: CBS Radford Studios, 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
Port Charles: ABC TV, 4151 Prospect Ave, Hollywood, CA 90027
Young & the Restless: CBS TV, 7800 Beverly Blvd, LA, CA 90036
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