Monday, September 27, 2010

OUTTAKES INTERVIEW with TINA SLOAN



Tina Sloan (most famous for her role as "Lillian Raines" on Guiding Light) has been touring the country with her one-woman show, Changing Shoes, about one woman's search for the meaning of life in a closet full of shoes. Her book with the same title has just been released in bookstores this month talking about "Getting Older - NOT OLD - with Style, Humor, and Grace".

Tina will be talking with OutTakes on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH at 10:00 PM EST. Call-in number: (347) 989-0605. The link where the radio show can be heard either live or with on-demand playback is here.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

OUTTAKES Interview with MATTHEW ASHFORD



Matthew Ashford, best known for his role as "Jack Deveraux" on Days of Our Lives, speaks about his upcoming role as "Steve Jensen" on the webseries, The Bay. He also talks about the state of the entertainment industry and his various projects, including the release of the "Matt's Musings Month By Month" calendar for his favorite charity, Retinoblastoma International.

Previously recorded earlier this week, the interview will be broadcast on Blogtalkradio this Sunday, September 26th, at 10 PM EST.

Monday, September 20, 2010

PODCAST with LEANN HUNLEY and JENNIFER BROWN THOMAS



LEANN HUNLEY (Anna Dimera, Days of Our Lives) and writer/director JENNIFER BROWN THOMAS talk about their upcoming independent film, Blissful Lies. Click on the link to hear this OutTakes podcast interview.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Editorial - As The World Stops Turning

As I listen to Tom Hughes reflect for the last time upon the citizens of Oakdale in the final episode of As The World Turns, I am very aware of what is being lost with the cancellation of this show. While I was not a long-term watcher of the show (too many soaps, too little time -- and before the days of the Internet, a VCR can only be programmed to tape so much!), I have learned enough to appreciate the fine acting of the cast, even having had the personal privilege of getting to interview cast members Colleen Zenk (Barbara), Eric Sheffer Stevens (Reid) and Anthony Herrera (James). I have learned enough to appreciate the highs and lows of the rich history of Oakdale. I have learned enough to appreciate that with every soap that we lose, one more piece is being chipped away from a television genre that means so much to many people. I have learned enough to appreciate how the networks are in a bind financially...but will another cheesy game show or generic morning talk show live in the collective memory for as long as shows like As The World Turns? Over the weekend, I've read criticisms of disappointment over the ending episode. Yet, in all fairness, how could the last episode of a show that has lasted since 1956 possibly live up to all of the expectations and memories? I wish the best for all the cast, crew and fans of this show. The "World" has stopped turning.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Lindsay Hartley going to ALL MY CHILDREN

Recently let go from Days of Our Lives, Lindsay Hartley (Arianna Hernandez, DAYS) will be joining All My Children as "Cara Finn". Her first airdate is December 8th.

ATWT actors at Broadway Cares Flea Market



The Broadway Cares Auction in NYC (September 26th) celebrity guest list has been updated. Many stars from stage and television, including the following actors from As The World Turns: OutTakes guest Colleen Zenk, Austin Peck and Terri Columbino.

Go to the link to find out more.

REGIME! Spin-off of THE BAY

The idea was discussed a little bit in last month's OutTakes interview with Nicolas Coster...and now it seems to be more of a reality as reported by Michael Fairman. Looks like THE BAY is in the works to have a spin-off.

On-Air On-Soaps spoke with creator/producer Gregori J. Martin yesterday and confirmed that indeed, a spin-off of his new web soap The Bay is in the works titled: Regime! And while Regime looks to focus on the character of the Mayor and the Mayor’s wife, Nicolas Coster (Ex-AW) and Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie, GH), there are an assortment of new characters and some crossovers from The Bay which will be included in the spin-off. Details of a start date or launch were unavailable at this time, but we heard rumblings that Regime may premiere early Winter 2011.

Joining Coster and Zeman in the cast of Regime are Lesli Kay (B&B), Alla Korot (Ex-AW), Nadine Stenovitch & John Littlefield (Ex-AW), Dan Gautthier (Ex-OLTL), Kate Linder (Y&R) with The Bay crossovers from Lane Davis (Ex-SB) and Real Andrews (Ex-GH).

Friday, September 17, 2010

LIVE CALL-IN Radio Show with LOUISE SOREL



Beloved for her roles as "Augusta Lockridge" on Santa Barbara and the deliciously evil "Vivian Alamain" on Days of Our Lives, Louise Sorel is one of the best character actresses on daytime, ranking #41 in WE LOVE SOAPS' poll of the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses of all time.

Come join us on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 at 10 PM EST. The call in number is 347-989-0605. Make sure to press 1 when the message prompts you to speak to host so that I know you have a question. You can also participate in the chatroom but to do so, you must register for an account with blogtalkradio.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Theater Review - THE REVIVAL



Project Y Theatre Company
Written by Samuel Brett Williams
Directed by Michole Biancosino

The Revival is definitely inspires thought about religious extremism. Set in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the play examines the turbulent inner turmoil and contradictions of a Harvard-educated son of a Southern Baptist preacher who returns to his Arkansas hometown to rebuild his father's congregation.

All the acting was top-notch. Raymond McAnally as Trevor, the church financial advisor, fluctates between being a “good old boy” and a shrewd businessman. Aidan Sullivan excels as the put-upon wife who out of jealousy and insecurity reveals her own dark side. David Darrow as Daniel, the violent down-and-out boy who is the catalyst for all the trouble. Surprisingly, the mixed bag for me was Trent Dawson as the main character of Brother Eli. Technically, he was excellent with great line delivery and comic timing, but there could have been a tad more emotional depth in his performance...particularly near the end of the play.

Another weakness was the relationship between Brother Eli and Daniel. While the chemistry between the two men should have been explosive enough to justify all future risk and damage to Eli and his family, these characters came together too conveniently with no sense of the strong attraction alluded to in the dialogue. This passion is necessary in order to explain all the ugliness that comes out of the four characters in the end.

The set of the wooden church had a gothic feel, complete with a large cross hanging in front of a choir who occasionally sings before and during the show. The theater space and church blend together well during the sermon scenes when planted actors in the audience speak up as members of the congregation. All the spectacle needed to create a successful “megachurch” was beautifully evoked.

With a disturbing violent conclusion, the extremes that the characters went to in order to maintain the spiritual status quo created tragedy and horror, evoking memories of other such dramas as The Crucible and The Wicker Man. All in all, I give it four out of five stars.

Click on the link for more info about the play.

Web Series Review - Premiere Episode of THE BAY

Overall, I was very impressed with the first webisode which takes place at Brian's engagement party. The visuals were great. There was always something interesting to watch which is important with a web series. When you have less than ten minutes, every moment should count. The title sequence was fun but a bit too long to do consistently for every show.

Mary Beth Evans is fascinating to watch as Drama Queen Sara Garrett. I'm hearing and seeing shades of her character, Katherine, from General Hospital. The showdown with Martha Madison (Marly) was terrific; and I want more of what's going on with Lex (Tristan Rogers) and Sara. We also see the various subplots of Mac and Christine and the love triange of Vivian, Pete and Lianna.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

THE BAY - Confessions of the Garretts, part 6



In the final confession, Sara Garrett (Mary Beth Evans) tells that she succeeded with her plan to break up Lee and Janice (Lilly Melgar) through faking the kidnapping of daughter Marly (Martha Madison). After remarrying Lee, Arturo Tonelli (Matthew Borlenghi) showed up with long lost son, Pete, who Sara didn't remember. That being the last straw, Lee and Sara divorced once more...leading to an affair with...guess who? That's right. Lex Martin (Tristan Rogers). As it now stands, Sara regrets the craziness of her life and hurting the people that she loves.

Latest breaking BAY news: Andrea Evans has now been cast in the web series.

Tune in today (Wednesday, September 15th) for the premiere episode of THE BAY!!!

Monday, September 13, 2010

LIVE CALL-IN Show with JERRY DOUGLAS



JERRY DOUGLAS (John Abbott, The Young and The Restless) will be talking about his music career, his CD (The Best is Yet to Come) and some upcoming appearances coming up both in concert and as a "ghost" on Y&R. Join us on Thursday, September 16th at 10:00 PM EST. The blogtalkradio show is at this link. Call in number: 1-347-989-0605.

On September 26th, Jerry will be performing at Scott Baio's 50th birthday red carpet charity event hosted by the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation at the Beverly Garland Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. Along with Jerry, entertainment includes Adam Hunter from Last Comic Standing and the launch of the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation dress from Ooh La La Couture. The evening's host is Kym Douglas, Health and Beauty Correspondent for Ellen and Good Day LA, Along with a Silent Auction held throughout the evening. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation. The Bailey Baio Angel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by an Organic Acidemia and promoting Comprehensive Newborn Screening. To attend, please check out the info at this link.

Web Series Review - MISS BEHAVE Season One Finale

The big cliffhanger is if Tori and Billy are going to get caught making out by their prodigal dad who unexpectedly got his flight canceled. Sorry but this would be like a filler plot on a regular soap for a Tuesday when all the veteran actors are taking the day off. Like I said the potential is there for good things...but I think even for a teen show, the stakes need to be a lot higher...especially for the end of a season. Just not a nailbiter for me.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Trent Dawson in THE REVIVAL



Trent Dawson (Henry, As The World Turns) starring in The Revival with Project Y Theatre. Previews start on September 9th. More info at this link.

A World Premiere by Samuel Brett Williams
Directed by Michole Biancosino

A Harvard educated son of a Southern Baptist preacher returns to his Arkansas hometown to rebuild his father’s congregation. Under pressure to grow the congregation to compete with neighboring mega-Churches, the young Pastor seizes an opportunity to cleanse a mysterious stranger of his homosexuality, becoming an overnight evangelical superstar. But at what cost?

September 9th – 25th, 2010
The Lion Theatre at Theatre Row Studios
410 West 42nd Street
NYC NY 10036

TICKETS ONSALE NOW!
$18.00
212.239.6200

Full Performance Schedule:

Thursday Sept 9th at 8:00.
Friday Sept 10th at 8:00
Saturday Sept 11th at 8:00
Sunday Sept 12th at 3:00
Tuesday Sept 14th at 7:00
Wednesday Sept 15th at 8:00
Thursday Sept 16th at 8:00
Friday Sept 17th at 8:00
Saturday Sept 18th at 2:00 and 8:00
Sunday Sept 19th at 3:00
Tuesday Sept 21st at 7:00
Thursday Sept 23rd at 8:00
Friday Sept 24th at 8:00
Saturday Sept 25th at 2:00 and 8:00

Broadway Cares 2010 Flea Market Celebrity Guests



This year, the Broadway Cares 2010 Flea Market takes place on Sunday, September 26th, 10:00AM - 7:00PM, Shubert Alley and W. 44th Street. Check out the link and click on "Celebrity Table 2010" for the list of celebrities from stage and television that will take part in the event, including OutTakes guest Colleen Zenk.

THE BAY - Confessions of the Garretts, part 5



The fifth "confession" is with Peter Garrett (Kristos Andrews -- pictured above with co-star Jade Harlow). Raised by a foster mom who eventually killed herself and her husband, Peter reunited with Sara (Mary Beth Evans), his real mom, when she got her memory back and claimed custody. Although close with siblings Marly (Martha Madison) and Bryan (Dylan Bruce), Peter is not close with his biological father, Arturo Tonelli (Matthew Borlenghi). Vivian Johnson (Tanisha Lynn) used to date Peter back in the day. Now Peter hangs out with "crazy" Lianna Ramos (Jade Harlow). Hobbies of choice? Sex, parties and drugs! You got all that? Good!

Check out Confession #5 at the link.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Port Chuck takes off on 2010 Tour



Port Chuck (Steve Burton, Scott Reeves, Brandon Barash and Brandon Anderson, GH) start their 2010 tour! Here's the info.

September 8th - Nashville, TN - Zanies Comedy Club; General Admission Added (show and Q&A only); Call 615-269-0221

September 9th - Vernon Hills, IL - Zanies Comedy Club; Reduced Prices and General Admission Added (show and Q&A only); Call 847-549-6030

September 10th - Newtown, CT - Treehouse@Edmond Town Hall; Call 203-268-5857

September 11th - Levittown, NY - Governor's Comedy Club; Reduced Prices and General Admission Added (show and Q&A only); Call 516-731-3358

September 12th - Staten Island, NY - Uncle Vinny's at the Lane Theatre; Reduced Prices & General Admission Added (show and Q&A only); Call 877-862-5384

Divas of Daytime's mvid IT'S RAINING MEN



Check out the Divas of Daytime (Kassie de Paiva, Bobbie Eakes and Kathy Brier) with their remix mvid of "It's Raining Men" -- a homage to the sexy actors of the ABC soaps.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Mark Pinter opening weekend of BECKY'S NEW CAR



Mark Pinter (Roger Smythe, AMC; Grant Harrison, AW) stars in Becky's New Car, opening at North Coast Rep from September 4th through the 26th.

See BroadwayWorld link for more details.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Vincent Irizarry out at AMC



Old news by now...but it seems that "David Hayward" will be killed off on All My Children. While the character of David has been way too much of a moustache twirler with not much depth to him, I was always hoping that eventually there would be more to this character. Vincent Irizarry is an excellent actor and a respected soap opera veteran, one of the bright spots for me when watching AMC. I hope he moves on to bigger and better opportunities.

THE BAY reached Kickstarter Goal

THE BAY'S Kickstarter project has surpassed its goal of $15,000 in order to fund a special final episode for Season One. Different contests and incentives involving various cast members also helped to boost the funds in order to make the deadline. Congrats to Gregori J. Martin along with the cast and crew of THE BAY!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

LIVE CALL-IN Radio Show with ANTHONY HERRERA



Anthony Herrera's portrayal of "James Stenbeck" on As The World Turns is a classic example of the never-dying villain that "you love to hate". After decades of tormenting the residents of Oakdale, the character has not been forgotten. Even during the final airing episodes of the soap from last week, various characters believed they saw a vision of James Stenbeck on Barbara and Henry's wedding day. On a personal level, Anthony Herrera made medical history as one of the first cancer patients to go into remission after having stem cell transplants. We'll be talking about his book The Cancer War, his work in support of stem cell research, the final days of As The World Turns and Poetry Theatre.

The radio show is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7th, at 10 PM EST. Call-in number is 1-347-989-0605. If registered with Blogtalkradio, you may also participate in the chatroom. Go here for the OutTakes link for this show on Blogtalkradio.

Florencia Lozano's UNDERMYBED opens in NYC



underneathmybed written by Florencia Lozano (Tea, One Life To Live) opens tonight at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in NYC.

Check link for further details.

Web Series Review - MISS BEHAVE, pts. 4 thru 11



Realizing that I lapsed way behind on watching the Miss Behave episodes (too many web series, soaps, primetime shows, movie and theater...too little time!), I managed to watch 8 episodes in about an hour's time. So far, I'm loving the music and the actors. My complaint is that the plot points seem kind of obvious and the build-up is slow. I was hoping for a little bit more excitement, but this series seems to be catering mainly to the teenage crowd so far unless some serious twists start to show up. Maybe Tori will have gotten pregnant the night of the wild party. Maybe Mr. Owens will stop being another Max Brady imitation, this time in drama teacher mode. Maybe Patrika Darbo will actually get to show her comic skills as the psychiatrist, Dr. Freed. There's potential for the series to really take off if some real action starts to happen. At the moment though, I feel like I'm watching a John Hughes (director of teen classics such as Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club) movie set in 2010 without the hysterical comedy.

THE BAY - Confessions of the Garretts, pt. 4



This time, Marly Garrett Nelson-Foster (Martha Madison) is the "confessor". Throughout, she makes it clear that she is Daddy's Little Girl and has a stormy relationship with her mother, Sara (Mary Beth Evans). As part of Sara's scheming, Marly endured a faked kidnapping as a child as well as a manipulated break-up with the love of her life, Tony (Gavin Houston).

Go to the link to see Confession #4 on bliptv.