Melissa Reeves back on DAYS!!!

As per TV Guide's website:

Cool news! Suds phenom Melissa Reeves has signed a contract with Days of Our Lives and will resume playing the role of Jennifer Deveraux in September. An NBC rep tells us the actress — who was so terrific in her recent multi-episode return for the death of Alice Horton — will hit the air during November sweeps. Does this mean her TV hubby and fellow fan fave Matt Ashford (Jack) will also stage a comeback? Look for story details and an exclusive interview with Reeves in an upcoming issue of TV Guide Magazine.

Divas of Daytime Concert in Wisconsin

The Divas of Daytime (otherwise known as Kassie DePaiva, Bobbie Eakes and Kathy Brier) are going to perform at Log Jam Country Music Festival this weekend in Phillips, WI from July 30 thru August 1st. Go to website for details.

Kurth and Taylor Concert at Monterey Bay

If you're in the Monterey Bay area this Saturday, check out Kurth & Taylor at the Watsonville Strawberry Festival. Headed by Wally Kurth (Justin, DAYS; Ned, GH) and Christian Taylor, this band is fabulous! Go to either the Kurth and Taylor website or the Watsonville Strawberry Festival website for more info.

Eric Sheffer Stevens in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Don't miss OutTakes guest Eric Sheffer Stevens in "Much Ado About Nothing" with the Vermont Shakespeare Company!

Directed by John Nagle
Aug 12th 6pm
Aug 13th 6pm
Aug 14th 2pm & 6pm
Aug 15th 6pm

Outdoors at the Islands Center at Knight Point State Park,
North Hero.

Tickets: Adults-$20 (includes park fee for the day)
Children under 12 free!
Tickets available through Flynn Box Office
www.flynntix.org or 802-863-5966, and
Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce 802-372-8400

Tickets also available locally at:

Hacketts' Orchard
The Green Frog
The Back Chamber
Alburgh Library
The Country Store in Isle La Motte

Live Call-in Show with Eric Sheffer Stevens

He made us sit up and take notice as one of the most exciting new characters to appear on As The World Turns this year. Now sit up and take notice as ERIC SHEFFER STEVENS talks about his upcoming perfomance in Much Ado About Nothing with the Vermont Shakespeare Company and his ATWT role as "Dr. Reid Oliver".

Showtime: Monday, July 26th at 4:00 PM EST. Call 1-347-989-0605 to ask Eric a question at the OutTakes Blogtalkradio station at this link. Be sure to press 1 when prompted by the recording for your call to be picked up. To participate in the chatroom, you must register with a Blogtalkradio account.

Divas of Daytime Concert in Highmount NY

The Divas of Daytime (Kathy Brier, Kassie DePaiva and Bobbie Eakes) perform this Saturday at the Belleayre Music Festival, Highmount, NY, appearing with Charlie Daniels.

For more information visit: http://www.belleayremusic.org/

Nathan Parsons in NeverWonderland

Nathan Parsons (Ethan, GH) appears as "Captain James" in BOOM KAT DANCE THEATRE's production of NeverWonderland. Getting lost somewhere between London and NeverWonderLand, Peter Pan and Wonderland’s Alice, brother and sister, find a fresh start in this inventive prequel for all ages to J.M Barrie and Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s tales.

The adventure runs July 24 through August 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica. Advanced tickets are recommended ($20 general, $15 students, $10 children 12 and under) at: Brownpapertickets.com/event/116760 or 800-838-3006. For group tickets or further information, call 310-202-9229 or visit boomkatdance.org.

Last Airdate for Robin Christopher

Soap hopper Robin Christopher (Skye, GH) has a final air date of July 29.

Anthony Herrera appearance on ATWT

Nobody really thought James Stenbeck was dead! As announced on his Facebook page, Anthony Herrera will be returning to As The World Turns on July 28th for some final scenes with Colleen Zenk (Barbara).

Billy Warlock joining OLTL

Posted from Soap Opera Network

The soap veteran joins the cast of "One Life to Live" in the recasted role of Ross Rayburn.

According to Soap Opera Digest, Warlock, whose most recent soap stint was as Anthony Blackthorn on "As the World Turns," began taping his scenes at the "OLTL" studios yesterday, July 19th. This was after "One Life" learned that Michael Lowry, who portrayed Ross off and on for the past year, was unavailable to reprise the role due to scheduling conflicts. The role was originated by Shawn Christopher in 2002.

The actor is no stranger to soaps, having also appeared on "General Hospital," "Days of Our Lives," and "The Young & the Restless." In addition, he has also been a regular on shows such as "Happy Days" and "Baywatch."

Warlock will be on recurring status with "OLTL," and his stint is expected to be short-term. No first airdate has been announced.

Podcast Interview with Julia Barr

Julia Barr (Brooke, All My Children) was kind enough to join OutTakes for a brief chat about her upcoming show, Arsenic and Old Lace. We also spoke a bit about her future webseries The Vindicated and her most recent return to All My Children. To listen to the interview, click here.

About Arsenic and Old Lace: Julia Barr (Brooke, All My Children) will be co-starring with Walt Willey (Jackson, All My Children) in WilleyWorld Community Productions' Arsenic and Old Lace from July 23rd through July 25th at the Ottawa High School auditorium (211 East Main Street, Ottawa, IL). For performance information and tickets, call the Ottawa Visitors Center at 815-434-2737 or visit www.experienceottawa.com. This is WilleyWorld's second annual effort in developing a self-sustaining theatre for the Ottawa community as well as a mentorship program for youths in the Ottawa area. Tickets are selling out fast...so if you want to see this show, don't miss out!

Theater Review - In God's Hat

Apothecary Theatre Company, NYC
Written by Richard Taylor
Directed by Kevin Kittle

In God’s Hat begins when two brothers meet up outside of Arbor Correctional Facility, having not seen each other for decades. Roy (Tom Pelphrey) is a macho redneck type, full of sarcastic humor, bravado and spit. Mitch (Rhett Rossi) is a mild-mannered intellectual who was recently incarcerated for pedophilia. Conflict rages from the get-go as the two of them head back to their hometown just to end up at the only refuge available: an isolated fleabag motel. When Mitch’s former cellmate, Arthur Cruter (Dennis Flanagan), pays them a not-so-friendly visit, things heat up!

Playwright Richard Taylor triumphs with a mix of character study, dialogue that alternates from humor to pathos and suspenseful scenes reminiscent of Hitchcock. Michael Reese's set design perfectly captures that of a rundown motel room in the middle of nowhere. You feel grimy just looking at it.

Daytime Emmy winner Tom Pelphrey (from Guiding Light and As the World Turns) is truly a powerhouse in this show. The character of Roy is an utter pig most of the time...and yet through Pelphrey’s humor and charisma, he wins the audience over completely. Rhett Rossi holds his own against Pelphrey, infusing Mitch with self-loathing, sensitivity and pathos, reminding me of a young Tony Perkins. Dennis Flanagan, Gary Francis Hope and Mike Mihm all gave strong detailed performances in their supporting roles.

With its insightful direction, detailed sets, superb acting and clever script, this is one of the best new plays I’ve seen in a long time.

Be warned, adult situations, profanity and violence are all over this show. Not a play to take kids to...but with that being said...

RUN...do not walk…to see In God's Hat!!!

For more information, go to the Apothecary Theatre website.

Larry Keith 1931-2010

OutTakes gives its condolences to Larry Keith's family and friends. As per Carolyn Hinsey's Facebook page, he passed away yesterday morning of cancer. Larry Keith played Nick Davis on All My Children. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Actor both in 1977 and 1978 for his work on the soap.

Theater Review - Summer Stock NYC

CAP21 America’s Musical Theatre Conservatory & Theatre Company
Directed by Scott Burkell
Choreography by Tony Stevens
Musical Direction by Karl Mansfield
The Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University

With this production of CAP21’s Summer Stock NYC: A Celebration of the Broadway Musical, the focus was on great female characters from the Broadway stage. Truly a fun mix from ingénues to divas throughout the evening!

Karen Mason (Broadway star of Mamma Mia and Sunset Boulevard) wowed the audience with every song, including "Everything’s Coming Up Roses", "As If We Never Said Goodbye" and "City Lights". I know this is going to sound corny but when I see a performance that truly moves me, tears come to my eyes. Such a moment happened during Karen’s performance of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from Sunset Boulevard. I have seen both Glenn Close and Betty Buckley in the role of Norma Desmond on Broadway, but neither one of them pulled off this song so brilliantly. I have never before had the opportunity to see this Broadway star on stage. Now I know what all the fuss is about!

As discussed during my interview with Colleen Zenk, this soap opera vet is now focusing on returning to her musical theater roots. Beautiful and charismatic, she was in fine form, starting off with the hot ensemble number of “Hey, Big Spender” from Sweet Charity, proving she could sex it up just as much as the young twenty-something singers by her side...but all of us familiar with her work as “Barbara Ryan“ from As The World Turns already knew she could do that in her sleep! She was excellent in “I’m a Brass Band” also from Sweet Charity as well as “What You Don’t Know About Women” from City of Angels (a duet with stock company member Pearl Sun). However, the stand-out song of the evening was when the two divas, Karen and Colleen, united with “Bosom Buddies” from Mame, a terrific duet of vocal skill and comic timing…great stuff that you rarely see without paying hundred-dollar ticket prices.

The young and promising ladies of the CAP21 stock company were quite able to hold their own as well. There was not one weak link of the night. So many songs of the evening that I can’t include them all, but some of my favorite highlights were:

“If Mama Was Married”, Gypsy - Kelly Feithous and Kelsey Crouch Pinter

Tribute from Wicked - Carrie Melonakos and Dana Steingold

“Don‘t Rain On My Parade“, Funny Girl - Pearl Sun

Tribute from Rent - The entire stock company

Collaborative Arts Project 21 hopes to create a summer stock production not only for Manhattan but to eventually reach all five boroughs of New York City. I wish the company luck in their endeavor to reach out and get people back to the theatre!

For information about tickets and show times, visit CAP 21's website.

Photo from theatermania.com

Mary Beth Evans is Everywhere!

Mary Beth Evans will be returning for an appearance on As The World Turns on July 21st. Later in September, she will be back on Days of Our Lives with the length of her stay undetermined. And, of course, her webseries, The Bay, will be starting up this fall. A good time to be an MBE fan!

Colleen Zenk in rehearsals

See this great interview by Roger Newcomb and Damon Jacobs of WE LOVE SOAPS with OUTTAKES guest Colleen Zenk (Barbara, ATWT) in rehearsals for her upcoming musical revue, "Summer Stock NYC".

If you missed Colleen's interview last night, the show is available for playback here.

Marie Wilson on THE BAY

Just when you think THE BAY can't possibly have a cooler cast, Gregori J. Martin works another miracle! Happy to hear Marie Wilson (fondly known as "NutMeg" for many ATWT fans) is going to be joining the cast. So happy to know Marie will be back in the soaps. So happy to know she'll be paired up as Charles Shaughnessy's daughter. So happy, period!

Here is the announcement from THE BAY'S Facebook Page:

As the cast of CBS's AS THE WORLD TURNS bid-fairwell to their Brooklyn Studio, the sun still shines for Marie Wilson (Meg Snyder) as the sales west and docks at THE BAY! Wilson joins our cast in the role of Isabella Ahmed, an egyptian woman with a sordid past. Isabella is the daughter of Captain Issa Ahmed, played by... Charles Shaughnessy. Wilson also played Dr. Karen Wexler on ABC's PORT CHARLES. She begins taping her first scenes of THE BAY at the end of July/beginning of August. We're happy to have her on board..

Web Series Review - What If?, Part 1

The much-awaited and imaginative ABC web series where different soap characters collide has finally arrived with a bang. So far, some of it I've loved. Some of it is predictably cheesy. Watch at the "What If" website and you be the judge!

Sonny Corinthos (GH) / Erica Kane (AMC) - Two legendary soap opera characters stuck in an elevator. The episode that should have worked, but I don’t know. I just didn’t feel real chemistry with these two. If this had been a legitimate couple on a soap, everyone would be saying that this was too plot-driven and contrived.

Ryan Lavery (AMC) / Carly Corinthos Jacks (GH) - Nice romantic comedy with these two, even though so far this series seems to be trending on mixing the characters together in enclosed spaces. Yes, another stuck elevator. However, I do think someone definitely needs to clue Ryan in to his inner bad boy.

Damien Spinelli (GH) / Todd Manning (OLTL) - The winner of the series that I had to watch twice! “The Psychotic One” and “Spaghetti” are truly the super couple of this series so far. Stuck together on a plane, but can you think of two characters more incompatible and more delicious? Loved it!!!

Theater Review - Mamma Mia

Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Book by Catherine Johnson
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Virginia

The thing about Mamma Mia is that even if the show is done badly, as long as some well-played ABBA is going on in the background, the show can’t be all bad. In the case of the national tour of the musical, this was not a concern. Almost all of the performances of the show were top-notch.

Having been a New Yorker for 16 years, I’m embarrassed to say that I never did catch this musical on Broadway. What can I say? Too many musicals, so little time. However, I did catch the movie which gave me a frame of reference to compare to. Everyone told me that I would enjoy the stage show better than the film; and everybody was right.

Michelle Dawson struck all the right chords with me as Donna Sheridan, the pop singer turned reclusive mom living on an island. Having recalled her work from the Broadway version of Cyrano the Musical (Yes, I was probably the only person in New York City who actually loved that show!), her voice is still powerful and flawless. Along the same lines, Liana Hunt (Sophie Sheridan) stood her ground nicely as the daughter on the verge of getting married and trying to find her real father to walk her down the aisle.

Two character actresses who truly owned their roles were Kittra Wynn Coomer (Rosie) and Rachel Tyler (Tanya) , portraying Donna’s friends and former band members (“Donna’s Dynamos”) who come to support her during her daughter’s wedding. During the “Dancing Queen” number, there was no practical allowance with the road tour for the actors to join the audience members and dance along as in the Broadway show, yet the choreography, staging and comic skills of these ladies was so much fun that I didn’t even notice until much later. Never a dull moment with these two!

Anyone who is truly familiar with Matthew Ashford’s portrayal of Jack Deveraux from Days of Our Lives knows that this actor is a master at charm and comic timing. Again, he does not disappoint as Bill Austin, the adventure-loving commitment-phobe who suspects that he may be Sophie‘s father. The duet to “Take A Chance On Me” between Bill and Rosie was so much fun that I really wish I had a recording of it where I could watch it again. The two of them had a classic romantic chemistry that had the whole audience cheering.

If there was a weak link in this cast, I would have to say it was John Sanders (Sam Carmichael). Since his role doesn’t have the comic pizzazz of the other two “fathers”, he really needs to have charisma to stand out and be Donna’s true love interest. While I can say that his vocal skills are far superior to Pierce Brosnan’s from the movie version, the rest of his performance fell flat for me.

Given that, the choreography, direction and staging were all superb. I was sweating buckets in 100 degree heat and didn’t even mind while the show was going on…so that is testimony to the show’s appeal.

Interview with Colleen Zenk

On Monday, July 12th, at 6:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM EST, join OutTakes with Colleen Zenk (Barbara, As The World Turns). We'll be talking about her return to the stage in "Summer Stock NYC: A Celebration of the Broadway Musical" which opens on July 16th, As The World Turns and more. Call (347) 989-0605 to speak with Colleen.

For those new to Blogtalkradio: There is a chatroom open during the show where you can participate. To do so, you first must register with Blogtalkradio for an account. Also, if you want to call into the show with a question, be sure to press "1" when the recording prompts you to do so.

The link to the OutTakes radio station is here.

OutTakes on hiatus this week

Not going to be posting on the blog much this week, but looking forward to exciting stuff to come.

Tom Pelphrey in IN GOD'S HAT

Courtesy of Broadway World:

"In God's Hat," an incendiary new drama by Richard Taylor receives its world premiere in a four-week engagement concocted by the Apothecary Theatre Company. Directed by Kevin Kittle, and featuring the two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winner Tom Pelphrey, "In God's Hat" plays a limited four-week engagement from Wednesday July 14 through Saturday August 7, at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 West 42nd Street, on Theater Row, with an opening on Sunday July 18 at 2pm. Tickets, which are $18, are available via Ticket Central by phone at 212/279-4200 or online at www.ticketcentral.com

Set in a crummy motel on a desolate highway leading away from a penitentiary, "In God's Hat" involves two brothers who haven't seen each other for a bit more than the decade Mitch has been locked up for pedophilia. When Roy, the younger of the two, implies that his brother's payment of his debt to society still leaves an unpaid balance to the family, a feeling of double jeopardy is seeping under the door. As two Aryan skinheads butt in to add their own crude indictments, Mitch's punishment is starting to look a lot worse than the crime.

"In God's Hat" features a cast of four led by TV's Tom Pelphrey (Guiding Light, As the World Turns) as Roy, the younger brother with the chip on his shoulder; Rhett Rossi as Mitch, the brother doubly wronged; and Dennis Flanagan as Arthur, a pathological score settler. The character of Early Boyle, Arthur's Aryan "brother" who's out for even more blood, has yet to be cast.

Liberally salting all the various wounds is director Kevin Kittle, whose knack for elevating the downtrodden -- particularly in plays by the British-centric company Stiff Upper Lip ("The Pitchfork Disney," "Dirty Works") -- has often received high praise. The production design team includes set designer Michael Reese; lighting designer Jerome Hoppe, and technical director Lou Albruzzesse. The production stage manager is Chris Rinaldi.

Taylor, a screenwriter, has not had work on the boards in New York for several years. He penned "Burnt," his debut as a playwright, which made a splash in 2000. This is Apothecary's inaugural production.

"In God's Hat" performs 19 times in a limited 4-week run from Wednesday July 14 to Saturday August 7 at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 West 42nd Street, on Theater Row. The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm. For tickets, which are $18, call Ticket Central at 212/279-4200 or visit www.ticketcentral.com

Susan Seaforth Hayes back on Y&R

CBS Soaps In Depth is reporting Days of Our Lives star Susan Seaforth Hayes will return to The Young and the Restless, resuming the role of Lauren's mom -- Joanna Manning.

With the recent revelation that Jill is Lauren's half-sister, I guess this was bound to happen. Joanna needs to come back to Genoa City and clear some of this madness up.

Congrats, Susan! I hope you get some good story with your return!

Web Series Review - MISS BEHAVE, Pts 1 to 3

I have a low tolerance for teenage dramas. I grew up in the days of John Hughes flicks and the Brat Pack...so I figure I've already seen the best of the best. However, because of the actors and my support for web series, I decided to give Miss Behave a chance.

With so many of the web shows that I've been watching so far, the episodes start out well and end with something that keeps you want to come back for more, accompanied by catchy title music that catches in the brain. It's just occasionally in the middle of the 8-or-so minute episodes that my interest wanes. Since we're only dealing with 10 minutes or less a week, I expect every minute to be riveting, darn it!

Being the long-term Days of Our Lives watcher that I am, I remember Jillian Claire well as poor little Abby Deveraux, devastated that Daddy Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) died and taking it all out on Mommy Jennifer Deveraux (Melissa Reeves). I was all wrapped up as a viewer and crying right along with her. So I was curious to see what I would think of her as the lead character of this new web series. So far, I like what I see. She's really striking, reminding me a bit of young Shannon Doherty at the height of her fame. Her character, Tori, is one of those beautiful teenagers all full of spit, vinegar and hormones, who is bound to get pregnant or thrown in jail...whichever comes first. As usual with these kind of shows, Tori is all into this bad boy named Riley (Marco James) who seems to be the typical James Dean wannabe rebel without a clue. Also along for the ride is Tasha (Bianca Magick) who is Tori's BFF who encourages her to get into trouble.

I admit I never cared much for "Max Brady" on Days, way too much of a goody-goody hypocrite who had to sleep with every girl in Salem while giving everyone else lectures on morality. But I admit Darin Brooks as Mr. Owens, Tori's drama teacher who seems to have more than a scholarly interest in her, has me curious to come back and watch future episodes. Will he be her downfall? Or will she be his?

The sub-plot of Tori's brother, Billy (Trevor Nelson), doesn't really engage me yet, but I'm sure it needs time to build and actually go somewhere.

So far, Miss Behave could use some improvement but is off to a good start. Go to the Miss Behave website to learn more about the show and view the episodes.