Greetings my fellow Salemites! What a fun-filled weekend we had in sunny Los Angeles (okay I lied about the "sunny" part). I met some great people and had a wonderful time so let's get this party recap started, shall we?

Breakfast with Lauren Koslow!

First of all, let me tell you that Lauren is NOTHING like Kate. While Kate worries, broods and schemes, Lauren is the complete opposite: she is vivacious, outgoing and funny. While waiting for Lauren, we were treated to a video montage of some of her best scenes in the past few years. Ahh, Lauren at last! She answered questions from the audience (most of whom were "Jate" fans) and look who's here! A sleepy Drake Hogestyn (who was up well past his bedtime the night before hosting his own event) and Drake proceeded to crack up the crowd with his hilarious banter. Next on the "surprise guest" list was Austin Peck (Austin) and I was very pleased to hear the huge response to him. I was even more pleased when I introduced myself to Austin and he remembered me (my interview with him will be up very soon!). I think I could be in love here. Then we had Kyle Brandt (Phillip) pop in for an appearance and while Kyle pleaded the 5th about his upcoming story, he seemed surprised that we already knew most of it (referring to Phillip's amputee story).

While the actors mingled with the crowd, Michael Bruno arranged an impromptu version of "I Wanna Be a Soap Star" and I must say, some of the participants (who were simply plucked from the audience) displayed some great acting chops and it was fun to watch! I did get to chat with Lauren (she's even more stunning in person), but we had to wait a few minutes for Drake; that adorable Stephanie Sloane from Soap Opera Digest seemed to be in an in-depth chat with our Hogie-man and I did not want to interrupt. But patience paid off and we did get a little one on one time with Drake. He actually put my business card in his wallet; that could be a good sign!

Oh I'm afraid we simply must dash.... to

The wonderful ladies hosting this event allowed me to sit in a quiet corner and take in all the happenings and were outrageously accommodating. Both Kristian and Jason were hilarious and outgoing and just listening to them was enjoyable. Kristian praised her co-star Peter Reckell (Bo) and our precious beloved Frances Reid, whom Alfonso described as "awesome!" Jason hinted at the possibility of a Shawn/Mimi pairing, saying "Belle is married!" Speaking of La Belle, here is Martha Madison! The response to her was very enthusiastic and she pretty much mowed down the competition in the trivia contest ("It's easier to remember from watching the show"). I found myself in the company of Martha's parents and I asked them about Newport News Virginia, from whence one Martha had came, and where I currently reside. After sharing hometown stories, I let them in on my Soaptown secret - imagine my pleasant shock upon learning that proud Mom and Dad knew who I was! Should I take a bow? Hide? Did I write it all up only to have to live it down? They even knew my name! Martha parked herself right next to me ("I've been on this boot-camp type diet but now I'm soooo hungry!" she tells us) and once again, we start up the adventures in Newport News stories. Martha charmed my socks off and several times over the weekend, I ran into her (and her parents) and they greeted me every single time.

I didn't get to chat with Kristian (darn!) but I did get an audience in with Jason later on (see Men of Days event). The other surprise guest was Heather Lindell (Jan) and I have to tell you that everyone was simply gushing about lovely Heather. Unfortunately her days at Days appear to be over; here's hoping another soap snaps up this talented girl very soon. Jason had the audience howling when he did a parody of the "motorcycle through the church scene" that was so hysterical that I can only hope someone captured it on tape for posterity. Kristian did tell us that the character of Vivian is not returning and you can kiss your Patch and Kayla dream goodbye also - they are not returning either.

Before I continue, I have to make mention of the fact that our precious Frank Parker (Shawn Sr.) put in an appearance at pretty much every event and the fans appropriately fawned over him. He in turn made a point to profusely thank every one of us for coming to this weekend's events.

 

 

The Men of Days!

This is our event girls! This is our chance to stare and drool! The gaspingly gorgeous line-up was as follows: Kyle Brandt (who was wearing Phillip's fatigues and introduced the others), the blue eyed beauty that is Brody Hutzler (Patrick), Bryan Dattilo (Lucas) who toted adorable son Gabe on his shoulders, Rhaasan Orange (Tek), Jason Cook (Shawn), Kyle Lowder (Brady), Steve Blackwood (Bart), John Ingle (can you hear the harps? Can you?? It's CUDDLES!!) and Cuddles-2, Frank Parker (Shawn Sr.). Yes, quite a delectable line-up we have here.

Steve Blackwood played the host with the most and made some hilarious jokes about being in the presence of "lesser actors" (tongue in cheek, of course) and proved that he is even funnier than bumbling Bart. Steve invited the audience to ask questions of the men before us and I had to make my voice heard. After resisting the urge to throw my arms around Steve (which was not easy; do you believe in love at first sight?), I asked John "Cuddles" Ingle when Mickey would make a choice between Maggie and Bonnie. It was hard to hear him over all those harps my heart was playing (I love this man!) but his answer was hysterical. He joked that after all Mickey went through (looking good in rhinestones, learning to line-dance and learning how not to fall in cowboy boots), he said, "Now it looks like they are going to take it all away!" I swear, every time I look at Mr. Ingle, I start hearing the love theme to Romeo and Juliet, I kid you not. A fan asked my other Cuddles, Mr. Parker, when is Grandpa Shawn going to be reunited with Caroline? "I have a better idea," so says Cuddles-2, "How about one of the girls that works in the Brady Pub?"

The men were turned loose on us and I only chatted up a few people, starting with that darling Jason Cook. How about that movie he wrote? Jason told me that he is in the process of raising the funds to get his original screenplay about high school corruption at the starting gate ("I'm halfway there!" he says proudly). This project sounds interesting so here's hoping he can get it off the ground and perhaps we will here more about it very soon. I run around and snap a few pictures (I couldn't exactly call Frank Parker "Frank," I had to change that to "Mr. Parker") but by this time, I was ready to glaze my own arm with barbecue sauce and start gnawing on it. Alas, I am forced to ditch my men to forage for food.

It's a brighter (and warmer) day the next day as we head over to....

This was by far my favorite event. Girls will be girls, and when you get this bunch of girls together, you know you're in for a treat! A great line-up of ravishing lovelies were about to grace us with their presence and they were introduced by Ari Zuker (Nicole): Ashley Benson (Abby), Farah Fath (Mimi), Alexis Thorpe (Cassie), Renee Jones (Lexie), my "new buddy" Martha (and yes, Mom and Dad too!), Suzanne Rogers (Maggie), Peggy McKay (Caroline), Judi Evans (Bonnie), Heather Lindell (Jan), Patrika Darbo (Nancy) and our new Chelsea, Rachel Melvin. For those of you who may be wondering, yes, Peggy did arrive at the festivities wearing the red Rudolph nose, an event tradition. If she hadn't been wearing it, I would've had to ask wear her "nose" was.

There was a question and answer session, which was not easy to hear from my vantage point but we did hear that Alexis Thorpe is leaving the show and may also be leaving the state - a move to New York is in the works. During the Q&A session, Ari treats us to a present: Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe), looking gorgeous as always. Our girls were turned loose on the crowd - let the games begin!

First, we Soaptowners had to find a primo location, which we did, while the ladies made their rounds. The only actress we didn't meet was Peggy; she had to duck out early. There we were, getting photos and handing out my Soaptown cards and - Alexis Thorpe! Dawn is semi-new at this, so our Soaptown photog Becky (an event veteran) jumps right in with both feet, asking everyone and her co-star about interviews, while I just smile, introduce myself, and hand over the incriminating evidence stating who I work for. Several of our ladies agree to interviews (Alexis tells me that she has already been contacted, well then, can I have my card back? Just kidding.) Suzanne was outrageously enthusiastic about possibility of an interview with us, and let me tell you, Suzanne was having a blast. She enjoyed meeting the fans and I think she was having more fun than we were. For once, we were flabbergasted to be in the company of this daytime legend and paid due homage to her.

The other darlings are making their way around to us. A quick consolation hug between Farah and I over the outcome of the NCAA basketball tournament (we're both Kentucky fans). "I was so sick that day!" she tells me, referring to the day I interviewed her, and goes on to say that during her trip to St. Louis to attend the tournament, her sinus infection got progressively worse. She's a sweet girl and oh! The clothes these women were wearing! Take us with you when you go shopping, PLEASE!

Next up is long-time pal of Soaptown, Judi. The mood turned a little somber as hugs and condolences were shared. Judi was a good friend of our beloved late Soapboy and wanted to offer us her thoughts and comfort as well. We love you too Judi! Thank you.

Here is Renee Jones (Lexie) and we can't take it anymore: Renee! Where did you buy those jeans?! Our Renee is wearing this awesome pair with all these stones on it in cute designs and we must have the where's and most important, the where's. She whips out a business card and says, "I'm sending the show over there!" Expect Lexie to start looking even more well-dressed than usual. Renee then turns to me and says our photographer looks just like 80's pop diva Taylor Dayne. Why yes, as a matter of fact, she does. Can we go shopping now, ha ha ha!

Every once in a while we pop our heads up and ask "Where the heck is Ari?" and finally she makes her way over to us. She is darling and zany, and has a wicked sense of humor. Definitely worth the wait (hunger is starting to set in again) but we were determined to get an audience with our "Nicole." She had us howling with laughter; she's the kind of woman that you would just love to hang out with because she's so funny.

While heading out, we run into Martha's parents again, who are heading back home (they live in Houston) and they mention the possibility of visiting our mutual hometown this Christmas. So Mom and Dad, if you're reading this, give me a holler when you get here and I'll treat you to dinner. We also chat with Ari's parents and mention how wonderful their daughter is. I didn't get to chat with Heather (we try but we can't get to everyone) and as far as Nadia goes, keep reading!

It's time to head up to Pasadena (home of the Rose Bowl) and get our game on....

When we arrive, we first have to seek out Lori, Jim Reynolds (Abe) publicist and gush out heartfelt thanks over and over for the invite.

"Get in there and fight!" Nina tells me, while in the press "gym," but just as we were approaching Ali Sweeney (Sami), we were asked to take out seats. I climb and drag my way to a prime location and take in all the pre-game happenings. Why aren't you playing, I ask my "new buddy" Martha. "I have no hand-eye coordination," she confesses, then jokes, "I'm the only person I know that got a C in golf!" But she does go down to join her teammates on the bench.

After the game starts, the sports fan in me takes over and I'm getting into this game way too much! I seem to have forgotten my reason for being here. Farah is right in front of me but she is busily chatting with "Sweetie Steph" from Soap Opera Digest, so I turn to Nadia (admittedly after a little prodding) and inquire about her new prime time series. She tells me that it will more than likely air on Tuesdays on UPN (It's called "Sex Lies and Secrets") and while her role is recurring at the moment, you never know. She also says that the show is in a similar vein as "Desperate Housewives" and I mention that it's great that she finally got one (a pilot) picked up, even though it means her leaving Days. I ask about interviewing her for Soaptown and she flat out said "Sure!" and we exchange the pertinent contact info. So a Nadia interview appears to be in my cards, pardon the pun!

As for the game itself, Ari had a few impressive rebounds and Kyle Brandt really found his game mojo in the final quarter with some awesome shots! Bryan Dattilo made a few rainbows himself. Ali mainly coached but she played a little (I heard that she wasn't feeling well). Jim's team lost by three points but the game was a lot of fun to watch. Afterwards, the actors hit the hardwood to mingle with fans. I wanted to get in a word with Jim but alas, I was unable to. I told Heather that she did great (she was a  little embarrassed at first but then she got her game) and I told Bryan that he made some great shots out there, forgetting that I work for Soaptown and not ESPN for just a second.

By this time, my fellow Soaptowners were on their way home, so I was left to fend for myself. I made a point to introduce myself to Brody, whom I had interviewed in January. I also managed a few pictures of Ali, Chris Gerse (Will), and that darling Bryan. I also met up with the precious woman who I believe played Eugenia, her real name is Daphne. Forgive my sometimer's disease. I make mention of her because she was simply overflowing with enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the fans.

Overall, it was a great weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it! For those of you who did not attend, I hope you enjoy this report, and most of all, I hope to see you out there next year. It is definitely a time not not be missed! I would like to offer my humble thank you to Debby O'Connor, who was more than accommodating to us here at Soaptown. Debs, you throw one heck of a party!