PORT CHARLES  Dinner Musings…
Fun at the fan dinner…

Friday evening, Aug. 23^rd the PORT CHARLES fan dinner was held at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City, California.  Fans packed the ballroom and were thrilled at the chance to meet their favourite stars from the show in person.  The whole cast turned up and did not disappoint!  They were open, funny, warm and friendly with all the fans who stood in long lines for autographs and the chance to take pictures. 

Fave Couple:            Alison and Rafe

Best Supporting Actor:  Brian Gaskill

Best Supporting Actress: Erin Hershey Presley

Fave Lead Actress:  Lynn Herring

Fave Lead Actor:  Brian Presley

Fave Storyline:  Miracles Happen

Fave Villainess:  Kelly Monaco as Livvie

Erin Hershey Presley and Brian Gaskill as Rafe and Alison and Kelly Monaco as Livvie drew the evening’s loudest cheers!  Though fans are conflicted over the Alison/Rafe/Livvie triangle there is no conflict about the actors  - they are much loved!  Lynn Herring and Jon Lindstrom accepted the award for favourite storyline. These  two veterans are one class act. 

Jay Picket got a lot of attention for his new Avatar role, fans seemed to really like this new dark side to Frank. There was also some clamouring for a Lynn Herring/Thorsten Kay pairing, with one fan yelling go for it Lucy!  There seems to be real affection between these two actors, could some sort of future for Lucy and Ian be in the cards.  Considering the popularity of these two it wouldn’t be surprising to the fans!

A question and answer period followed with the actors answering questions turned in by the fans.  Nolan North hosted and entertained the crowd with his hilarious and unique brand of humour.  This guy missed his calling, I see stand-up comedian in his future!  He really got the crowd roaring with his teasing of the actors and their responses.  Kiko Ellsworth is obviously the most outgoing of the group, regaling the crowd with his hiatus exploits, Nolan North teasing him all the while.  They really got it going back and forth, turning in one hysterical performance. Really broke the ice, made everyone feel comfortable and at ease. When he said “Contrary to popular belief Brian Gaskill is not Amish” I almost fell off my chair laughing – no secret how I feel about Rafe’s wardrobe, Amish indeed.   Great job Nolan, and great fun was had by all.

Autograph sessions followed with each actor sitting behind a table.  Did I mention the long lines, patient fans waiting for autographs, pictures and the chance to chit chat.  No one, and I mean no one, was disappointed.  There is no doubt that the cast of PORT CHARLES, aside from being the most talented cast in daytime, are the most generous, friendly, warm, appreciative bunch around.  I would be hard pressed to find one fan who did not come away from the evening with a blissful smile on their face, clutching their collection of signed t-shirts, photos and whatnot. 

Perhaps the longest line of the evening was at Brian Gaskill’s table, no big surprise there.  He even had his own group of supporters wearing “Friends of Brian Gaskill” t-shirts which sure generated a lot of attention!   “Friends of Brian Gaskill” , is an on-line group of people who get together to support the show, Gaskill’s wonderful portrayal of Rafe  and support his myriad of charities and causes.  Unbeknownst to Gaskill the members of the group, which number around 250, decided to honour his one year anniversary on the show with a group donation to his latest charity, the Los Angeles Police Foundation’s “Luv Dat Blanket” initiative.  They provide blankets and care to babies and children taken from abusive and violent home situations.  In most cases these children are in diapers only.  Every squad car will now be carrying blankets so that they can help ease a traumatic situation, provide warmth and caring to these innocent souls.   $2000 was raised and the lucky members who attended the dinner had the opportunity to present the check to Brian in person.  To say Brian Gaskill was surprised, touched and grateful would be an understatement.  He was so appreciative of the efforts of all his “friends” and gave his time so generously, allowing  everyone to snap pictures galore and chat  candidly. He was gracious, kind, open, genuine, and truly overwhelmed everyone in that room.  

The evening ended with the actors making their exits, though it seemed reluctantly so, and happy fans heading off into the warm California night.  It was a wonderful time shared by all, one that this slaphappy fan won’t soon forget!  Soaps are an escape from the craziness of our daily life and the unpredictability of the world we live in.  PORT CHARLES is the most unique, fun, romantic, magical escape, for 30 minutes at least, that each and every fan is grateful for.  Whether we watch in real time or tape and watch at night, there is no doubt that a great amount of love and support for PORT CHARLES was evident Friday night.  The actors hear us, we know that. I admire them all and was so impressed with their willingness to connect with the fans.  I just hope it got through to TPTB.