My NYC adventure - Colleen Zenk at Feinsteins - meeting 'stars' of ATWT

I have been to New York City many times over the years, but this time was different. I was going by myself (sans husband and kids), and meeting Stephanie (my good fb friend from Chicago) in order to see one of my favourite actresses perform at a nightclub in New York City.

I was nervous for many reasons, but excited for a new adventure. This would be very personal - a wish fulfilled. It would mean keeping something special in my heart. I love the Big Apple, I love my memories of ATWT, and I love the new friendships I have made because of the love of my 'story', including Colleen Zenk. So, now it was time to explore my own personal dreams.



Colleen Zenk at Feinsteins

When I found out that Colleen Zenk would be performing her 'Still Sassy' cabaret at Feinsteins in New York City, I was determined to go. My husband couldn't take the time off work, so I was made plans to go alone. To my wonderful surprise, my friend Stephanie said she would join me. The show would be on Sunday, November 6, 2011, so I decided to treat myself to most of Saturday and Monday as well. Since I had been to New York before, I was at least confident that I could maneuver my way around well. I made arrangements to take the day off from my business on Monday (since I would be flying back to Toronto in the evening). My trip would be my birthday and Christmas present from my dear husband (who is not a soap fan, by the way).I booked my flight accordingly (leaving on Saturday morning). Then I started looking for a hotel room close to Central Park, near Feinsteins. First snag - what wasn't already fully booked was much too expensive. I didn't realize until I had done some more investigating, that the New York City marathon was on Sunday. Oh my. Well, it took me almost two weeks but I found an absolutely charming B&B on the Upper East Side at a reasonable price and location. Then to plan the rest of my itinerary for a weekend to remember. I was excited and motivated.

Mamma Mia on Broadway

I wanted to see a Broadway show. I considered 'How to Succeed in Business...' with Michael Park, but couldn't find a price I was willing to pay. Since this was MY trip, I chose to see a musical I have already seen five times over the years (four times in Toronto and once in Hamburg, Germany). I love ABBA, loved the movie (Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan are stellar), and truly consider Mamma Mia to be my favourite. I had never seen it on Broadway - so now was the time for my perfect weekend. I chose third row center. When Stephanie later decided to join me, I got her a seat very close (at least we could see each other). As an aside, I still think Colleen Zenk would be perfectly cast as Donna Sheridan. So, that would be Saturday night. Stephanie arranged her flight from Chicago so that it coincided perfectly with my arrival at LaGuardia and then we would take a taxi into Manhattan. We would arrive in the city in mid afternoon and then have time to check in, get settled and take the subway down to Fifth Avenue (for a little window gazing and a little shopping). After that we would have dinner and then head down to the theatre district and Times Square.


At the airport

Well I must say, that it all worked out perfectly. Stephanie was waiting for me when I landed, we hugged (as fb sisters should do) and then began our adventure. We took a cab from the airport to the B&B and were lucky that it only took a little while. The room was perfect (it was a renovated apartment with a full kitchen - beautiful). We were quite pleased wth the choice and hoped that everything would go as smoothly. Our innkeeper recommended Kennedy's on 57th st for dinner. He said that the Police Commissioner of NY often ate there with his friends. We took the subway down to 59th walked over to 5th Avenue and did some awesome window shopping.

Kennedys

We went into Bloomingdales and other more 'touristy' shops, bought a couple of pieces that we liked and then decided we were hungry. We took the advice we were given and went to Kennedys for dinner. It was lovely decor, good food and very reasonably priced for NYC. However, we didn't see any celebrities I think they sit in one of the back rooms. After dinner, we slowly made our way down to Times Square. The weather was perfect, bright blue sky leading to a a nice sunset, surrounded by skyscrapers and neon lights. On our way past Rockefeller Centre, we came across Cookie Monster just passing by, so I decided to ask him about his favourite cookie. He did confess that it would have to be chocolate chip.

Cookie Monster

The bright lights of Times Square were so inviting. We were in the Big Apple. I had seen it before and yet I still didn't think it was gaudy - it was just the charm and excitement of New York City. It was almost time for Mamma Mia, so we headed over to the Wintergarden Theatre. Of course, the show was as good as I expected it to be even though the lead role was being played by the understudy for that evening. How I wished it could have been Colleen Zenk. Well, maybe the next time I go to NYC, it will be. In any case, I was pleased that Stephanie enjoyed it - she had never seen it before. Mamma Mia is a show about strong women, love, family and fun. And, of course ABBA songs are so uplifting and part of MY youth.  And Stephanie was so gracious wih me. Although she had never been to NYC before, she let me do all the things that I wanted to do. You will see what I am talking about when I describe the next day.

On Broadway

So far, we had been in the Big Apple for about eight hours, but were truly enjoying our time together and the whole New York experience. It was also 'cool' to be without our husbands for the first time - ever. It was really 'girly-girly' fun. We walked around Times Square, went into a Broadway shop where I picked up a souvenir for my Drama teacher son, and then happened upon the theatre where 'How to Succeed...' was playing. We walked up to the stage door where we saw someone signing autographs. At firt I thought it might be Michael Park, but this man was much taller. It was John Laroquette. He was quite close to me, but had just finished, said, "Goodnight" and left. He seemed to be very nice to his fans for the brief moment we saw him. We asked about Michael Park but were told that he had already left. 



Cafe Lalo



It was now after 11:00pm but the streets were filled with tourists and New Yorkers. We hailed a taxi and drove to the Upper West side to Cafe Lalo where we had dessert and a delicious fruit drink. Now, I have to explain something here. My favourite movie is 'You've Got Mail' and this little cafe is where Meg Ryan meets Tom Hanks (not realizing that he is her internet friend). It was a great thrill to, not only re-visit a favourite location but it was a beautiful night, even a little warm and we were truly having a great time. It was after midnight, but the place was packed. It was open until 4:00am. Stephanie and I felt like we were part of the New York 'scene'. It was fun. And the wait staff and the patrons were all so friendly. Starting (and I mean just 'starting') to get tired, we took a cab back to the Upper East side, going through Central Park, to the B&B. My lil' sis (that's what I call Stephanie) and I had some fun 'girl talk' before we went to sleep. It had been a long but fantastic day. I was a little happy that I also got an extra hour of sleep because of the time change - Stephanie got two hours because she is from Chicago.

Sunday morning, we met one of Stephanie's friends from Team Colleen for breakfast at Rue 57. They had been friends for over a year, but had never met face to face. It was a sweet meeting, full of stories and exciting thoughts about Colleen's show in the evening.We had a lovely breakfast before we separated and Stephanie and I headed out for a day on the Upper West side, following a few places that I wanted to revisit. We passed by the fences and even police with riot gear that were set up around Central Park for the marathon (which had already started). I figured that by staying on the Upper West Side, we would not encounter too much traffic or interference from the marathon. It wasn't until later in the afternoon that our true adventure began.

As I said before, my favourite movie of the last 20 years, is You've Got Mail. Poor Stephanie was dragged to the building (now a small cafe) that was the bookstore, then north on Broadway and Columbas Ave to Zabars (the grocery store) and then to Grays Papaya (for their famous hot dog). At least I didn't drag her all the way to 97th Street Riverside Park (the final scene of the movie). It was a glorious day - warm, bright blue sky and I was very warm in my winter coat. By pure luck, we happened upon a flea market that had unique items, vintage clothes, and antique books. Of course I bought on for my husband, (the book collector). Iit was a first edition for $6.00. They had so many ecclectic and interesting items - not junk, just treasures.

By 4pm, we wanted to get to the East side, but Central Park was completely blocked with the finish line of the marathon. By the time we realized that all the runners would probably want taxis, and that it might be a problem to get back to the B&B to get ready for Colleen Zenk's show, we were starting to get pressed for time. We walked several blocks further west and then several blocks north in order to try to grab a cab, but had to wait for half an hour before we were lucky. And then, the poor driver couldn't get across to the east side. He finally let us go, and we had to walk and walk and walk. But we did it. Stephanie had taken off her shoes and was walking in her socks. When we finally grabbed a cab on the east side, we were still 14 blocks away. We made it back and had twenty minutes to get ready to go to Feinsteins. It didn't matter. we were so excited that we were very happy that we had had an adventure . 

We arrived at Feinsteins just after 6pm and met with other friends of Stephanie's. It was nice to see Team Colleen together to enjoy the show. We had a lovely dinner. Phillip Katz (Colleen's publicist) came to the table and talked with us for a while. He is a very nice, gentle man. I got the impression that he was excited about the future. Trent Dawson sat at a table near us and I also saw Christopher Goutman, Damon L. Jacobs and Roger Newcomb. I was determined that I would speak to Roger Newcomb about my feelings and gratitude for the DVD sets. When Colleen Zenk came on stage, the whole room was immediately surrounded with the love and joyous adoration of the audiencefor a true 'star'. Colleen Zenk in Still Sassy was a beautiful reflection through song (and a little dance) of a life well lived - from performing in talent shows as a child, to coming to New York and pursuing dreams on Broadway, to playing the fantastic Barbara Ryan on ATWT for over 30 years. Still Sassy was full of memories of family, loves, loss and battles with cancer intermingled with a career that gave pleasure to her audience for a very long time.



Colleen Zenk

Colleen Zenk is indeed an extraordinary woman beyond compare. So, yes, I believe that Colleen Zenk is 'very classy and still sassy'. To me Colleen represents what every woman should aspire to: an independent woman with strength and sincerity, a personality that is sexy yet classy, and a warm smile that conveys integrity and humor, intelligence and determination. Not only is Colleen Zenk a talented actress and performer, but a wonderful mother and mentor, cancer survivor and an awe-inspiring advocate for oral cancer screening. It is so endearing to her fans that Colleen Zenk embraced their efforts to get her on Dancing with the Stars, and always speaks so lovingly about her cast mates as 'family' and fought the battle against cancer that all of us fear. Still Sassy celebrates her whole life and future. This performance celebrates everything that is to be admired about this lovely lady. I feel so fortunate that I was able to see this particluar show. Thank you, Colleen. It was absolutely a wonderful tribute to your life. Of course, I so thoroughly enjoyed the show that I was mezmerized by the moments and the surroundings. It was surreal to think that I was so close to someone I had never met but felt close to since 1979.



Trent Dawson
(Henry Coleman)

After an encore and a great deal of applause, Colleen Zenk left the stage and was speaking to her friends in the audience at the other side of the room. Trent Dawson was sitting quite close to me, so I summoned up all my courage, and went over to his table. I introduced myself to him and told him that I had been a fan of ATWT for 50 years. Trent Dawson's eyes widened as he said, "Oh my" almost as if he didn't believe me, but I continued to tell him how much I enjoyed his performance as his character, Henry Coleman. I was immediately taken with this charming man's smile and graciousness.  I talked with him about his role as Henry and he recounted how much he enjoyed his time on ATWT and his relationships with the other cast members. He talked about how very pleased he was that the writers had decided to pair him with Colleen Zenk as his love interest. I could see the sincere love he had for Colleen, not to mention that he has a great voice when he performed a duet with her. It was lovely. I am a very shy person; and Trent made me feel so comfortable. I hope he has an awesome future as an actor - however, there will never be another Henry Coleman, unless he is played by Trent Dawson. After I left, Christopher Goutman went over to Trent and talked for a bit.  

 

Roger Newcomb

It was absolutely thrilling that I also had the opportunity and honour to meet Roger Newcomb, editor of We Love Soaps and also the directorial editor of the soapclassics As The World Turns DVDs. I am so grateful to this young man for all he has done to preserve the memories of the only soap I watched for 50 years. I noticed that he had stood up and was getting ready to leave, so once again I put on my brave face and went over to him. I was a bit surprised when he instantly knew who I was when I introduced myself to him. He actually hugged me. I told him how happy and very grateful I was that he had been responsible for the DVDs. We talked for several minutes and I was so pleased when his big smile led to the confession that he had watched ATWT with his grandmother and that he had very fond memories of it. He told me that if sales go well, then the future will see many more sets as well as the on-line streaming. I had spent one year trying to get respect and honour for ATWT; and Roger Newcomb was making it all possible. I really, really liked him. He was so genuine and sweet.

Colleen Zenk

 

Apparently, while I was talking to Roger Newcomb, Colleen Zenk had come over to the table, looking to meet me. When I returned, Colleen was speaking to someone else, but when she came back, I was immediately taken with her her smile and of course her eyes. I stammered something like, "I have known you as Barbara for over thrirty years", I don't know what else I should have said, but she made me feel very comfortable and at ease- as though I was talking to a friend. However, as always the case when you meet a celebrity, I forgot to say how I felt, especially how much I admired her for the way she  beat cancer. I also didn't get the chance to say how I loved the way she was able to portary all the different personifications of Barbara Ryan's very interesting character - from young igenue and victimized wife to controlling mother and vindictive 'bitch' , to cancer survivor and finally to vulnerable but strong 'cougar'. We talked for several minutes about the show and the fact that she was moving to Manhattan. She also talked about the ATWT DVDs and promised a surprise in the near future. It was such a pleasure to meet this lovely lady. It was a night to remember.

 

After we left Feinsteins, I had a feeling of 'it's over' but it was more like a 'goodnight, not a goodbye'. Now that I had made a connection, I felt at ease and full of happiness. It had been a wonderful experience and one I would always cherish. Stephanie and I went to Rue 57 for a scrumptuous piece of cake and then walked around New York City before hailing a taxi and going back to the B&B. Of course, we had another 'girl-talk' session before turning in. Stephanie and I had become good friends over the internet; and now had shared a lovely time in New York City. Monday morning, we did a bit more shopping -touristy things for my grandchildren from FAO Swartz and the American Girl store for Stephanie's daughter. It was fun. Just before we headed to the airport, we spent some time in Central Park.

 

Who could ask for a more perfect ending to our NYC adventure then going to Central Park. It was a lovely fall day and we had hot dogs and a very stale soft pretzel. We sat on a bench and reflected on our experience. It was a little bittersweet, because we both knew that this was a once in a life-time trip, but we are also determined to do it again, sometime. And we will. I wonder if the next time we will see Eileen Fulton, Martha Byrne or Michael park. And of course, I would love to go back to New York to see Colleen Zenk in Mamma Mia. Until we meet again, "goodnight, not goodbye".

 

Angie in NYC

 

 

 

 

 

So, what happened to the younger generation? Part 1



Times have changed. There is absolutely no doubt about that. My grandchildren live in a world of iphones and DS (I guess that's the new word for hand-held video games). Technology has made 'playing' with friends simply to 'play', a thing of the past. Unless there are supervised, organized team sports, today's child doesn't know how to 'play', use their imagination and be creative. How many times do you see two or three girls get together and play an actual game, other than listen to music on their MP3 players ? How many times do you get woken up on a Saturday morning, listening to a group of boys playing ball hockey on the street, shouting, "He shouts, he scores". How many times do you see a family just spending time together? If a family does an activity together in today's world of guilt and catering to the youth, it is to spend an absurd amount of money going to a theme park. There is no pleasing 'kids' (who have a tremendous sense of entitlement), without growing broke. As parents, we have done our children a disservice by giving them everything they ask for - there is no 'free' anymore. The family  'togetherness' of the past is gone. And, I honestly don't think that parents care to listen to their children anymore. "Too busy, not enough time",  is what I hear, time and time again. It is easier for parents to buy their children the gadgets they want and let them 'tweet' and message their friends, rather than to actually insist and to provide them the opportunity and incentive to use their imaginations and 'play'. It makes me sad, when after the weekend, I ask the children of my daycare, how they spent their weekend. Most of the time they simply say, "nothing". When I question it, it is simply that - on a beautiful summer Saturday, they either watched marathon reruns of Hannah Montana or played video games. When I ask, what the parents did on the weekend, they tell me, "I don't know". Why?

Of course,
I had the original Barbie

As a child, I lived for Captain Kangaroo before school every morning; and then I spent hour upon hour playing with my dolls, doll houses, paper dolls and Barbies (get the picture - a real girly-girl). When I got together with my friends, we would go exploring along the creek by the park, ride our bikes around the block for hours, play wall ball ("one, two, three a-Larry) or jump rope, and even write and perform plays (like Cinderella) where there would be no audience. I excelled at a long-forgotten jumping game where you tied plastic bands together and then had to jump over at varying heights - if you didn't have two friends to hold the ends, then you improvised by wrapping the ends around two trees. I became quite good at jumping over (with a lot of practice). I had fun, lots of it. Oh, and I walked several blocks to school (even in Kindergarten), by myself,. My parents were never worried about predators (mainly because it was not a media scare phobia). In the summer, I would go outside after doing my chores (hand washing dishes, tidying and helping with the garden), get together with my friends, check in for lunch, maybe watch Mike Douglas, the Newlywed Game and As The World Turns with my mother, and then go outside and play badminton with my brother (the only activity we ever enjoyed doing together), then spend time in my room, listening to music I had taped from the radio onto a reel to reel tape recorder.

Peter McEnery and Hayley Mills
in The Moonspinners.

I would also READ - go figure. As a teenager, I would walk quite a distance to the local library and carry home an armful of novels (anything from Heidi, Jane Eyre, Gone  With the Wind to the romantic period novels by Dorothy Eden. At one point, I became 'obsessed with Hayley Mills and her Disney movies. When I saw 'The Moonspinners', I fell in love with the actor Peter McEnery. He was young, handsome, had an adorable British accent (which I tried to copy).  I tried to write a book, based on the movie, with lots of hand-drawn pictures.Years later, I named my son after the character that Peter McEnery played in the movie.  After I saw the movie, of course, I had to get the book by Mary Stewart that the movie was based on and then I devoured all of the author's other novels. I wouldn't have dreamed of asking my parents to 'buy' me the books. I waited patiently for them to turned in at the library.

I loved teenagers, Patty and her
identical cousin, Cathy

After working on my homework, I would enjoy watching television with my parents (yes, we would spend time together).I loved the situation comedies (Patty Duke, Dick Van Dyke, That Girl, and was allowed to watch certain adult shows like Hawaii  5-O, Dragnet and Adam 12. Oh, and I became a 'Trekkie'. Don't get me wrong, I also loved the shows that my parents didn't watch like the Man from U.N.C.L. E., the Monkees, and I also loved the variety shows like Ed Sullivan, Sonny & Cher, Dean Martin and the Carpenters. I was a normal teenager, who loved spending time with my family, my friends and by myself. I was never bored - always busy. But I also remember neighbors getting together for parties, a true sense of community and belonging. Family vacations were frugal but very special. Quite often, my mother would forgo having a drink in the restaurant, when money was tight. We enjoyed just being together, sitting under the the pink umbrella, listening to the radio, while my father would barbeque hot dogs. My friends would always be welcome to join us, and although my brother and I fought (like any siblings do), we had a close, fun time.

Richard and Karen Carpenter

In High School I had two close friends. We would get together for parties (supervised by our parents) and also spend time watching football games, extra curricular clubs and school trips. If there was a movie we wanted to see, my father or my friend's father would drive us to the theatre and then pick us up afterwards. If I spent money on an ice cream cone, it was  a treat. There was no such thing as 'hanging out' at McDonalds or the mall. Although, I wasn't particularly popular (didn't have a boyfriend) but I also remember a more 'congenial' relationship amongst all my peers and classmates. There were no gangs or really 'bad ' kids. We all had respect for our teachers, loyalty and school spirit. We also had respect for our parents. I would never have even thought to go somewhere (to a game or a friend's house) without making the twenty minute walk home first to tell my mother what I was doing. I could have spent the 10 cents to call home from a phone booth, but I was also interested in what  was going on at home first. I also knew that if my mother needed me to help her for some reason, it was my responsibility to help her first, before I went out. For my birthday one year my parents bought me a single ticket to go and see the Carpenters perform at the CNE in Toronto. My father drove me to the subway station and then picked me up from the subway afterwards. The following year, I received a ticket to see Engelbert Humperdinck. I left high school with good friends that I still have contact with, today. University, on the other hand, was very impersonal, large and solitary. I joined a sorority and had great experiences with many very interesting women. As I entered adulthood, I was confident that I had had a rich and fulfilled childhood. I was ready for boyfriends, part-time jobs, studies and the future. I am not so certain that the young people who are maturity today, have enough true, experience in a nurturing environment similar to what I experienced growing up in the '60's.

As The World Turns, as a family generational story, presented many opportunities to deal with the younger generation and relate it back to the older characters. Of course, the children grew up very quickly, but we always forgave slight indiscretions for the sake of the 'story'. The real impetus of the younger storyline with societal issues, feelings and problems really started in the mid-eighties and continued on from there. The young people were always presented realistically and definitely relatable. We see the interaction between the generations through the influences of Nancy Hughes. While Nancy was very harsh and judgemental with her daughter Penny, she softened when Tom came back from Vietnam with a drug problem. Nancy mellowed later, to embrace and tutor a young illiterate waif (played by Lauren Hill) and to accept her great-grandson Casey's gambling. Nancy also became a mentor, confidant and friend to Katie Peretti.

Bob and his son, Tom

As I have alluded to many times, my youth also included As The World Turns. My mother would tell me what was going on. I remember my mother telling me all about Penny and Ellen. My memories of that time are more in the background as glimpses into family life on television with subjective judgements of feelings that my mother would recount. She would say things like, "Lisa is making a big mistake by leaving Bob. She will regret it. How can she leave her son?" She was especially fascinated by the relationship that Lisa had with her mother-in-law, Nancy. And then when Ellen was in jail, my mother was quite upset at the injustice. I have very fond memories of watching ATWT with my mother when I was home from school, either on sick days or summer vacations. Of course, my favourite shows were the Christmas episodes. Having a European background, we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. It was very special, indeed when I would watch the Christmas episode and then a few hours later open my gifts.

For some reason, I can't let go of the feeling that the families of Oakdale were 'real' to me as a child. There was a closeness and compassion of family that has disappeared or else has been replaced with something I don't like anymore. In those days, the children and teenagers were part of everyday life that meant something.

When my children were growing up in the '80's, my husband and I tried to instill the same values that we had grown up with. Times had already changed. Car seats were mandatory and you were considered a 'bad' parent if you let your child walk to school by themselves. Organized teams, dance classes and martial arts replaced impromptu play, puppet shows and street hockey. T ball was preferred over playing catch with your Dad or your brother (although my son loved throwing a football or baseball with his Dad, so much so that my husband decided to take on coaching duties for over ten years). My daughter still played with Barbies and later would have sleepovers (unheard of in my time) with her friends, while discussing New Kids on the Block and 90210 (the original one). The first video game they saw was Mario Bros. When I gave in and bought my son his first Nintendo, it was baseball and football. He was quite satisfied with that.


Father - Son Confrontation
James Stenbeck and Paul Ryan



Before the the Douglas Marland years,  Barbara spread her wings and decided that she would get away from the vindictive and damaging, James Stenbeck. Barbara was a good mother and tried to protect Paul from his father, but no matter how hard she tried, (even with Gunnar St. Clair), Paul would always be influenced by his 'evil' father.

Tom and Margo didn't get along at all. Tom had been married before; and Margo had just finished a relationship with James Stenbeck, when they found the passion in each other and developed a strong long-lasting love. It was nice that the writers were able to let Tom and Margo build a family (even though Adam was Hal's son) that would continue for over twenty years.

Dan Stewart (John Colenbeck)
with Betsy and Emily

We also saw a young Betsy Stewart (Meg Ryan) become involved with the rough Steve Andropoulos (much to the chagrin of Steve's older brother Nick). It was good girl college type meeting blue collar loner (classic love story with opposites attracting each other - later to be repeated with Holden and Lily). When Nick got so upset over the relationship that he had a heart attack and died, Betsy felt guilty and turned to Craig. Meg Ryan as Betsy instantly became the 'sweetheart' of ATWT when she was first introduced. She was Kim's stepdaughter (from her marriage to Dan Stewart) and Emily's half-sister. While Emily would always show her 'wild-side', Betsy always was shown as the good girls.



Scott Bryce, Meg Ryan
and Frank Runyeon



Meg Ryan



One of the scenes that impressed me the most, was when Betsy was uncomfortable in a local bar and Steve started a conversation with her. You could see how her defences immediately went down with this sincere, charming yet unassuming young man.

Although I always loved the chemistry between Meg Ryan and Scott Bryce better, I truly wanted Betsy and Steve to 'make it'. All three young actors showed expertise and character development that made the story so poignant and heartbreaking. When Craig finally gave up on Betsy, I was happy but still convinced that Betsy and Steve were not quite right for each other. Mind you, the wedding vows proved me wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcS925hJ6jI&list=FLUututYgHm2smw14DmdqpiQ&index=409&feature=plpp

In 1984, Marisa Tomei played Marci Thomson, a awkward teenager, who had an uncharacteristic crush on Dr. Bob Hughes. She was friends with Frannie and thought she was in love with Frannie's father. Marci was turned around and won the Cinderella Sweepstakes, turning her attention to Kirk McColl (Christian Le Blanc). Eventually, she found her Prince Charming in Lord Cushing ( a British aristocrat). Here Germaine Jackson and Whitney Houston perform.

Marha Byrne and Brian Bloom

In early 1985, while Lily and Dusty were trying to control adolescent feelings for one another, I was confident that my children would be able to see the value in the advice from me, my husband, their teachers and grandparents. Even then, although most mothers (including myself) had entered the work force, the family unit was still strong. Divorce and alternate families were not as common; and that was also reflected in our soap. Dusty and Lily were normal teenagers; and only when Holden arrived in Oakdale in October 1985, did some conflicting emotions throw Lily into uncertainty. She showed her upbringing by rejecting the unknown and the 'trouble' Holden represented, and concentrated on relying on the stable relationship she had already established with Dusty, while shunning and even ridiculing Holden's advances.

This scene from ATWT in 1985 shows two separate storylines involving feelings of two young women - Julianne Moore (as Frannie Hughes) talking to Kim about the upcoming marriage of her father and her aunt; and Lucy Deakins (as Lily)  dealing with her feelings for Dusty (Brian Bloom).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEo80L2RnIA&feature=autoplay&list=FLUututYgHm2smw14DmdqpiQ&lf=plpp&playnext=4

In the late 80's early 90's the focus went from teenage problems with hormones, sex and  family insecurities to actually dealing withsocietal issues such as alcoholism, homosexulaity, bullying and pregnancy.

It was always part of the history of As The World Turns to show the children growing into teenagers. Here we have Lien Hughes (Tom's daughter), Andy Dixon and Paul (Ryan) Stenbeck who became good friends. They were very successfully incorporated into the storylines to show issues and concerns of pre-adults. Paul would be seduced by an older woman, Emily Stewart while being threatened and tortured by his own father, James. Andy would also have a relationship with a selfish and controlling older woman, Julie who would lead him into conflicts of self-doubt and turmoil and subsequent alcoholism. Some of the most important, poignant scenes were in 1989 when Andy Dixon (Kim and John's son), played for many years by the brilliant Scott Defreitas was having difficulties in the relationship with the unsympathetic, Julie. Andy turned to alcohol, even when Duke, Lien and Paul tried to help him. It was a struggle with his parents and his uncertainty with Julie, that sent Andy over the edge. Bob didn't believe Kim when she told him how much trouble Andy was in. He thought that Susan (who was on pain killers, herself) was getting him the help he needed. Lucinda, who was married to John at the time, also pressed John and made the whole 'intervention' more difficult. These three clips show how a young person can be influenced by the uncertainty and conflicting emotions when he is not yet mature enough to deal with day to day life.

Part 2 will continue on with As The World Turns during the Doug Marland years and highlight the young Snyders and how times have changed from the late '80's through the 90's and into the present. I would like to also be subjective, once again with my thoughts for the present and the future. 

Putting FAMILY first



Kathryn Hays and Don Hastings as
Kim and Bob Hughes
April 2010 - 25th Anniversary



Last night, I was watching the 25th anniversary of  Bob and Kim's marraige? when I had some thoughts about family and relationships. It has led me to comments and reflections on 'putting family first' and how it relates to As the World Turns.

Everyone always talks about how scripted drama is becoming superfluous and boring in today's society, especially for the younger generation. I disagree; and I am reminded again and again of the disservice that the changes in focus away from story-telling in television, is forcing an unwelcome 'selfishness' on our culture. Where are the family values, the interaction with grandparents and having honest conversations with parents and siblings at the evening dinner table ? I may be old-fashioned, but I miss sitting on the front porch or doorstep, watching children ride their bikes down the street, and talking to the neighbors, while supervising your 16 year old son mowing the lawn. And, I blame technology for this. I long for respect, empathy and truth instead of ipads, DS and 'me, me, me'  of reality TV.

Will Estes, Len Cariou, Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan,
Donnie Wahlberg in Blue Bloods

I was bitterly disappointed with the remake of the classic drama, Hawaii 5-O because I saw only shoot-outs and chase scenes. The main characters seem much younger and there is not the real character and relationship development that existed between Jack Lord and James McArthur. In my opinion, there is one prime-time scripted drama now, that does show exactly what I want to see. Blue Bloods with Tom Selleck and Donny Wahlberg shows FAMILY and does it very well. We are introduced to an Irish-Catholic family in New York City, where the grandfather is a retired police officer (Len Cariou) and the widowed son (Tom Selleck) is the poilce Commissioner. His children include an older son as the 'not-by-the-book detective, the younger son as the rookie cop and the divorced daughter as the assistant DA. Yes, it could be considered rather cliche, but in this case, it works well. The best part is always the insistence of Sunday dinner, around a huge harvest table in the dining room, with spouses and children joining in the banter sometimes about police cases and sometimes about school, boyfriends and even sibling rivalry. No matter what the situation or drama, the relationships show support, compassion, love and personal conflict intermingled with the cases and crimes they are dealing with. It 'rings' honest and true. I recently 'gave up ' on Grey's Anatomy when it became contrived and just silly. I also don't like how the networks think that viewers only want the sensational and the ugly. I would much rather see an honest conversation between father and daughter about feelings they experienced when the mother passed away (Blue Bloods), than see a deranged killer go on a shooting spree in a hospital. Sorry, that's just my opinion.

Santos Ortega nad Helen Wagner
as Grandpa Hughes and Nancy

'Putting family first' has somehow lost it's appeal in today's society. I don't think the writers of ATWT ever lost that strong committment and endearing quality. It was made evident in the early portrayal of Irna Philllips characters with the Hughes and Lowell families. It was then further expanded to include the Stewarts, Montgomery's, Snyders and even Walshes. There was a sense of community, common interest and insight into middle American life. We always knew that Grandpa Hughes would be upset with Lisa because he felt that she had abandoned her little boy, Tom. We also knew that Ellen would do anything to find the son she had given up for adoption. Most of the discussions were simple, honest common sense advice. It was always warm, welcoming and true to real life.

When the focus was taken away from 'family'; and life became 'fast-paced', with an emphasis on upwardly mobile young career-minded adults who had little use for the 'older and wiser' members of their extended families, most serial dramas shifted and lost much sincerity and 'realness'. Although the writers of ATWT, also seemed to lose the 'sense of family', they were wise enough to get it back, especially in the last few months before the end. I am especially reminded of the relationship that Nancy Hughes had with Katie Peretti. For me, Helen Wagner's last on-screen appearance will forever remain in my heart as somewhat ethereal and prophetic. Through 54 years of 'putting family first' on ATWT, I would like to show through three examples of how the writers and actors were able to achieve authenticity and a sense of belonging in respect and honour. Although I could have given countless examples of how this was achieved through great storytelling and the development of relationships on ATWT, I will limit myself here to show how Barbara and Kim were able to make the connection between reality and scripted drama, as they put family first.  

Kathryn Hays and Colleen Zenk

Kim Reynolds and her sister Jennifer were close but, as in most families, they both vied for attention from the handsome doctor, Bob Hughes. Barbara was married to James Stenbeck and often asked her aunt Kim for advice after her mother, Jennifer died. Having been married to John Dixon, Kim was quite adept in dealing with a man who was so self-absorbed and selfish that he destroyed the one good relationship he could have had with his wife and son, Andy. Often the advice that Kim would bestow on her somewhat naive niece, would be how to cope with James and all his indiscretions. As husbands changed for both women, the love and respect they had for each other never changed. When Barbara became hard and cruel, Kim was often harsh, but never judgemental to the point where she gave up on her niece.  Kim would get very angry with Barbara when she felt that her niece had gone astray and made some disastrous and dangerous decisions as a controlling and conniving mother. Kim was never one to mince words with Barbara, and I think that Barbara respected and loved her aunt because of Kim's honesty.

At Fashions with Barbara, Kim and Lisa

The first example goes back a few years to when Barbara lost Johnny. Barbara was married to John and seemed to really have put her life back together when she lost her baby. Andy talks to Barbara about her loss and then Hal (Barbara's ex-husband) brings Jennifer and Will to see their mother.  After they leave, Barbara is inconsolable. Kim comes in and is able to put life and family into perspective for Barbara.

No one will ever be able to convince me that these scenes are not heartfelt and true in every sense of the word. It shows clearly just how family comes first - always.

Ode to this Day

for yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow will be a vision

but today will live tomorrow

 and makes every yesterday dream of happiness

and every tomorrow a vision of hope

look well therefore to this day

Another very poignant scene in 2008, and one that really hits 'home' is shown when Barbara confesses to Kim that she has oral cancer. Kim makes Barbara see that although, yes, she should be concerned for her family, she must also take the time to look after herself in order to heal. 

 Kim to Barbara, "It matters to me, kiddo. I am your family. I need to know about this. Mama is here".

When Bob was focused on hospital business and didn't respond to Kim's subtle yet emotional pleas for attention, I was heartbroken for her. It wasn't because she was saying anything new, provocative or even prophetic. It was simple, heartfelt and true. Family should come first. All Kim wanted was for Bob to take some time to be with her. It was their 25th wedding anniversary; and yet Bob treated the occasion nonchalantly. She even made the point that what she admired so much about her father-in-law, Chris Hughes, was that he had always taken the time to spend with his family. Kim saw that quality in Bob, as well. Yet, over the years, Bob had let work and 'life' consume his time.

Kim to Bob, "He always put his family first. That's what I am doing. That's what I am asking you to do."

And there is the point of my blog, today.

As My World Turns - Why I care?

I have been a devoted fan of As The World Turns for 50 years. When it was cancelled, I lost interest in the genre because I honestly felt that a serial drama's worth and importance was based on it's history. I grew up with the Hughes and Lowell families; and listened to my mother's daily recountings of Lisa's antics and the drama with Penny, Jeff, Ellen and the Stewarts. I watched through the '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's and to the finale in 2010.

I have run a home-based business for the past 25 years. Watching ATWT every afternoon for my lunch break became my daily 'pleasure'. I was never obsessed, wrote a fan letter, joined a fan club or even tried to talk to my neighbors and family about the show. It was MY private time - my one hour of fantasy. My husband is not a fan of soaps or even fiction (other than Steinbeck and the classics) , but he never once said anything negative about my interests.

Don McLaughlin and Helen Wagner
as Chris and Nancy Hughes

When ATWT went off the air, I was somewhat lost. My 'reel' family was gone. Not just one character, all the characters. It doesnt matter to me that the executives have said that it was their time to 'go'. Marie Masters said in an interview, "Dont be sad that we are gone, be happy that we were here at all". Yes, I have 50 years of memories to fall back on through my albums and reflections with my fb friends. But, I am here because  I want more. I am not happy that ATWT is gone from my life. And, I intend to do something about it. I am not here to win a popularity contest and make the best fan page or even have the most fb friends. I am only here for three reasons.

First, to HONOUR my 'story', As The World Turns. I want to give back to the actors and writers that gave me pleasure for half a century.

Cast photo 2006

Second, to HELP save the entire SOAP OPERA storytelling history that IS the DAYTIME SERIAL DRAMA. I am not interested in which network and which executive is negatively responsible for dishonouring the genre. They all are. I know that, and you know that. Whining about it and having power struggles on the internet doesnt serve any purpose, whatsoever. That's why social media is important. It is where we can all meet and prove that fans can actually interact and unite for a common purpose.

 

Don Hastings and Kathryn Hays
on the last day on set

My third reason for being here is directly related to the people I have met on this social nework. I arrived here by accident last July when I was making a digital scrapbook as a tribute to ATWT before it went off the air. I stayed and I fell in love with facebook friends who shared a common interest. I have had a few difficulties along the way, but I am here for the love of my 'story'. I know most of you are here for exactly the same reason (whether your soap was GL, AMC, OLTL or ATWT). I will make a difference because I want to, not because I need to. And no one can take that away from me. I am here for the fans, ATWT and myself. And so are you.

Here is the interview with Don Hastings and Kathryn Hays, shortly before the end of ATWT. It is so heartfelt, honest and revealing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9ez4GvopGg

  
    

Helen Wagner and Eileen Fulton

I first started watching As The World Turns in 1960, just as Lisa Miller came to Oakdale. My mother watched Search for Tomorrow, the Edge of Night and As The World Turns. She would talk to me about what was happening in each of these serials. As a child, I became interested in Ellen Lowell's search for the son she had given up for adoption. I watched on sick days, holidays, summer vacations and loved the Christmas shows. I watched through High School, University and into adulthood. My best conversations with my mother always were when she would tell me what happened on ATWT. In the '90's (when the veteran actors were summarily dismissed in favour of young storylines that were not related to the core families), my mother lost interest in ATWT and started watching 'Coronation Street' and the Australian soap, 'Neighbors'.

The only time I would ever consider myself to be an 'obsessed' fan, was during the Douglas Marland years. In 1982, when Tom and Margo (Justin Deas and Margaret Colin) were running from Mr. Big in the jungle, I refused to go to the hospital, while I was in labour with my son. I watched the day's episode on a tiny 12 inch black and white screen (before I had a VCR). I was mezmerized by the love story, during contractions. My son was born a few hours later.  I often didn't care for the somewhat contrived storylines in the last years and the disrepect to the veteran actors, but I still watched; and never stopped. I couldn't. As The World Turns, the characters, the actors and even the writers gave me stories for half a century that I could relate to as some of the best memories of my life.

When news of the cancellation of ATWT came, I wasn't concerned because I heard that there was hope it would be picked up by someone else, including Lifetime. In June 2010, I obtained my first laptop and I joined facebook. I had already made several digital scrapbooks of vacations and my family, so I decided to make a scrapbook of ATWT. I had saved several photos from the 50th anniversary on the hard drive of my main computer; and I was quite dismayed when I found out that CBS had removed them. So, I needed to keep the memories of ATWT alive for myself. And, I had to do it in a hurry. I had no intention of sharing my scrapbook album. While I was scouring the internet for any pictures of ATWT, I discovered the facebook fan pages.I copied some pictures, made my tribute album and started to look at some of the comments on the fan pages.



Eileen Fulton and Michael Swan

One day, Michael Swan made a comment on the ATWT page.
I was completely awestruck. That was one year ago. I made my first comment (something like a true fan > "Hello Mr. Swan. I loved your portrayal as Duncan on ATWT"). I was 'hooked'. I sent my first friend requests to Micahel Swan, himself. I was like a 'kid in a candy store', when Michael Swan became my first celebrity facebook friend. I read on his wall that a lady by the name of Martha ...... wrote something to him. I immediately recognized the name as that of Martha Byrne (my wonderful Lily/Rose). I had finished my scrapbook tribute, so I sent it to her. I was absolutely thrilled when Martha ......... messaged back that she loved the album and really appreciated my efforts. She suggested that I share it with all the fans and on her fan page. I also saw a comment by Anthony Herrera and he also accepted my friend request. I was in 'fan heaven'.

Martha Byrne at the 2011 Daytime Emmys

I decided to post my scrapbook pages on the fan pages. I had joy in my heart that other people could see the memories, photos and tributes to MY favourite family generational daytime drama. That was the start of my heartfelt desire to not only save ATWT but the genre, itself. I joined the campaign to try to save ATWT, signed petitions, wrote letters and compiled testamonials for later use.

I was persuaded to make my own fan based fb page. So, in late October 2010, although, I was not proficient with my computer skills or facebook, I set up my fan facebook page. It was a true fan page with my tribute albums, photos, videos and I amassed many new fb friends that had a similar love of ATWT (even though it was now gone).

 In November, Colleen Zenk had expressed a desire to be on Dancing with the Stars. One of her close personal friends started a group page called Colleen Zenk Deserves to be on DWTS. Colleen opened up her personal page to accept friend requests form ALL her fans. We were ALL thrilled that we could give back to this fantastic woman, all that she had given her fans for 30 years. In a few short months, the group has 10,000 + fb members.

Colleen Zenk

I sent a personal message to Ms. Zenk  about how I felt about, not only her performance as Barbara Ryan on ATWT, but my admiration for her as an individual and as a two-time cancer survivor. Colleen Zenk sent back a most touching and heartfelt correspondences that I will always keep close to my heart.

In late February, I was directly involved with getting a facebook group started, with the express purpose of getting fan support to be in the position to ask Oprah Winfrey to consider adding As The World Turns and Guiding Light on her OWN network. We didn't care if she would consider new production, high quality reruns or even a soap talk show that would feature Martha Byrne. Oprah is the richest woman in the world. She showed an interest, her new channel was not doing well, and we had the idea. We worked the group with many fabulous posts, videos, and 'memories'. We wanted it to be a page that Oprah could go and see how much the fans cared about the losts shows.

After the ABC soaps were cancelled in April, the group changed it's focus away from Oprah and OWN and tried to support the campaign to save the entire genre. It is an uphill battle, especially since ATWT was part of the P&G legacy that has yet to be penetrated. If only we could get reruns on a dedicated cable soap channel or maybe even new production on the internet. And it would be a dream come true if DVDs of classic episodes could be made available.

Don Hastings and Kathryn Hays

Within the next five years, everything will be different. Technology is moving so fast, we will see what is in store for the serial drama. Storytelling will not die. From Aesop to Shakespeare to Dickens and Steinbeck to Dan Brown and then to radio serials, soaps on the 3 networks to the internet - society is ever-evolving. I hate reality television. I see absolutely no worth or merit. I call it 'fluff'. Who knows how we will be watching 10 years from now - cable/satellite, internet, tablets and iphones. Who knows if the television screens will even be around. I would hate to think that the scripted drama will not be around for my grand children to enjoy. Storyltelling will always be a way, not only into a fantasy world, but a way to deal with issues, societal mores and an insight into relationships . We all need a good 'story'.

Rosemary Prinz and Don Hastings as
Penny and Bob Hughes

I had always been reluctant to watch any other soap, because I didn't have any personal history; and I truly believe that, for me, that is the most important part of being a devoted fans love of a particular serial drama. I feel you must be able to relate to a character's personal history and develop a relationship with the families, town and life on the 'reel'. I can do that with ATWT. I always could.

Now, my 'story' is gone and I am left with memories, scrapbooks, a definite, small hope for the future and best of all, facebook friends that have shown me that a cliche can be true - 'even though a door closes, a window may open'.

That is why I have started writing this blog. That is why I made a facebook page dedicated to As The World Turns and it's cast and crew. That is why I became involved in groups and campaigns to save the genre. I do this for myself and for my 'friends' - you know who you are. Thank you.

Angie.